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2005 Texas Government Code CHAPTER 490. FUNDING FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 490. FUNDING FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGY SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS § 490.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Committee" means the Texas Emerging Technology Committee. (2) "Fund" means the Texas emerging technology fund. (3) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.002. PURPOSES. The fund is established under this chapter to develop and diversify the economy of this state by: (1) expediting innovation and commercialization of research; (2) attracting, creating, or expanding private sector entities that will promote a substantial increase in high-quality jobs; and (3) increasing higher education applied technology research capabilities. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.003. EMERGING TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES. (a) An emerging technology industry participant is eligible for funding under this chapter if the activity to be funded: (1) will result in the creation of high-quality new jobs in this state, immediately or over a longer period; or (2) has the potential to result in a medical or scientific breakthrough. (b) Emerging technology industries include industries related to: (1) semiconductors; (2) information; (3) computer and software technology; (4) energy; (5) manufactured energy systems; (6) micro-electromechanical systems; (7) nanotechnology; (8) biotechnology; (9) medicine; (10) life sciences; (11) petroleum refining and chemical processes; (12) aerospace; (13) defense; and (14) other pursuits, as determined by the governor in consultation with the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005.SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE § 490.051. COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEE. The Texas Emerging Technology Committee is composed of 17 members. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.052. APPOINTMENT BY GOVERNOR; NOMINATIONS. (a) The governor shall appoint to the committee individuals nominated as provided by Subsection (b). (b) The following persons may nominate one or more individuals who are industry leaders in this state or who are nationally recognized researchers from public or private institutions of higher education in this state for appointment to the committee: (1) the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; (2) a president of a public or private institution of higher education in this state; (3) the members of the Texas Workforce Commission; (4) a representative of the governor's office involved in economic development activities; (5) a representative of the lieutenant governor's office involved in economic development activities; (6) a representative of the office of the speaker of the house involved in economic development activities; and (7) other persons considered appropriate by the governor. (c) The governor may prescribe a date after which a nomination under Subsection (b) for appointment for the next term will not be considered. (d) If an insufficient number of qualified individuals are nominated as provided by Subsection (b) before the date set by the governor under Subsection (c), the governor may appoint any qualified individual to the board for that term. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.053. PRESIDING MEMBER. The governor shall appoint a presiding member of the committee. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.054. TERMS. Members of the committee serve two-year terms, subject to the pleasure of the governor. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.055. COMMITTEE STAFF AND FUNDING. Necessary staff and funding for the committee shall be provided by: (1) the office of the governor; (2) the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Workforce Commission; (5) another public entity represented by a committee member; and (6) gifts, grants, and donations for overhead expenses to the entities listed in Subdivisions (1)-(5). Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.056. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING. (a) The committee shall make recommendations, through peer review and evaluation processes established by the committee, to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives for the award of money from the fund as provided by this chapter. (b) The committee may establish advisory panels of knowledgeable individuals from industry, state government, or academic occupations to assist in peer review activities under this chapter. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.057. CONFIDENTIALITY. Information collected by the governor's office, the committee, or the committee's advisory panels concerning the identity, background, finance, marketing plans, trade secrets, or other commercially or academically sensitive information of an individual or entity being considered for an award from the fund is confidential unless the individual or entity consents to disclosure of the information. