§18B-13-5. Use of state property and equipment; faculty.

(a) The governing boards are authorized to provide for the low cost and economical use and sharing of state property and equipment, including computers, research labs and other scientific and necessary equipment to assist any qualified business within an approved research park or zone or technology center. The commission shall approve a schedule of nominal or reduced-cost reimbursements to the state for such use.

(b) The governing boards shall develop and provide for a program of release time, sabbaticals or other forms of faculty involvement or participation with any qualifying business.

(c) The Legislature finds that cooperation, communication and coordination are integral components of higher education’s involvement in economic development. In order to proceed in a manner that is cost effective and time efficient, it is the duty of the commission to review and coordinate such aspects of the programs administered by the governing boards. The review and coordination may not operate to affect adversely sources of funding or any statutory characterization of any program as an independent entity.