SRC-ARR S.B. 231 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 231 By: Ellis Economic Development 6/28/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, Texas faces a workforce shortage and skills gap that will put Texas behind other states in economic and technological competitiveness. Technology is the economic force driving Texas' economy, but more technology workers are needed to continue growth. S.B. 231 requires the Texas Workforce Commission to begin a marketing and information program to encourage more Texans, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and persons with disabilities to enter technology industries. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 231 requires the Texas Workforce Commission to develop a statewide campaign to encourage persons to enter the technology workforce. 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 Chapter 302A, Labor Code, by adding Section 302.008, as follows: Sec. 302.008. STATEWIDE TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE CAMPAIGN. Requires the Texas Workforce Commission to develop an information and marketing campaign designed to encourage residents of the state to enter the technology workforce. Requires the campaign to target populations that are traditionally economically disadvantaged and underrepresented in the technology workforce. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.