HB5487 - Relating to the operation and administration of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium.

      By: Bonnen H.B. No. 5487       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the operation and administration of the Texas   Semiconductor Innovation Consortium.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 481.652, Government Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium is   established as an advisory panel to the governor and the   legislature.          (b)  The purposes of the consortium are to:                (1)  leverage the expertise and capacity of   institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit   stakeholders to provide advice and input to the office regarding   [develop] a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure ongoing   semiconductor innovation;                (2)  sustain the leadership of this state in advanced   semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing;                (3)  attract public and private investment in this   state related to research, development, commercialization, and   manufacturing of semiconductors;                (4)  identify and expand opportunities for workforce   training and development related to the research, design, and   manufacturing of semiconductors; and                (5)  establish a forum for public and private   stakeholders across the semiconductor manufacturing industry in   this state to focus on education, research and development, and   commercial production.          SECTION 2.  Section 481.654(b), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The office shall provide the staff and facilities   necessary to assist the consortium in performing the consortium's   duties under this subchapter.   The office shall employ an executive   director to direct staff and undertake all actions necessary to   assist the consortium in performing the consortium's duties under   this subchapter.          SECTION 3.  Section 481.656(a), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 481.656.  DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. (a)  The   executive committee shall:                (1)   provide advice and input to the office regarding   [develop and execute[develop and execute] on] a comprehensive   statewide strategic plan to further the purposes [objectives] of   the consortium and the executive committee specified in this   Subchapter [as established under Section 481.652] ; and                (2)  solicit recommendations from consortium members   on funding and research opportunities related to semiconductor   research, design, commercialization, and manufacturing . [;]                 [(3)     appoint an executive director of the consortium   and determine the title, functions, duties, powers, and salary for   the executive director; and]                 (4)     prepare and submit the report required by Section   481.657.]          SECTION 4.  Section 481.657, Government Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 481.657.  BIENNIAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of   each even-numbered year, the office [executive committee] shall   prepare and submit to [the governor and] the Legislative Budget   Board a written report that outlines:                (1)  activities undertaken to meet the purposes of the   consortium under Section 481.652;                (2)  a summary of the funding and research   opportunities identified under Section 481.656(a)(2);                (3)  any legislative recommendations to further the   purposes of the consortium;                (4)  any prospective grants or funding the consortium   members expect to apply for or receive; and                (5)  any research accomplishments associated with the   consortium.          SECTION 5.  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, 2025.