Bill > HB112

This bill establishes a framework for creating Texas Science Park Districts in counties with populations of 800,000 or more or adjacent to such counties. The districts are designed to support scientific research, technological innovation, and domestic supply chain resilience by creating an ecosystem that promotes collaboration between higher education, technology industries, and government. The bill creates a Texas Science Park Commission to oversee district formation and provides detailed guidelines for district creation, governance, and operations. Key provisions include establishing a nine-member elected board of directors, defining district powers such as operating education programs and entering collaborative agreements, and prioritizing the development of research centers, technology incubators, and advanced manufacturing facilities. The districts can accept gifts, grants, and donations, issue bonds, and must prioritize environmental sustainability and national security considerations. The commission is tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for district creation, including identifying potential locations, funding sources, and economic development strategies, and is scheduled to be abolished on September 1, 2027, after submitting a report with its recommendations to state leadership.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB112