HBA-DMD S.B. 73 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 73 By: Truan, Lucio State, Federal, & International Relations 4/23/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, the majority of Texas' university school systems have video teleconferencing technology in place. Small businesses may be able to benefit from the use of this equipment in order to establish international trade relationships and to find innovative ways to conduct business. S.B. 73 requires the International Trade and Technology center at The University of Texas-Pan American (center) to develop and implement a video teleconferencing pilot program to assist small businesses in establishing international trade relationships. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Requires the International Trade and Technology Center at The University of Texas--Pan American (center) to develop and implement a video teleconferencing pilot program (pilot program) designed to assist small businesses in establishing international trade relationships by allowing the businesses access to certain video conferencing facilities for a fee. Specifies requirements for the center when developing the pilot program. Authorizes the center to obtain federal foundation funds available for that purpose or private funds from any source, in order to cover the cost of administering and implementing the pilot program. SECTION 2. REPORTS. Requires the center to submit an initial report concerning the effectiveness of the pilot program to the governor and the legislature, no later than January 15, 2001. Requires the center to submit to the governor and the legislature a subsequent report no later than January 15, 2003. SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999. Sets forth that the center should establish the pilot program required by this Act no later than January 1, 2000. SECTION 4.Sets forth that this Act expires September 1, 2004. SECTION 5.Emergency clause.