SRC-JBJ S.B. 1819 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1819 By: Luna Economic Development 5/5/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, community colleges and technical colleges forecast workforce needs, in order to properly program future educational programs and training. A database could pool together information the colleges routinely utilize to create those forecasts. However, prior to the implementation of the database, a methodology must be developed to properly use existing data as a base to forecast technical education. S.B. 1819 would require the board of regents of the Texas State Technical College System to develop a methodology for using existing data as a base to forecast technical education programs. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1819 requires the board of regents of the Texas State Technical College System to develop a methodology for using existing data as a base to forecast technical education programs. 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 135C, Education Code, by adding Section 135.61, as follows: Sec. 135.61. FORECASTING TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM NEEDS. Requires the board of regents of the Texas State Technical College System (board) to develop and administer a program to forecast the types of technical education programs and technological competitiveness. Requires the program to review the state's business and industry workforce needs for trained and educated workers and suggest specific technical education programs in specific areas that are needed to ensure or that would enhance the state's economic and technological competitiveness. Requires the board to recommend the creation of new technical education programs or new methods of delivering technical education programs. Requires the board to provide information and recommendations developed under the program to certain institutions of higher education. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.