Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3853

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to creation of the university research initiative fund, the abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund, and the disposition of balances from the Texas emerging technology fund.

Impact

One of the bill's significant implications is the transition from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to a more focused initiative that targets the recruitment of nationally and internationally recognized researchers. The new University Research Initiative Fund will operate as a dedicated account funded by state allocations, commercialization benefits, and donations. This restructuring indicates a commitment to advancing research capability and capacity at Texas's institutions of higher education, contributing to long-term economic development.

Summary

House Bill 3853 aims to create the University Research Initiative Fund while simultaneously abolishing the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. The legislation outlines a structured approach towards funding aimed at enhancing the state's higher education institutions through recruitment and retention of renowned researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By facilitating matching grants for educational institutions, the bill seeks to bolster Texas's competitiveness in academic and economic landscapes.

Contention

During discussions around the bill, notable points of contention arose regarding the utility of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund and the rationale behind its abolishment. Critics argue that eliminating the existing fund could hinder ongoing projects and diminish the state's capacity to support emerging technologies. Conversely, proponents of HB 3853 assert that the new initiative will provide a more targeted strategy for fostering research excellence, ensuring that State resources are allocated efficiently to areas with the highest potential for impact in global economic competitiveness.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2367

Relating to the creation of programs and funding for investment in technology industries.

TX SJR49

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.

TX SB1058

Relating to the university research fund and eligibility to receive money from the national research university fund.

TX SB19

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.

TX HB15

Relating to the creation of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas.

TX HB2466

Relating to the creation of the Texas technology and innovation program.

TX SB2288

Relating to the creation of the Texas semiconductor innovation consortium and fund.

TX HB3988

Relating to the creation of the Texas Advanced Research Institute.

TX SB1974

Relating to the creation of the Texas Advanced Research Institute.

TX HB3050

Relating to the creation of the Texas state buildings preservation endowment fund, including the transfer to the fund of the unencumbered balances of certain other funds.

Similar Bills

TX SB632

Relating to the creation of the governor's university research initiative and to the abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX SB1124

Relating to creation of the university research initiative fund, the abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund, and the disposition of balances from the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX HB27

Relating to state economic development measures, including administration of the Texas Enterprise Fund, the abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund, and the disposition of balances from the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX HB26

Relating to state economic development measures, including administration of the Texas Enterprise Fund, creation of the Economic Incentive Oversight Board and the governor's university research initiative, abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund, and renaming the Major Events trust fund to the Major Events Reimbursement Program.

TX HB7

Relating to certain fiscal matters affecting governmental entities; reducing or affecting the amounts or rates of certain taxes, assessments, surcharges, and fees.

TX SB783

Relating to the Texas emerging technology fund, including transfers between the fund and the Texas Enterprise Fund.

TX HB3789

Relating to the Texas emerging technology fund.

TX HB29

Relating to the funding of certain activities related to the commercialization of emerging technologies.