82R2981 KEL-D

By: Branch H.B. No. 2631

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the advanced research program.

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

SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 142, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 142. NORMAN HACKERMAN ADVANCED RESEARCH PROGRAM

SECTION 2. Section 142.001(4), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(4) "Program" means the Norman Hackerman advanced research program established under this chapter.

SECTION 3. Section 142.002, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 142.002. PURPOSE. The Norman Hackerman advanced research program is established to encourage and provide support for basic research conducted by faculty members and students in astronomy, atmospheric science, biological and behavioral sciences, chemistry, computer sciences, earth sciences, engineering, information science, mathematics, material sciences, oceanography, physics, environmental issues affecting the Texas-Mexico border region, the reduction of industrial, agricultural, and domestic water use, social sciences, and related disciplines in eligible institutions.

SECTION 4. Section 142.004(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The program is funded by appropriations and by gifts, grants, and donations made for purposes of the program [that purpose]. [The total funds appropriated to the program may be at least equal to 10 percent of the average amount of the federally sponsored research funds allocated to all institutions of higher education annually during the preceding three years.]

SECTION 5. Section 142.004(b), Education Code, is repealed.

SECTION 6. 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.