BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2285
85R18135 MM-D	By: Thompson, Ed et al. (Taylor, Larry)
	Higher Education
	5/16/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties suggest that certain field laboratory operations administered by the University of Houston would benefit from a higher public profile. H.B. 2285 seeks to support these operations by establishing the Texas Institute for Coastal Prairie Research and Education at the University of Houston.

H.B. 2285 amends current law relating to the establishment of the Texas Institute for Coastal Prairie Research and Education at the University of Houston.

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 Chapter 111, Education Code, by adding Subchapter J, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER J. TEXAS INSTITUTE FOR COASTAL PRAIRIE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Sec. 111.141. DEFINITIONS. Defines "board" and "institute."

Sec. 111.142. ESTABLISHMENT. (a) Provides that the Texas Institute for Coastal Prairie Research and Education (institute) is established at the University of Houston (UH).

(b) Provides that the organization, control, and management of the institute are vested in the board of regents of the UH system (board).

Sec. 111.143. POWERS AND DUTIES. Requires the institute to:

(1)  conduct environmental research and education on coastal prairie and prairie restoration;

(2)  provide a setting for other entities to conduct environmental research and education on coastal prairie and prairie restoration; and

(3)  provide national leadership and education regarding the best methods to restore coastal prairie.

Sec. 111.144. COLLABORATION WITH OTHER ENTITIES. Requires UH to encourage public or private entities to participate in or support the operation of the institute and authorizes UH to enter into an agreement with any public or private entity for that purpose. Authorizes an agreement to allow the institute to provide information, services, or other assistance to an entity in exchange for the entity's participation or support.

Sec. 111.145. GIFTS AND GRANTS. Authorizes the board to solicit, accept, and administer gifts and grants from any public or private source for the purposes of the institute.

Sec. 111.146. PERSONNEL. Authorizes the board to employ personnel for the institute as necessary.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.