H.B. No. 1576
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of a work group on blockchain matters
  concerning this state.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a) In this section:
               (1)  "Blockchain" includes digital assets, virtual
  currency, and the integration of smart contracts.
               (2)  "Work group" means the work group on blockchain
  matters established under this section.
         (b)  The work group on blockchain matters is composed of the
  following 16 members:
               (1)  one member of the house of representatives
  appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
               (2)  one member of the senate appointed by the
  lieutenant governor;
               (3)  two members representing institutions of higher
  education appointed by the governor;
               (4)  one ex-officio member representing the Department
  of Information Resources appointed by the governor;
               (5)  one ex-officio member representing the secretary
  of state appointed by the governor; and
               (6)  10 members of the public, five of whom are
  appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and five of
  whom are appointed by the lieutenant governor, who:
                     (A)  have knowledge and experience in blockchain
  technology; or
                     (B)  represent an industry that would benefit from
  the use of blockchain technology.
         (c)  The governor shall designate a member of the work group
  appointed under Subsection (b)(3) of this section to serve as chair
  of the work group. The members of the work group appointed under
  Subsections (b)(1) and (2) of this section shall serve as co-vice
  chairs of the work group.
         (d)  A member of the work group may not receive compensation
  for serving on the work group but is entitled to reimbursement for
  expenses incurred by the member in the performance of official
  duties as a member of the work group as provided by the General
  Appropriations Act.
         (e)  The Department of Information Resources shall provide
  to the work group the administrative support necessary to implement
  this Act.
         (f)  The work group shall meet at the call of the chair.
         (g)  The work group shall develop a master plan for the
  expansion of the blockchain industry in this state and recommend
  policies and state investments in connection with blockchain
  technology. In developing the master plan, the work group shall:
               (1)  identify economic growth and development
  opportunities presented by blockchain technology;
               (2)  assess the existing blockchain industry in this
  state;
               (3)  review workforce needs and academic programs
  required to build blockchain expertise across all relevant
  industries; and
               (4)  make any legislative recommendations that will
  help promote innovation and economic growth by reducing barriers to
  and expediting the expansion of the state's blockchain industry
  based on its findings under Subdivisions (1)-(3) of this
  subsection.
         (h)  The chair of the work group may create sub-work groups
  at the chair's discretion for the efficient operation of the work
  group.  The chair shall appoint the chair of each sub-work group.  
  The chair of a sub-work group may invite other members of the work
  group to serve on the sub-work group.  A sub-work group may consult
  with subject matter experts.
         (i)  Not later than October 31, 2022, the work group shall
  submit a report that includes the master plan developed under
  Subsection (g) of this section and any findings and recommendations
  from the sub-work groups appointed under Subsection (h) of this
  section to each standing committee of the senate and house of
  representatives with primary jurisdiction over economic
  development or technology issues.
         (j)  The work group may adopt rules, procedures, and policies
  as necessary to administer this section and implement the
  responsibilities of the work group.
         (k)  This Act expires and the work group is abolished June
  30, 2023.
         SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable, but not later than
  October 1, 2021, the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of
  the house of representatives shall appoint the members of the work
  group on blockchain matters established by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  Not later than November 1, 2021, the work group
  on blockchain matters shall hold its initial meeting.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1576 was passed by the House on April
  23, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 126, Nays 20, 2 present, not
  voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
  No. 1576 on May 24, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 135, Nays 10,
  1 present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1576 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 19, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays
  0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor