Amend CSSB 560 by adding a new appropriately numbered section
to read as follows and renumbering subsequent sections
appropriately:
      SECTION ____.  Subchapter F, Chapter 52, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 52.256 to read as follows:
      Sec. 52.256.  PLAN AND REPORT OF WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND
OTHER BUSINESS PRACTICES.  (a)  In this section, "small business"
and "historically underutilized business" have the meanings
assigned by Section 481.191, Government Code.
      (b)  Before January 1, 2000, each telecommunications utility
shall develop and submit to the commission a comprehensive
five-year plan to enhance diversity of its workforce in all
occupational categories and for increasing opportunities for small
and historically underutilized businesses.  The plan must consist
of:
            (1)  the telecommunications utility's performance with
regard to workforce diversity and contracting with small and
historically underutilized businesses;
            (2)  initiatives that the telecommunications utility
will pursue in these areas over the period of the plan;
            (3)  a listing of programs and activities the
telecommunications utility  will undertake to achieve each of these
initiatives; and
            (4)  a listing of the business partnership initiatives
the telecommunications utility  will undertake to facilitate small
and historically underutilized business entry into the
telecommunications market, taking into account opportunities for
contracting and joint ventures.
      (c)  Each telecommunications utility  shall submit an annual
report to the commission and the legislature relating to its
efforts to improve workforce diversity and contracting
opportunities for small and historically underutilized businesses.
The report must include:
            (1)  the diversity of the telecommunications utility's
workforce as of the time of the report;
            (2)  the telecommunications utility's  level of
contracting with small and historically underutilized businesses;
            (3)  the specific progress made under the plan under
Subsection (b);
            (4)  the specific initiatives, programs, and activities
undertaken under the plan during the preceding year;
            (5)  an assessment of the success of each of those
initiatives, programs, and activities;
            (6)  the extent to which the telecommunications utility
has carried out its initiatives to facilitate opportunities for
contracts or joint ventures with small and historically
underutilized businesses; and
            (7)  the initiatives, programs, and activities the
telecommunications utility  will pursue during the next year to
increase the diversity of its workforce and contracting
opportunities for small and historically underutilized businesses.