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.