87R5505 MWC-D
By: Lopez H.B. No. 2888
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the economic inclusion and
diversification task force.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Economic development incentive" means a monetary
incentive or tax incentive, as those terms are defined by Section
490G.001, Government Code.
(2) "Task force" means the economic inclusion and
diversification task force established under this Act.
SECTION 2. TASK FORCE. (a) The economic inclusion and
diversification task force is established to study the use and
effectiveness of economic development incentives awarded to
businesses by this state and to offer recommendations on how this
state can award economic development incentives in a more effective
manner to ensure economic diversification, inclusive development,
and investment in the residents and communities of this state.
(b) The task force is composed of nine members as follows:
(1) the chair of the senate natural resources and
economic development committee;
(2) the chair of the house international relations and
economic development committee; and
(3) the following members appointed by the governor:
(A) four representatives of business and
industry, including one member who is a representative of small
businesses;
(B) two members who are economic development
practitioners; and
(C) an economist from an institution of higher
education.
(c) In making appointments to the task force, the governor
shall attempt to appoint persons who represent the gender
composition, minority populations, and geographic regions of this
state.
(d) A task force member is not entitled to compensation for
service on the task force but is entitled to reimbursement for
actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing task force
duties.
(e) The members of the task force shall elect a presiding
officer from among the membership.
(f) The task force shall meet at least quarterly at the call
of the presiding officer.
(g) Notwithstanding Chapter 551, Government Code, or any
other law, the task force may meet by telephone conference call,
videoconference, or other similar telecommunication method. A
meeting held by telephone conference call, videoconference, or
other similar telecommunication method is subject to the
requirements of Sections 551.125(c), (d), (e), and (f), Government
Code.
SECTION 3. DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. The task force shall:
(1) study and make recommendations on whether in the
next two fiscal bienniums, this state should prioritize the
awarding of economic development incentives to:
(A) Texas-based businesses seeking to expand
their operations within the state;
(B) out-of-state businesses that bring value to
statewide industry supply chains and want to relocate to this
state;
(C) businesses making investments in upskilling
their workforce;
(D) businesses in new industries; or
(E) businesses making investments in new
technologies;
(2) evaluate statewide industry supply chains for
potential areas of investment;
(3) develop a plan to support business enterprises
located in this state by awarding incentives for investing in the
technical support and workforce training needed to scale their
enterprises and potentially reach global markets; and
(4) reach out to universities and junior colleges,
including junior colleges in rural areas of this state, to
encourage their collaboration with businesses in their community
for economic development and diversification purposes.
SECTION 4. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2022, the
task force shall prepare and submit a written report on the results
of the study and recommendations of the task force to the governor,
lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and
presiding officer of each standing committee of the senate and the
house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over state
finance matters.
SECTION 5. ABOLISHMENT OF TASK FORCE; EXPIRATION OF ACT.
The task force is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2023.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2021.