(Juneau) - House Bill 282, short titled, "University Employee Research Contracts," is headed toward the Senate today. By a unanimous vote, the House moved the bill that could represent millions of new non-general funds to the University of Alaska.

HB 282 fixes language in Alaska statute that prevents University Professors and Researchers from financial gain on projects they are studying and conducting research on. The language is in the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act, which was written to restrict outside employment by a public employee. At that time Intellectual Property primarily was restricted to copyright. Today, research is as broad as the individual's ability.

When HB 282 becomes law, it will give the President of the University the ability to negotiate contracts with current and future research employees. For those employees it gives them access to facilities and staff they otherwise would not be able to afford.

The agreements make this relationship potentially profitable for both. Shared profits can be established for marketing, future research or a joint business venture and could create new industry in the state.

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