BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 4066

By: Bonnen

Higher Education

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

During the 81st Regular Legislative Session, the legislature enacted H.B. 51 to establish the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP) under which the state would match private donations to eligible institutions of higher education for the purpose of enhancing research activities at the institution. The bill author has informed the committee that appropriations to the program have decreased since 2016 and the state has since invested in promoting research in a multitude of other ways that are tied to proven outcomes. The bill author also informed the committee that it is in the best interest of institutions and their students to allow the state to continue bolstering these new, more intentional, funding streams rather than one that is not sufficiently or consistently funded. Accordingly, C.S.H.B. 4066 seeks to repeal the program.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 4066 repeals Subchapter F, Chapter 62, Education Code, which establishes the Texas Research Incentive Program.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 4066 may differ from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following summarizes the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

The substitute changes the bill's effective date to provide for its possible immediate effect, contingent on receiving the requisite constitutional vote, whereas the introduced provided only for the bill to take effect September 1, 2027, with no possibility for immediate effect.