H.B. No. 112 aims to establish Texas Science Park Districts in counties with populations of 800,000 or more, or adjacent to such counties, by introducing Chapter 398 to the Local Government Code. The bill outlines the purpose and operational framework of these districts, which include fostering a resilient domestic supply chain, promoting scientific research and technological innovation, and supporting collaboration between educational institutions and technology companies. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these districts will not serve as agents for private interests, even though they may provide benefits to them.

The legislation details the creation process for a science park district, which involves petitioning the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and appointing a temporary board of directors to develop a strategic plan and oversee initial projects. The governance structure will transition to a board of nine elected directors serving staggered two-year terms. The bill also establishes the Texas Science Park Commission, responsible for developing a comprehensive operational plan and identifying funding sources, with a report due by December 1, 2026. The commission will be dissolved on September 1, 2027, and the act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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