Texas Senate Bill SB667

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to a study on the feasibility of requiring certain researchers to make research papers available to the public.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation could significantly change the landscape of academic publishing in Texas. It would specifically target researchers funded by state and federal funds, which would shift the responsibilities of making research publicly accessible back onto the researchers themselves. By requiring electronic copies of their papers to be submitted to a state agency, researchers would be compelled towards greater accountability regarding the information they produce, aligning well with the public interests in transparency in government-funded research.

Summary

SB667 proposes a study to explore the feasibility of requiring researchers, whose work is funded by state or federal money, to make their research papers publicly available. The bill is aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility of research findings, particularly those produced with public funds, to benefit the academic community and the general populace. The study would guide the implementation of such requirements, ensuring that necessary resources and channels are in place for dissemination of the research papers.

Contention

Opposition to this bill may arise from various academia circles concerned about potential impacts on intellectual property rights and academic freedom. Researchers might argue against a mandated submission process fearing it could impede their creative processes or lead to premature sharing of ideas before formal publication. Additionally, logistical issues regarding the collection and public dissemination of vast amounts of research could also pose significant challenges, raising questions about data management and agency capabilities.