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005.SUBCHAPTER C. TEXAS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FUND § 490.101. TEXAS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FUND. (a) The Texas emerging technology fund is a dedicated account in the general revenue fund. (b) The following amounts shall be deposited in the fund: (1) any amounts appropriated by the legislature for the fund; (2) benefits realized from a project undertaken with money from the fund, as provided by a contract entered into under Section 490.103; (3) gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund; and (4) interest earned on the investment of money in the fund. (c) The fund may be used only for the purposes described by Section 490.002. (d) The committee may solicit and accept gifts and grants for the fund from public and private entities. (e) The fund may be temporarily used by the comptroller for cash management purposes. (f) The administration of the fund is considered to be a trusteed program within the office of the governor. The governor may negotiate on behalf of the state regarding awarding, by grant, money appropriated from the fund. The governor may award money appropriated from the fund only with the express written prior approval of the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives. (g) Before awarding a grant under this chapter, the governor shall enter into a written agreement with the entity to be awarded the grant money. An agreement may specify that: (1) if all or any portion of the amount of the grant is used to build a capital improvement: (A) the state retains a lien or other interest in the capital improvement in proportion to the percentage of the grant amount used to pay for the capital improvement; and (B) the recipient of the grant shall, if the capital improvement is sold: (i) repay to the state the grant money used to pay for the capital improvement, with interest at the rate and according to the other terms provided by the agreement; and (ii) share with the state a proportionate amount of any profit realized from the sale; and (2) if, as of a date certain provided in the agreement, the grant recipient has not used grant money awarded under this chapter for the purposes for which the grant was intended, the recipient shall repay that amount and any related interest applicable under the agreement to the state at the agreed rate and on the agreed terms. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.102. ALLOCATION OF FUND. (a) Money appropriated to the fund by the legislature shall be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent of the money for incentives for collaboration between certain entities as provided by Subchapter D; (2) 25 percent of the money for research grant matching as provided by Subchapter E; and (3) 25 percent of the money for acquisition of research superiority as provided by Subchapter F. (b) The governor may reallocate money from one component of the fund to another component subject to the prior approval of the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.103. ALLOCATION OF PROCEEDS. (a) The contract between the governor and a recipient awarded a grant under this chapter shall provide for the distribution of royalties, revenue, or other financial benefits realized from the commercialization of intellectual or real property developed from any grant awarded from the fund. To the extent authorized by law and not in conflict with another agreement, the contract shall appropriately allocate by assignment, licensing, or other means the royalties, revenue, or other financial benefits among identifiable collaborating parties and in a specified percentage to this state for deposit in the fund. (b) The contract under Subsection (a) shall also specify other matters considered necessary by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005.SUBCHAPTER D. INCENTIVES TO CREATE REGIONAL CENTERS OF INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION § 490.151. USE OF MONEY FOR INCENTIVES. (a) Amounts allocated from the fund for use as provided by this subchapter shall be reserved for incentives for private or nonprofit entities to collaborate with public or private institutions of higher education in this state on emerging technology projects with a demonstrable economic benefit to this state. (b) The committee shall recommend proposals eligible for funding under this section to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.152. REGIONAL CENTERS OF INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION. (a) In recommending proposals for funding, the committee shall give specific emphasis to the formation of regional centers of innovation and commercialization. (b) An appropriate combination of any entities described by Section 490.151(a) may collaborate to form a regional center of innovation and commercialization to serve a region of this state. (c) A regional center of innovation and commercialization shall provide for a specified region: (1) research and development activities that may include initiatives to prove the feasibility of an idea; (2) commercialization of the results of research and development; (3) incubators for new businesses and expansion of existing businesses related to research and development; and (4) workforce training for businesses resulting from research and development. (d) Subject to the availability of suitable partners and resources, the committee shall propose and initiate the establishment of a regional center of innovation and commercialization in: (1) Harris County; (2) Lubbock County; (3) Bexar County; (4) the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex; (5) El Paso County; (6) the Middle and Lower Rio Grande Valley; and (7) other suitable locations as determined by the governor in consultation with the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.153. PRIORITY FOR FUNDING. In awarding money from the fund under this subchapter, priority shall be given to proposals that: (1) involve emerging scientific or technology fields that have a reasonable probability of enhancing this state's national and global economic competitiveness; (2) may result in a medical or scientific breakthrough; (3) are collaborative between any combination of private or nonprofit entities and public or private agencies or institutions in this state; (4) are matched with other available funds, including funds from the private or nonprofit entity or institution of higher education collaborating on the project; or (5) have a demonstrable economic development benefit to this state. