(a) A general academic teaching institution becomes eligible to receive an initial distribution of money appropriated under this subchapter for a state fiscal year if the institution:
(1) is entitled to participate in the funding provided by § 18, Article VII, Texas Constitution;
(2) spent on average at least $20 million in federal and private research funds per state fiscal year during the preceding three state fiscal years; and
(3) awarded on average at least 45 research doctoral degrees per academic year during the preceding three academic years.
(b) A general academic teaching institution that becomes eligible to receive a distribution of money under this subchapter remains eligible to receive a distribution in each subsequent state fiscal year.