82R22663 JRJ-D
By: J. Davis of Harris H.B. No. 2520
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2520:
By: Munoz, Jr. C.S.H.B. No. 2520
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the linking of data regarding specialized technology
research projects conducted by general academic teaching
institutions and other state agencies.
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
DATA. (a) The purpose of this section is to enhance research
coordination and expand research collaborations among general
academic teaching institutions and other state agencies in one or
more of the following specialized technology areas:
(1) energy research, including methods of creation,
storage, distribution, and conservation of energy;
(2) biomedical science research; and
(3) nanotechnology research, including nanomedicine.
(b) The board shall facilitate the linking of data relating
to specialized technology research projects that are developed or
conducted at general academic teaching institutions, including any
research facilities associated with those institutions, and at
research facilities of state agencies other than institutions of
higher education. To the greatest extent possible, the links shall
be established using existing information systems of the
institutions and at the lowest reasonable cost.
(c) The board, in consultation with the institutions and
agencies, shall determine the type of projects and research areas
to be included and prescribe the level and type of data to be
linked, including:
(1) faculty data, such as the researcher's name,
position, area of research interest, grants, and intellectual
property; and
(2) facility descriptions, such as the facility's
purpose, capability, physical location, availability under fee for
service, and contact information.
(d) The board shall implement this section in phases in
regard to participating institutions and agencies and in regard to
projects and research areas to be included. Implementation shall
begin with the general academic teaching institutions identified as
national research universities and emerging research universities.
(e) The board and each participating institution or agency
shall execute a memorandum of understanding governing the linkage
of data under this section. The memorandum of understanding shall
address the administration of the linking of data, which may be
performed by a nonprofit entity created for that purpose, the
sharing of costs for implementation of this section, and other
matters determined by the board and the participating institution
or agency. Data collection and management shall remain the
responsibility of the respective participating institution or
agency.
(f) The board shall establish an advisory committee
composed of representatives of participating institutions and
agencies to advise and assist the board in implementing this
section.
(g) The board and the participating institutions and
agencies shall allow access to the linked information consistent
with state and federal laws regarding access to public information.
This section does not create or affect an exception to public
information laws.
(h) The board may 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.