SRC-MAX C.S.S.B. 1712 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1712 By: Bivins Education 4-3-97 Committee Report (Substituted) 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, C.S.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, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (f) and (g), to require TEEX to focus training efforts under this chapter on certain programs. Provides that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit TEEX from participating in a consortium of junior college districts that provides training under this chapter. 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. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 3. Amends Section 303.003, Labor Code, to delete a provision requiring TEEX to focus training efforts on programs that cover more than one community college district. Adds Subsection (g) to provide that nothing in the section shall prohibit TEEX form participating in a consortium of junior college districts that provides training under this chapter.