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.154. GUARANTEE OF ACTION BY PARTICIPATING ENTITY. (a) An entity participating in a regional center of innovation and commercialization that receives funding or another incentive under this subchapter shall guarantee by contract with the governor's office that the entity will perform specific actions expected to provide benefits to this state. (b) If an entity fails to perform an action guaranteed by contract under Subsection (a) before a time specified by the contract, the entity shall return to the fund the money received by the entity under this subchapter. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.155. GUARANTEE OF COMMERCIALIZATION OR MANUFACTURING IN TEXAS. A person or entity awarded money from the fund under this subchapter must guarantee by contract that a substantial percentage of any new or expanded commercialization or manufacturing of any real or intellectual product resulting from the award will be established in this state. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.156. AUTHORIZED EXPENSES. (a) A person awarded money from the fund under this subchapter may use the money to expedite commercialization that will lead to an increase in high-quality jobs in this state and shall use the money in accordance with a contract between the person and the committee. (b) Authorized expenses under this section include salaries and benefits, travel, consumable supplies, other operating expenses, contracted research and development, capital equipment, construction or renovation of state or private facilities, and workforce training. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005.SUBCHAPTER E. RESEARCH GRANT MATCHING § 490.201. USE OF MONEY FOR RESEARCH GRANT MATCHING. (a) Amounts allocated from the fund for use as provided by this subchapter shall be reserved to match funding from research sponsors other than this state, including federal research sponsors. (b) The committee shall recommend proposals eligible for funding under this section to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.202. PRIORITY FOR FUNDING. In awarding money from the fund under this subchapter, priority shall be given to proposals that accelerate commercialization into production by targeting programs that: (1) address federal or other major research sponsors' priorities in emerging scientific or technology fields; (2) are interdisciplinary; (3) are collaborative with a combination of public or private institutions of higher education in this state; (4) are likely to result in a medical or scientific breakthrough; or (5) have a demonstrable economic development benefit to this state. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.203. GUARANTEE OF ACTION BY PARTICIPATING ENTITY. (a) An entity receiving funding or another incentive under this subchapter shall guarantee by contract with the governor's office that the entity will perform specific actions that are expected to provide benefits to this state. (b) If an entity fails to perform an action guaranteed by contract under Subsection (a) before a time specified by the contract, the entity shall return the funding received by the entity under this subchapter. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005.SUBCHAPTER F. ACQUISITION OF RESEARCH SUPERIORITY § 490.251. USE OF MONEY FOR ACQUISITION OF RESEARCH SUPERIORITY. Amounts allocated from the fund for use as provided by this subchapter shall be used to acquire new or enhance existing research superiority at public institutions of higher education in this state. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.252. RESEARCH SUPERIORITY. For purposes of this subchapter, the employment by an institution of higher education of one or more world-class or nationally recognized researchers and associated assistants in an industry eligible to receive funding under Section 490.003 is considered "research superiority." Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.253. PROPOSALS FOR FUNDING. (a) The committee shall solicit and identify proposals by public institutions of higher education for: (1) creating new research superiority; (2) attracting existing research superiority from institutions not located in this state and other research entities; or (3) enhancing existing research superiority by attracting from outside this state additional researchers and resources. (b) The committee shall recommend proposals eligible for funding under Section 490.251 and proposals solicited and identified under this section to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.254. PRIORITY FOR FUNDING. In awarding money from the fund under this subchapter, priority shall be given to proposals that: (1) involve scientific or technical fields that have a reasonable probability of enhancing this state's national and global economic competitiveness; (2) may result in a medical or scientific breakthrough; (3) are interdisciplinary; (4) have attracted or may attract federal and other funding for research superiority; (5) are likely to create a nationally or internationally recognized locus of research superiority; or (6) are matched with other funds available to the institution seeking funding under this subchapter. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.255. AUTHORIZED EXPENSES. Money awarded from the fund under this subchapter may be used for research and research capability acquisition, including salaries and benefits, travel, consumable supplies, other operating expenses, capital equipment, and construction or renovation of facilities. