Texas House Bill HB3653

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to matching private grants given to enhance additional research activities at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill specifies different matching grant rates based on the amount of private funding received, encouraging institutions to attract larger donations. For instance, donations between $100,000 and $999,999 qualify for a 50% match, while those reaching $2 million or more could qualify for a 100% match. In addition to financial incentives, the bill delineates specific areas of research, such as epidemiology and medical technologies, that will be prioritized for matching funds. This will likely steer institutional research efforts towards fields that can contribute to public health advancements and medical innovation.

Summary

House Bill 3653 proposes an enhancement of research activities at public institutions of higher education through the mechanism of matching private grants. The bill allows eligible educational institutions to receive matching funds from the state based on the amount of gifts or endowments they secure from private sources. This initiative aims to foster increased research investment in Texas's higher education system, ultimately enhancing the quality and scope of academic programs related to research.

Contention

While the bill may generally be viewed positively in terms of boosting research capabilities, discussions may arise surrounding the equitable distribution of such funds among public institutions. Institutions that are more adept at securing large donations may benefit disproportionately, potentially widening the gap between well-funded and underfunded universities. Furthermore, the specific areas designated for enhanced funding could lead to debates about the prioritization of certain research fields over others, which might not align with the diverse needs of local or state populations.