BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1247

By: Lozano

International Relations & Economic Development

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

COVID-19 has led to setbacks in the pursuit of the 60x30TX initiative. Economic recovery from this crisis will require a focused effort on linking education to high-value credentials and to training and preparation relevant to the current market. Educators, business leaders, and related stakeholders are asking for strategic guidance in developing a state work-based learning program that requires identifying competencies, developing partnerships, identifying obstacles, and navigating credentialing systems. H.B. 1247 seeks to build on the successes of the Tri‑Agency Workforce Initiative by further supporting the development of efficient and flexible pathways into high-value credentials and creating a robust infrastructure for agency collaboration around work-based learning.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1247 amends the Labor Code to require the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) jointly to develop a strategic framework to encourage work-based learning in Texas. The bill requires each agency to appoint an existing agency employee to lead the development of the framework. The bill requires the TWC, TEA, and the THECB jointly, not later than December 31, 2022, to prepare and submit to the legislature a report on the framework and sets out the required contents of the report. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2023.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.