SB 438 Nelson | et al. Relating to the repeal of certain time limitations on the award of grants by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee.
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LBB Fiscal Note Summary. No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
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Bill Summary. S.B. 438 allows CPRIT to continue providing grants beyond state fiscal year 2022 by repealing Section 102.254 of the Health and Safety Code.
Senator Nelson explained the Bill. Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2007 establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and authorizing the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund CPRIT.
S.B. 438 allows CPRIT to continue providing grants beyond state fiscal year 2022 by repealing Section 102.254 of the Health and Safety Code.
As proposed, S.B. 438 amends current law relating to the repeal of certain time limitations on the award of grants by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY. None offered.
INVITED TESTIMONY.
Marina Hench, American Cancer Society stated they support the bill. There is groundbreaking work happening in Texas because of CPRIT. Not only providing enormous hope for the future, but also impacting the lives of Texans right now through proximity to cutting edge clinical trials and expanded access to live-saving cancer screenings. This year, more than 121,000 Texans will hear the words, “You have cancer”. Sadly, more than 40,000 Texans will die of cancer. The good news is, we are making progress, thanks to this legislative body. And we hope that our state can continue that good work.
Senator Kolkhorst stated that our goal for CPRIT is that it will eventually fund itself. This would happen through grants given and the therapies developed, and we would glean a part of that to go back into the fund. She asked Sen. Nelson if she believed that this would happen. Sen. Nelson answered in the affirmative. She stated that every week, she hears reports of new discoveries and she is convinced that we will hit on something so beneficial that CPRIT will pay for itself.
Senator Johnson asked for more specificity on what “pay for itself” means. Sen. Nelson stated that the original legislation includes a provision ensuring that if a new drug emerges from a discovery funded by CPRIT, the state would receive a portion of those royalties. There is a specific mechanism for this process.
The Bill was left pending.
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