Relating to the use of funds awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Impact
If enacted, HB1700 would significantly impact state laws regarding funding and governance of cancer research. By explicitly disallowing the use of state funds for specific types of stem cell research, the bill reinforces the state's stance on the ethical implications of embryonic research. It sets a precedent on the scope of what types of research can receive public backing, potentially limiting future advancements that rely on embryonic stem cell investigations while promoting alternatives that do not carry the same ethical controversies.
Summary
House Bill 1700 focuses on regulating the use of funds awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The bill specifically amends Section 102.203 of the Health and Safety Code, introducing a prohibition against using awarded funds for embryonic or fetal stem cell research. However, the bill does allow for the use of funds for research involving adult stem cells or stem cells obtained from umbilical cords, which signifies a clear boundary in the types of stem cell research that can be funded with state resources. This legislative measure underscores the ongoing ethical debates surrounding stem cell research modalities.
Contention
The bill may generate points of contention within the legislative process, particularly related to the balance between ethical considerations in research funding and the potential limitations it imposes on scientific advancement. Advocates of HB1700 may argue that it aligns with ethical standards upheld by many constituents in Texas, while opponents may contend that it restricts significant avenues of cancer research that could have substantial benefits. The debate will likely hinge on the benefits of embryonic stem cell research in treating various health conditions against the interpreted moral implications it presents.
Relating to prohibitions on the use of grant money awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to procure or obtain organs from a hospital located in China.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to an annual study by the Texas A&M University Texas Real Estate Research Center of the purchase and sale of single-family homes by certain institutional buyers.
Relating to an annual study by the Texas A&M University Texas Real Estate Research Center of the purchase and sale of single-family homes by certain institutional buyers.
Relating to an annual study by the Texas A&M University Texas Real Estate Research Center of the purchase and sale of single-family homes by certain institutional buyers.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas and establishing the Mental Health and Brain Institute Research Fund for the purposes of scientific research of all forms of mental health and human brain disease and disorders.