82R667 JRJ-D
By: J. Davis of Harris H.B. No. 2520
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a database to track specialized
technology research projects conducted by public universities,
public university research facilities, and other state
institutions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.0823 to read as follows:
Sec. 61.0823. STATEWIDE SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
DATABASE. (a) The board shall collect data and maintain a database
relating to specialized technology research projects that are
developed or conducted at institutions of higher education,
research facilities of institutions of higher education, or other
facilities operated by a state agency in order to facilitate
coordination among the institutions and facilities on the projects.
(b) The database must include:
(1) a list of any projects involving one or more of the
following areas:
(A) energy research, including methods of
creation, storage, distribution, and conservation of energy;
(B) biomedical science research;
(C) nanotechnology research, including
nanomedicine; and
(D) other specialized technology research;
(2) for each project listed under Subdivision (1), a
brief description of the project, including the field of technology
involved, the entity involved with the project, and additional
comments regarding the research the board considers appropriate;
and
(3) other relevant information and available
resources in this state relating to specialized technology
research, including:
(A) expert faculty or research personnel;
(B) technology developed and patents obtained;
and
(C) the location of and policies for the use of
available research equipment.
(c) In order to avoid duplication of efforts, the board may,
through a memorandum of understanding, work in conjunction with the
Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office in collecting data
for and maintaining the database developed under this section.
(d) The board shall allow public access to the information
maintained in the database to the extent necessary to comply with
state and federal laws regarding access to public information.
(e) On request, an institution of higher education,
research facility of an institution of higher education, or other
facility operated by a state agency shall provide to the board any
information necessary for the board to perform its duties under
this section.
(f) The board shall adopt rules for the administration of
this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2011.