Texas Senate Bill SB1603

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/20/09

Caption

Relating to requiring financial disclosure concerning reports prepared by public institutions of higher education for other entities.

Impact

The introduction of SB1603 is expected to impact state laws governing higher education institutions by imposing new accountability measures. By requiring public institutions to disclose information about funding received for research and reports, this law seeks to ensure that stakeholders, including taxpayers and policymakers, can assess the integrity of research outputs and any potential conflicts of interest. The stipulated disclosures will create a framework where the financial backing of academic reports is made public, potentially influencing future funding decisions and collaborations.

Summary

SB1603 mandates financial disclosure from public institutions of higher education when they prepare reports after receiving payment from external entities. According to the bill, these institutions must include in their reports a statement of payment received, identify the entity that made the payment, and disclose the amount received. This requirement aims to enhance transparency in the financial dealings of higher education institutions and promote accountability regarding public funds used for research and reporting.

Contention

While proponents of SB1603 advocate for more accountability within higher education, there are concerns about the implications of such disclosure requirements. Critics may argue that this might deter funding from private entities due to fear of public scrutiny, which could lead to a reduction in research initiatives. The balance between maintaining academic freedom and ensuring financial transparency will likely be a prominent point of contention during discussions surrounding the bill, as stakeholders weigh the potentially beneficial outcomes against any adverse effects on funding sources.