Relating to annual reports by certain agencies conducting, funding, or supporting biomedical research.
Impact
The implementation of SB2573 will create a formal requirement for state agencies to track and report their biomedical research activities, specifically those involving stem cells and human cloning. This measure is expected to lead to increased accountability in how state funding is allocated within the biomedical research sector. By gathering and disseminating this information through annual reports, the Texas Legislature intends to facilitate better oversight of potentially controversial research activities, ensuring they align with public interests and ethical standards.
Summary
SB2573 focuses on enhancing the oversight of biomedical research by requiring state agencies involved in such research to submit annual reports. This new bill adds Chapter 172 to Subtitle H, Title 2 of the Health and Safety Code, mandating that agencies must report their activities related to stem cells and human cloning. The aim is to ensure transparency in governmental research and to keep the public and legislative entities informed about state involvement in these sensitive scientific areas.
Contention
While the bill promotes accountability and transparency, it may encounter contention regarding the ethical implications of stem cell research and human cloning. Advocates of such research argue that it holds significant potential for medical advancements and innovative treatments, while opponents may raise concerns about ethical ramifications and the use of state resources in these areas. The requirement for reporting could intensify public scrutiny and debates surrounding the conduct and funding of biomedical research by state agencies.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of certain tangible personal property held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products as a finished good or used in the manufacturing or processing of medical or biomedical products.
Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.
Relating to reporting of certain information by state agencies and counties, including information related to appropriated money, activities of certain consultants, and tax revenue.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.
Relating to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; increasing a fee; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.