82R667 JRJ-D

By: J. Davis of Harris H.B. No. 2520

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of a database to track specialized technology research projects conducted by public universities, public university research facilities, and other state institutions.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 61.0823 to read as follows:

Sec. 61.0823. STATEWIDE SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH DATABASE. (a) The board shall collect data and maintain a database relating to specialized technology research projects that are developed or conducted at institutions of higher education, research facilities of institutions of higher education, or other facilities operated by a state agency in order to facilitate coordination among the institutions and facilities on the projects.

(b) The database must include:

(1) a list of any projects involving one or more of the following areas:

(A) energy research, including methods of creation, storage, distribution, and conservation of energy;

(B) biomedical science research;

(C) nanotechnology research, including nanomedicine; and

(D) other specialized technology research;

(2) for each project listed under Subdivision (1), a brief description of the project, including the field of technology involved, the entity involved with the project, and additional comments regarding the research the board considers appropriate; and

(3) other relevant information and available resources in this state relating to specialized technology research, including:

(A) expert faculty or research personnel;

(B) technology developed and patents obtained; and

(C) the location of and policies for the use of available research equipment.

(c) In order to avoid duplication of efforts, the board may, through a memorandum of understanding, work in conjunction with the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office in collecting data for and maintaining the database developed under this section.

(d) The board shall allow public access to the information maintained in the database to the extent necessary to comply with state and federal laws regarding access to public information.

(e) On request, an institution of higher education, research facility of an institution of higher education, or other facility operated by a state agency shall provide to the board any information necessary for the board to perform its duties under this section.

(f) The board shall adopt rules for the administration of this section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.