SRC-JFA S.B. 418 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 418 By: Ellis Economic Development 3-31-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Chapter 2308, Government Code, and Chapter 302, Labor Code, regulate the Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness (council) and the division of workforce development of the Texas Workforce Commission (division). The comptroller's publication, Disturbing the Peace, recommends that "[t]he Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness should clearly communicate performance expectations and accountability measures to local officials." This bill sets forth the general responsibilities of the council and the division in regard to the administration of workforce development programs, including those responsibilities recommended by Disturbing the Peace. This bill also withdraws as one of the responsibilities of the executive director of the division the need to support research and demonstration projects designed to develop new work programs and approaches to service delivery. Finally, this bill sets forth the required planning guidelines for the division to annually provide each local workforce development board. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 418 sets forth the general responsibilities of the Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness and the division of workforce development of the Texas Workforce Commission in the administration of workforce development programs. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 2308.002, Government Code, to conform to Section 11.11, Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, 1995, to delete the definition of "administering state agency." Defines "division" and "local labor market." Redefines "workforce education." Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 2308C, Government Code, by adding Section 2308.107, as follows: Sec. 2308.107. RESPONSIBILITIES OF COUNCIL AND DIVISION. Sets forth the general responsibilities of the Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness (council) and the division of workforce development of the Texas Workforce Commission (division) in the administration of workforce development programs under this chapter. Provides that a provision in this chapter or any other statute that conflicts with this section prevails over this section. SECTION 3. Amends Section 302.002(a), Labor Code, to delete a provision requiring the executive director of the division, among other responsibilities, to support research and demonstration projects designed to develop new programs and approaches to service delivery. SECTION 4. Amends Chapter 302A, Labor Code, by adding Section 302.003, as follows: Sec. 302.003. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIVISION AND COUNCIL ON WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS. Provides that the division is subject to the general responsibilities set forth in Section 2308.107, Government Code. SECTION 5. Amends Chapter 302C, Labor Code, by adding Section 302.044, as follows: Sec. 302.044. GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS. Requires the division to annually provide to each local workforce development board planning guidelines. Sets forth the requirements for the annual planning guidelines. SECTION 6. (a) Provides that Section 2308.002, Government Code, conforms to changes made in the law by Section 11.11, Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, relating to Section 1.04, Article 5190.7a, V.T.C.S. (Workforce and Economic Competitiveness Act). (b) Repealer: Section 11.11, Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995. (c) Provides that this Act prevails over any other Act of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, relating to nonsubstantive changes in the enacted codes. SECTION 7. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 8. Emergency clause.