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.256. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES. (a) An institution of higher education may not knowingly attempt to attract an individual key researcher or research superiority identified for consideration for funding by another public or private institution of higher education in this state under this subchapter. (b) An institution that violates this section is ineligible to participate in a program or receive funding under this chapter before the third anniversary of the date the institution last engaged in an activity prohibited by this section. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005. § 490.257. DOCUMENTATION OF BENEFITS TO STATE. (a) A public institution of higher education must document specific benefits that this state may expect to gain as a result of attracting the research superiority before the institution may enter into a contract to receive funding or incentives under this subchapter. (b) The governor, with the express written prior approval of the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives, may terminate funding to an institution if the institution fails to realize a benefit specified in the contract before a time specified in the contract, as determined by a periodic program review conducted by the committee. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, eff. June 14, 2005.SUBCHAPTER G. CLEAN COAL PROJECTS § 490.301. DEFINITION. In this section, "clean coal project" has the meaning assigned by Section 5.001, Water Code. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1097, § 12(b), eff. June 18, 2005. § 490.302. USE OF MONEY FOR CLEAN COAL PROJECT. (a) Notwithstanding Section 490.102, the governor may allocate money appropriated to the fund by the legislature to provide matching money for a clean coal project as described by Section 2305.037 if the governor has the express written prior approval of the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to do so. (b) The governor may allocate proceeds deposited in the fund as provided by an agreement described by Section 490.103 to provide matching money for a clean coal project as described by Section 2305.037 if the governor has the express written prior approval of the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to do so. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1097, § 12(b), eff. June 18, 2005. § 490.303. ELIGIBILITY OF CLEAN COAL PROJECT FOR MONEY. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a clean coal project constitutes an opportunity for emerging technology suitable for consideration for a grant under Subchapter C, incentives as provided by Subchapter D, grant matching as provided by Subchapter E, and acquisition of research superiority under Subchapter F. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1097, § 12(b), eff. June 18, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Entrepreneur participant" means an individual who has a business or an idea for a business and registers with the network. (2) "Fund" means the Texas Entrepreneurship Network fund. (3) "Network" means the Texas Entrepreneurship Network. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.002. ESTABLISHMENT OF NETWORK. (a) The Texas Entrepreneurship Network is established to develop and diversify the economy of this state through: (1) the provision of programs and services to facilitate the growth and success of entrepreneurs; and (2) the statewide, results-driven collaboration of public and private entities to create jobs and energize sustainable local economies through the development of entrepreneurs in this state. (b) The Texas Center for Rural Entrepreneurship shall: (1) operate the network under an agreement with the Department of Agriculture and as provided by this chapter; and (2) comply with all reasonable and customary oversight measures required by the Department of Agriculture. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.003. MEMBERS OF NETWORK. (a) The founding members of the network are: (1) the Texas Cooperative Extension of The Texas A&M University System; (2) the IC2 Institute at The University of Texas at Austin; (3) the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University; (4) the Department of Agriculture; (5) the Texas Workforce Commission; (6) the Office of Rural Community Affairs; (7) the Texas Center for Rural Entrepreneurship; (8) the Texas Economic Development Council; (9) CoSERVE at The University of Texas--Pan American; (10) the office of external affairs at Texas Southern University; and (11) the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship at Baylor University. (b) An institution of higher education, chamber of commerce, economic development corporation, business, or organization with an interest in promoting entrepreneurship may join the network. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.004. ADVISORY BOARD. (a) The Texas Center for Rural Entrepreneurship shall establish an advisory board to guide and advise the operations of the network. (b) The advisory board consists of one representative from each of the founding members of the network under Section 490.003(a) and at least one member from the private sector. An organization other than a founding member of the network under Section 490.003(a) may have a representative on the advisory board only if the creation of an additional seat on the board is authorized by a two-thirds majority vote of the existing board. (c) The initial advisory board shall adopt provisions to determine the terms of board members and stagger the members' terms, and other provisions necessary to administer the board. (d) Advisory board members serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in traveling to meetings related to the network. