SRC-JBJ H.B. 1418 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1418
By: Seaman (Armbrister)
Education
5/11/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, a school district is not authorized to establish a career and
technology certificate for students who pass a career and technology
program.  Although student enrollment in trade and industrial courses has
increased 39 percent over the past five years, many districts are
decreasing or eliminating budget for career and technology programs.
However, some districts want to establish programs that would emphasize
career and technology professions and to establish partnerships with
businesses and other agencies in the development of local programs.  H.B.
1418 would allow the board of trustees of a school district to establish a
career and technology certificate to recognize students who pass a career
and technology program established by the districts.  The certificate would
be issued in addition to a high school diploma. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1418 establishes a career and technology certificate in
schools. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Education Agency in SECTION1
(Section 29.187(e), Education Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 29F, Education Code, by adding Section 29.187,
as follows: 

Sec. 29.187.  DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AND CERTIFICATE.
Authorizes the board of trustees of a school district (board ) to develop
and offer a program regarding technology professions, including
certification in the program. Requires the board  to consider the state
plan for career and technology education required under Section 29.182.
Authorizes the board to contract with an entity listed in Section 29.184(a)
for assistance in developing the program or providing instruction to
district students participating in the program.  Authorizes the board to
also contract with a local business or local workforce development board
for assistance in developing or operating the program that may provide
training in areas of technology unique to the local area.  Authorizes the
board to provide insurance to protect a business that contracts with the
district under Subsection (c) against liability for certain injuries or
death.  Requires the amount of insurance to be reasonable considering the
financial conditions of the district.  Sets forth requirements for the
insurance. Requires the board to submit a proposed program to the Texas
Education Agency (agency) in accordance with criteria established by agency
rule.  

SECTION 2.  Requires the Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness
(council), in cooperation with the agency and the Texas Workforce
Commission (commission) to conduct a study to determine the effectiveness
of career and technology education programs in improving the academic and
professional success of students and school dropouts.  Sets forth the
criteria and methodology of the study.  Requires the council, the agency,
and the commission, to submit a report of the results to certain state
executives by December 1, 2000. 

SECTION 3.  (a)  Provides that Section 29.187, Education Code, applies
beginning with the 200-2001 school year. 

 (b)  Effective date for SECTION 2:  immediately.
 
SECTION 4.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.