SRC-SEW H.B. 2593 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2593 By: Chavez (Shapleigh) Business & Commerce 5/9/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The U.S. Senate passed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on November 20, 1993. NAFTA went into effect January 1, 1994, establishing free and open trading borders between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This agreement was designed to change the nature of trade among its partners, creating U.S. jobs and increasing import-export activity. With the increasing impact of NAFTA and other changes in the state economy, the Texas job market is shifting toward high tech positions requiring a skilled labor force. According to the Texas Workforce Commission's Texas Labor Market Review, the demand for computer-related occupations will continue to increase as a result of the advances in computer technology and the continuing demand for new computer applications. Workers skilled in computer technology will continue to be needed across all industries. H.B. 2593 requires the Texas Workforce Commission to establish and implement a pilot program for technology training for certain persons. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Workforce Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 301.0674, Labor Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 301D, Labor Code, by adding Section 301.0674, as follows: Sec. 301.0674. PILOT PROGRAM: TECHNOLOGY TRAINING. Authorizes the Texas Workforce Commission (commission) by rule to establish and implement a pilot program under which the commission is authorized to provide or, through competitive grants, contract with other persons to provide adult technology training for certain residents of the state. Authorizes the pilot program under this section to be established to provide training in certain communities. Authorizes the commission to obtain funds for the pilot program under this section, to the extent possible, from certain entities. Requires the commission, not later than December 1 of each year, to submit a report to the governor and the members of the legislature regarding the status and results of the pilot program. Provides that this section expires September 1, 2005. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.