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.