SRC-ARR S.B. 231 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 231
76R2587 JMM-DBy: Ellis
Economic Development
3/16/1999
As Filed


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 proposed, 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.