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.005. GENERAL DUTIES AND GOALS. (a) The network shall train and refocus existing state and local resources to build a more prosperous, dynamic, and sustainable economy throughout this state by: (1) providing coordinated training and services that enhance the value of the state's existing infrastructure investments and make the investments available to entrepreneur participants; (2) developing a statewide network of entrepreneurship developers and entrepreneurship centers as provided by Section 490.006; (3) developing a comprehensive network of knowledge, leadership, and financial capital resources accessible through the network's entrepreneurship developers and entrepreneurship centers; (4) educating entrepreneur participants and generating awareness of the network and its programs; (5) identifying the most promising ventures through activities, including business-plan competitions, and assisting the ventures' potential for job and wealth creation; (6) developing evaluation methods to measure the effectiveness of the network and the impact of entrepreneurship on local and regional economies; (7) developing best practices for successful entrepreneurship and applied research regarding critical success factors for entrepreneurial businesses to provide a strategic competitive advantage for businesses in this state; and (8) collaborating with existing local, state, and federal agencies and economic development professionals to use the strengths and assets of the agencies and professionals. (b) The network shall work locally, regionally, and statewide with educators, agencies, organizations, networks, businesses, economic developers, consultants, communities, researchers, or other persons to develop and support strategies to assist entrepreneur participants and improve the environment for entrepreneurial development in this state. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.006. ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVICES. (a) The network shall develop a statewide association of local individuals who are entrepreneurship developers trained to analyze, evaluate, and develop business plans and help local entrepreneur participants start, grow, or develop their businesses. (b) The network may establish local entrepreneurship centers in every county practicable, at which an entrepreneur participant may access programs, necessary support, and online resources provided and developed by the network. In establishing the entrepreneurship centers, the network shall use existing infrastructure, public and private organizations, and other resources, including chambers of commerce, universities and community colleges, county extension offices, Texas Workforce Commission offices, and local business offices. (c) The network shall adopt requirements for entrepreneurship centers. An organization must meet the requirements adopted under this subsection before hosting an entrepreneurship center. (d) A group of individuals who have services, resources, or expertise to offer entrepreneur participants may agree to provide services through the network as an entrepreneurship force. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.007. NETWORK PROGRAMS. The network may develop: (1) programs for: (A) business plan development, competitive enhancement, and management skills development; (B) entrepreneurship best practices training; (C) entrepreneurship education in primary and secondary schools and community colleges; (D) expanding entrepreneurship in workforce development programs; (E) accessing sources of start-up and growth capital; (F) training and assisting entrepreneurship agents who facilitate and assist entrepreneurial efforts; and (G) community readiness preparation and evaluation, and community planning; (2) methods for helping entrepreneur participants access other loan, guarantee, and grant programs; (3) necessary policies and regulations; and (4) collaborations with other entities. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.008. TEXAS ENTREPRENEURSHIP NETWORK FUND. (a) The Texas Entrepreneurship Network fund is an account in the general revenue fund. The Department of Agriculture shall administer the fund. (b) The following amounts shall be deposited in the fund: (1) any amounts appropriated by the legislature for the fund; and (2) gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund. (c) The fund may be used only for network purposes, subject to Section 490.009. (d) The network may solicit and accept gifts and grants for the fund from public and private universities and all other public and private entities. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1, see 490.001 et seq., ante, and for another Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, see § 490.001 et seq., post. § 490.009. USE OF FUND. Money appropriated to the fund by the legislature shall be used for: (1) programs related to local entrepreneurship centers, training, and entrepreneurship developers; (2) curriculum development, infrastructure, data management, and research; (3) technology and economic development research centers of excellence; (4) the network's overhead expenses; and (5) other activities necessary to accomplish the mission of this chapter. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1 and another Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq. and § 490.001 et seq., ante. § 490.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Commission" means the Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission. (2) "Texas-Mexico border region" has the meaning assigned by Section 2056.002. