SRC-MAX S.B. 1712 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1712
By: Bivins
Education
4-3-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally
recognized state agency that has provided vocational and technical
training, continuing education, technical assistance, and technology
transfer services to public and private agencies, businesses, and
industries for more than 70 years.  In FY 1996, TEEX trained more than
128,000 people and worked with approximately 2,500 companies.  Unlike
community or technical colleges, TEEX does not provide degree programs but
primarily trains employed workers in customized training programs leading
to state certification. 

Recognizing that customized training would increase the supply of
well-trained workers and help statewide economic development efforts, the
74th Legislature established the Skills Development Fund under the Texas
Workforce Commission in 1995.  TEEX was not included in the provisions of
this fund.  This bill amends the Skills Development Fund statute to allow
the participation of TEEX. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1712 adds the Texas Engineering Extension Service to the
provisions of the Skills Development Fund. 

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 303.001(a), Labor Code, to provide that the
purpose of this chapter is to remove administrative barriers that impede
the response of public community and technical colleges and the Texas
Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to industry and workforce training
needs and to develop incentives for public community and technical
colleges and TEEX to provide customized assessment and training in a
timely and efficient manner. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 303.002(b), Labor Code, to make conforming and
nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 303.003, Labor Code, to require TEEX to focus
training efforts under this chapter on certain programs.  Makes a
conforming change. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 303.004, Labor Code, to make a conforming change.

SECTION 5. Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.