By: Huffman S.B. No. 2288
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the Texas semiconductor innovation
consortium and fund.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Amending Government Code, Chapter 481 to read as
follows:
SUBCHAPTER FF. TEXAS SEMICONDUCTOR INNOVATION CONSORTIUM
Sec. 481.610. ESTABLISHMENT. The Texas Semiconductor
Innovation Consortium is established as an advisory panel to the
governor and the legislature. The objectives of the consortium are:
(a)leverage the expertise and capacity of institutions
of higher education, industry, and non-profit stakeholders to
develop a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure ongoing
semiconductor innovation;
(b) sustain Texas leadership in advanced
semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing;
(c) attract public and private investment in the state
related to research, development, commercialization, and
manufacturing of semiconductors;
(d) identify and expand opportunities for workforce
training and development related to the research, design, and
manufacturing of semiconductors; and
(e) establish a forum for public and private
stakeholders across the semiconductor manufacturing industry
within the state to focus on education, research and development,
and commercial production.
Sec. 481.611. COMPOSITION.(a) The consortium is composed of
a designee appointed by the office of the president for each of the
following general academic institutions of higher education:
(1) The University of Texas at Arlington;
(2) The University of Texas at Austin;
(3) The University of Texas at Dallas;
(4) The University of Texas at El Paso;
(5) The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley;
(6) The University of Texas at San Antonio;
(7) Texas A&M University;
(8) Prairie View A&M University;
(9) The University of Houston;
(10) The University of North Texas;
(11) Texas Tech University;
(12) Texas State University;
(13) Lamar University;
(14) Lamar State College - Orange;
(15) Lamar State College - Port Arthur:
(16) Lamar Institute of Technology;
(17) Austin Community College; and
(18) Dallas Community College.
(b) In addition to the appointments made under
Subsection (a), the executive committee established under
Government Code, Section 481.613 may appoint any other entity or
individual that it deems beneficial.
(c) In making appointments under Subsections (a) and
(b), priority shall be given to individuals with experience in
semiconductor design and manufacturing.
Sec. 481.612. ADMINISTRATIVE ATTACHMENT. The consortium is
administratively attached to the office of the governor for the
purpose of receiving and administering appropriations and other
funds under this chapter. The office shall provide the staff and
facilities necessary to assist the consortium in performing its
duties.
Sec. 481.613. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMPOSITION. (a) The
consortium is governed by an executive committee composed of the
following members:
(1) 3 members appointed by the governor;
(2) 2 members appointed by the lieutenant governor;
(3) 2 members appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives;
(4) the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System
or their designee; and
(5) the Chancellor of the University of Texas System
or their designee.
(b) In making appointments under Subsection (a), priority
shall be given to individuals with experience in manufacturing,
design, industrial development, academic research, and scientific
research in the field of semiconductors. In making appointments
under Subsection (a), the governor, lieutenant governor, and
speaker of the house of representatives shall coordinate to ensure
that at least two representatives from the commercial semiconductor
design and manufacturing sectors with an established presence in
the state are appointed.
Sec. 481.614. GENERAL DUTIES. The executive committee
shall:
(a) develop and execute a comprehensive statewide
strategic plan to further the objectives of the consortium as
established in Section 481.610;
(b) solicit recommendations from consortium members
on funding and research opportunities related to semiconductor
research, design, commercialization, and manufacturing;
(c) select a person to act as the executive director of
the consortium, having such official title, functions, duties,
powers, and salary as the executive committee may prescribe. The
executive director may enter into agreements with the office of the
governor for staff support services to facilitate the work of the
consortium. Funds deposited to the Semiconductor Innovation Fund
may be utilized for the implementation of this subsection pursuant
to Government Code, Section 481.617; and
(d) report the recommendations assembled in
Subsection (b) as outlined in Government Code, Section 481.615.
Sec. 481.615 BIENNIAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of
each even-numbered year, the executive committee shall prepare and
submit a written report to the governor and the legislative budget
board that outlines:
(a) activities undertaken to meet the objectives
of the consortium;
(b) a synopsis of the funding and research
opportunities identified in Section 481.614, Subsection (b);
(c) any legislative recommendations to further
the objectives of the consortium;
(d) any prospective grants or funding the
consortium members expect to apply for or receive; and
(e) any research accomplishments associated with
the consortium.
SUBCHAPTER FF. TEXAS SEMICONDUCTOR INNOVATION FUND
Sec. 481.616. FUND ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION. The
Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund is created as a dedicated
account within the General Revenue Fund. The fund consists of:
(a) gifts, grants, or donations; and
(b) any other source designated by the legislature.
Sec. 481.617. FUND USE AND BALANCE MANAGEMENT. (a) The fund
may be utilized at the discretion of the legislature to:
(1) Provide appropriations to state entities and
institutions of higher education as matches for semiconductor
manufacturing and design projects; and
(2) Issue grants to private businesses with an
established presence within the state of Texas to encourage
economic development related to semiconductor manufacturing and
design.
(b) The fund may be utilized for the purposes described
Government Code, 481.614, Subsection (c), subject to approval by
the legislative budget board. Such a request shall be considered
approved within 30 days of receipt by the legislative budget board
unless expressly disapproved.
(c) The comptroller of public accounts shall return all
unexpended balances in the fund to general revenue on October 1 of
each even numbered year unless authorization is granted by the
legislative budget board to maintain the unexpended fund balance.
Such authorization shall be requested by the comptroller no later
than August 31 of each even numbered year, and shall be considered
approved within 30 days of receipt by the legislative budget board
unless expressly disapproved.
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, 2023.