90-3-1001. Purpose -- definition. (1) The purpose of establishing a research and commercialization expendable trust fund in 90-3-1002 and 90-3-1003 is to:
     (a) provide a predictable and stable source of funding for research and commercialization projects conducted in the state that demonstrates to both private and public sources, including federal research granting agencies, that Montana recognizes the important contributions that research and commercialization endeavors offer to the state's basic industries;
     (b) expand and strengthen research efforts for the state's basic industries to increase their economic impact on the state's economy; and
     (c) expand research efforts into areas beyond the scope of the state's basic industries to diversify and strengthen the state's economic security through the creation of technology-based operations and long-term quality jobs.
     (2) As used in 90-3-1002 and 90-3-1003, "research and commercialization center" means the campuses of the university of Montana or Montana state university, tribal colleges, colleges of technology, community colleges, agricultural research centers, or a private, nonprofit laboratory or research center.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 563, L. 1999.