AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 667 requires the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to work with public institutions of higher education to create a feasibility study to determine whether it is feasible to require researchers to submit an electronic copy of each original research paper to a state agency once the paper is accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

 

The study will determine the time requirements for submission, the manner for making the research papers available to the public, and the state agencies that have the resources necessary to collect research papers and coordinate their dissemination.

 

This legislation will only apply to a researcher whose research is funded wholly or in part with state or federal money, or if the research is conducted in Texas or by a public higher education institution.

 

As proposed, S.B. 667 amends current law relating to a study on the feasibility of requiring certain researchers to make research papers available to the public.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 441, Government Code, by adding Section 441.021, as follows:

 

Sec. 441.021.  FEASIBILITY STUDY ON COLLECTING PUBLISHED RESEARCH.  (a) Defines "institution of higher education" in this section.

 

(b) Provides that this section applies only to a researcher whose research is funded wholly or partly with state money, or federal money, if the research is conducted in this state or by an institution of higher education.

 

(c) Requires the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), in consultation with institutions of higher education, to study the feasibility of requiring each researcher to submit to a state agency an electronic copy of each original research paper by the researcher that is accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.  Requires that the study examine the time requirements for submitting a research paper; the manner for making the research paper available to the public, including posting on an Internet website; and the state agencies that have the resources necessary to collect research papers and coordinate the dissemination of the research papers.

 

(d) Requires TSLAC, not later than December 1, 2014, to report the results of the study, its findings, and any recommendations to the legislature.

 

(e) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2015.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.