DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 196 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Nelson
Abstract: Creates the Stimulating More Advanced Research and Technology (SMART) Program
and SMART fund for the purpose of awarding grants to support research in science,
technology, engineering, and math at public postsecondary education institutions.
Proposed law establishes the SMART Program for the purpose of awarding grants to support
research in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at public
postsecondary education institutions and institutions that are members of the La. Assoc. of
Independent Colleges and Universities. Provides for program administration by the Bd. of Regents.
Proposed law further:
(1)Provides that grants shall be used for the following purposes:
(a)Matching research grants from federal agencies and other sources.
(b)Awarding hiring bonuses and startup packages for the purpose of attracting faculty.
(c)Construction, improvement, or procurement of research facilities, laboratories,
equipment, or supplies.
(d)Scholarships and stipends for graduate students.
(2)Requires the board, as funding allows, to award grants on a competitive basis among the four
categories above with a preference for those purposes related to research that has the
opportunity for commercialization.
(3)Requires at least 20% of the grants to be awarded to institutions outside of the Baton Rouge
and New Orleans metro regions.
(4) Requires the percentage of all grant amounts in a year that is awarded to historically black
colleges and universities be approximately equal to the percentage of all students enrolled
in post secondary education institutions who are enrolled at historically black colleges and
universities.
Proposed law creates the SMART Fund within the state treasury for the purpose of providing
funding for the SMART program and: (1)Authorizes and directs the state treasurer, on July 1, 2026, to transfer $150 million from the
state general fund into the fund. Each subsequent July 1, requires the state treasurer to
transfer from the state general fund into the fund an amount sufficient to bring the balance
of the fund to $150 million.
(2)Provides that monies in the fund are subject to legislative appropriation and shall be available
exclusively for use by the Bd. of Regents for the SMART program.
Proposed law requires the board to submit a written report containing a return on investment analysis
to the House and Senate education committees, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the
Senate Committee on Finance not later than Jan. 31st annually and to adopt rules and regulations for
the implementation of proposed law.
Effective upon appropriation of funds by the legislature.
(Adds R.S. 17:3138.10)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Appropriations to the engrossed
bill:
1. Add institutions that are members of the La. Assoc. of Independent Colleges and
Universities as eligible recipients of grants pursuant to proposed law.
2. Add requirement that grants be awarded such that the percentage of all grant amounts in
a year that is awarded to historically black colleges and universities is approximately
equal to the percentage of all students enrolled in postsecondary education institutions
who are enrolled at historically black colleges and universities.
3. Remove requirement that each year the treasurer transfer $150,000,000 from the state
general fund into the fund.
4. Add requirement that on July 1, 2026, the treasurer transfer $150,000,000 from the state
general fund into the fund. Thereafter, each July 1, require the treasurer to transfer from
the state general fund into the fund an amount sufficient to bring the balance of the fund
up to $150,000,000.
5. Make effectiveness of proposed law subject to appropriation of funds by the legislature.
6. Make technical changes.