BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 3252
87R25791 MWC-D	By: Parker et al. (Springer)
	Administration
	5/19/2021
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

While Texas businesses have embraced diversity, the state only had its first recorded business owner with Down syndrome, Blake Pyron, in 2016. He found that the biggest obstacles for him as a business owner were not his mindset or diagnosis but a lack of broader awareness and systemic support for pursuing business ownership as a viable option for a person with a disability.

Concerned parties note that Texas has the second-largest disabled community of all states, many of whom are young adults facing uncertainties after graduating or aging out of school systems, and that we often overlook individuals with disabilities in the workforce. There have been calls to encourage and broaden entrepreneurial options in Texas for more individuals with disabilities. The legislation seeks to recognize the career pathways available for these individuals by designating October 17 as Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day.

H.B. 3252 amends the Government Code to designate October 17 as Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day to recognize entrepreneurship as a career path for all people with disabilities and bring awareness and inclusion to every aspect of the workforce. The bill allows Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.H.B. 3252 amends current law relating to designating October 17 as Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Authorizes this Act to be cited as the Blake Pyron Act.

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.086, as follows:

Sec. 662.086. ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES DAY. (a) Provides that October 17 is Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day to recognize entrepreneurship as a career path for all people with disabilities and bring awareness and inclusion to every aspect of the workforce.

(b) Authorizes Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2021.