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1 and another Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq. and § 490.001 et seq., ante. § 490.002. PURPOSE. The ongoing economic stability and growth of Texas and the improved quality of life for all Texans are dependent in part on coordination with neighboring states. Texas and the Mexican border states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas face common challenges in the areas of infrastructure, health care, access to and availability of water, economic development and trade, and environmental protection. The commission will encourage a collaborative approach between Texas and neighboring Mexican states in specific areas so as to better address challenges and plan for the future. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1 and another Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq. and § 490.001 et seq., ante. § 490.003. TEXAS-MEXICO STRATEGIC INVESTMENT COMMISSION; MEMBERS. (a) The Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission is established. (b) The commission is composed of: (1) the border commerce coordinator or a designee; (2) the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation or a designee; (3) the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board or a designee; (4) the commissioner of state health services or a designee; (5) the chair of the Railroad Commission or a designee; and (6) the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or a designee. (c) The border commerce coordinator shall serve as the chair of the commission. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1 and another Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq. and § 490.001 et seq., ante. § 490.004. FUNCTIONS OF COMMISSION. (a) The commission shall: (1) represent government agencies within the Texas-Mexico border region to help reduce regulations by improving communication and cooperation between federal, state, and local governments; (2) examine trade issues between the United States and Mexico; (3) study the flow of commerce at ports of entry between this state and Mexico, including the movement of commercial vehicles across the border, and establish a plan to aid that commerce and improve the movement of those vehicles; (4) work with federal officials to resolve transportation issues involving infrastructure, including roads and bridges, to allow for the efficient movement of goods and people across the border between Texas and Mexico; (5) work with federal officials to create a unified federal agency process to streamline border crossing needs; (6) identify problems involved with border truck inspections and related trade and transportation infrastructure; (7) work to increase funding for the North American Development Bank to assist in the financing of water and wastewater facilities; (8) explore the sale of excess electric power from Texas to Mexico; (9) identify areas of environmental protection that need to be addressed cooperatively between Texas and the Mexican states; (10) identify common challenges to health care on which all states can collaborate; and (11) develop recommendations, when possible, for addressing border challenges. (b) The commission shall work with local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and other appropriate community organizations in the Texas Department of Transportation's Pharr, Laredo, and El Paso transportation districts, and with comparable entities in Mexican states bordering those districts, to address the unique planning and capacity needs of those areas. The commission shall assist those governments, organizations, and entities to identify and develop initiatives to address those needs. (c) The commission shall work with industries and communities on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border to develop international industry cluster initiatives to capitalize on resources available in communities located adjacent to each other across the border. (d) The commission may meet at least once a year with representatives from the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas during the Border Governors Conference to discuss issues and challenges of the Texas-Mexico border region and develop strategic collaborative approaches for addressing the challenges. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Chapter 490, Texas-Mexico Strategic Investment Commission, was added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2. For another Chapter 490, Funding for Emerging Technology, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 280, § 1 and another Chapter 490, Texas Entrepreneurship Network, as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 593, § 1, see § 490.001 et seq. and § 490.001 et seq., ante. § 490.005. FUNDING. (a) In addition to any amount appropriated by the legislature, the commission may request state agencies to apply for funds from the federal government or any other public or private entity. The commission may also solicit grants, gifts, and donations from private sources on the state's behalf. The use of a gift, grant, or donation solicited under this section must be consistent with the purposes of the commission. (b) The commission shall review and may require reports of state agencies that receive appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, or endowments as a result of the commission's recommendations. (c) A state agency may accept a gift, grant, donation, or endowment received as a result of the commission's recommendations. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1215, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
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