89R15443 SCR-D     By: Morgan H.B. No. 4469       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the creation of the Texas Advanced Research Institute.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subtitle F, Title 4, Government Code, is amended   by adding Chapter 483 to read as follows:   CHAPTER 483.  TEXAS ADVANCED RESEARCH INSTITUTE          Sec. 483.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:                (1)  "Council" means the governing council of the   institute.                (2)  "Institute" means the Texas Advanced Research   Institute.          Sec. 483.002.  PURPOSES. The Texas Advanced Research   Institute is established in the office of the governor to:                (1)  promote advanced research efforts in all   disciplines, including:                      (A)  energy;                      (B)  medicine; and                      (C)  biotechnology;                (2)  attract, create, or expand research capabilities   of public or private institutions of higher education and other   public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase   in advanced research and development and in the creation of   inventions and patents in this state;                (3)  ensure that this state invests and receives a   return on investment in advanced research and development   commensurate with the size and influence of this state's economy;   and                (4)  serve as an intermediary between institutions of   higher education, the private sector, and other stakeholders to   develop the workforce of this state and equip that workforce with   skills and credentials for the jobs and professions of the future,   including technical skills.          Sec. 483.003.  SUNSET PROVISION. The Texas Advanced   Research Institute is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act).     Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the   institute is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2037.          Sec. 483.004.  POWERS AND DUTIES. (a)  The institute:                (1)  may make grants to provide funding to public or   private persons to conduct research and development with the   objective of advancing knowledge, creating intellectual property,   and identifying commercial opportunities to monetize the products   resulting from advanced research and development;                (2)  shall coordinate with participating public and   private persons to develop the Texas Advanced Research Plan;                (3)  may support institutions of higher education,   advanced research facilities, and collaborations in this state in   all stages in the process of conducting and exploiting advanced   research and development;                (4)  may establish the appropriate standards and   oversight bodies to ensure the proper use of funds authorized under   this chapter for advanced research and development;                (5)  shall continuously monitor contracts and   agreements authorized by this chapter and ensure that each grant   recipient complies with the terms and conditions of the grant   contract;                (6)  shall ensure that all grant proposals comply with   this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter before the   proposals are granted approval; and                (7)  shall establish procedures to document that the   institute, its employees, and council members appointed under this   chapter comply with all laws governing the academic peer review   process and conflicts of interest where applicable.          (b)  The institute shall implement the Texas Advanced   Research Plan and continually monitor and revise the plan as   necessary.          Sec. 483.005.  LEADERSHIP, STAFF, AND RESOURCES.  (a)  The   institute is governed by a council of nine members appointed by the   governor.          (b)  Members of the council serve staggered six-year terms   with one-third of the members' terms expiring on February 1 of each   odd-numbered year.          (c)  The governor shall designate a member as the president   of the council to serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the   governor.          (d)  The office of the governor shall provide the institute   with necessary staff and resources to perform the institute's   duties under this chapter.          Sec. 483.006.  DUTIES OF COUNCIL. (a)  The council shall   select the recipients of any grants awarded by the institute.          (b)  The council may conduct surveys, research, or   investigations for the purposes of the institute.          Sec. 483.007.  MEETINGS. The council shall meet at least   once each year at the call of the president.          Sec. 483.008.  FUNDING. (a) The institute may receive   state-appropriated funds for the purpose of supporting the   activities of the institute.          (b)  The institute may solicit, accept, and use gifts,   grants, and donations from public and private sources for the   purposes of this chapter, subject only to limitations contained in   the gifts, grants, or donations.          (c)  The institute may receive funding in the form of   royalties, license fees, and profits resulting from inventions,   discoveries, and products developed by or in partnership with, or   coordinated through, the institute.          SECTION 2.  In appointing the initial members of the council   of the Texas Advanced Research Institute, the governor shall   appoint three members for terms expiring February 1, 2027, three   members for terms expiring February 1, 2029, and three members for   terms expiring February 1, 2031.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.