SRC-AAA S.B. 1492 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1492 By: Ellis Finance 4-4-97 As Filed DIGEST The federal Personal Responsibility and Reconciliation Act of 1996 requires states to provide 20 hours of work activities for 25 percent of their public assistance recipients in fiscal year 1997. In five years states must have 50 percent of welfare recipients working at least 30 hours a week. This bill establishes the self-sufficiency fund to support training programs and other employment services for recipients of public assistance; provides that job retention assistance is a support service under Section 31.010, Human Resource Code; and sets out performance measures for work skills and job readiness training programs administered. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1492 establishes the self-sufficiency fund to support training programs and other employment services for recipients of public assistance; provides that job retention assistance is a support service under Section 31.010, Human Resource Code; and sets out performance measures for work skills and job readiness training programs administered. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1.01. Amends Chapter 303, Labor Code, by adding Section 303.005, as follows: Sec. 303.005. SELF-SUFFICIENCY FUND. Creates the self-sufficiency fund (fund). Sets forth the use of the fund. Provides that certain persons are responsible for distribution of the fund. Requires the executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission to establish certain criteria. Authorizes the funds to be used for support services for recipients participating in training activities. Sets forth the intent of the legislature. SECTION 2.01. Amends Section 31.010, Human Resource Code, to provide that support services include job retention assistance. Requires the Department of Human Services to take certain actions. SECTION 3.01. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3.02. Emergency clause.