By Solis H.B. No. 2327
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the operation, funding, and assessment of local
1-3 workforce development boards.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. Section 302.043, Labor Code, is amended by adding
1-6 Subsection (d) to read as follows:
1-7 (d) The training under this section must include training
1-8 for local workforce development board members and board employees
1-9 regarding the collection and analysis of data in the commission's
1-10 reporting and information system for performance reports.
1-11 SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended
1-12 by adding Sections 302.044, 302.045, and 302.046 to read as
1-13 follows:
1-14 Sec. 302.044. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES. The commission shall
1-15 require that local workforce development boards participate in
1-16 outreach activities provided by the commission that are designed by
1-17 the commission to allow board members and employees to become more
1-18 proficient in the administration and operation of local workforce
1-19 development activities. The commission shall adopt policies
1-20 establishing the number of outreach activities in which a board is
1-21 required to participate.
1-22 Sec. 302.045. SANCTIONS PLAN. The commission shall adopt a
1-23 detailed and understandable plan to be used by local workforce
1-24 development boards in the implementation of the sanction process.
2-1 The plan adopted under this section must include:
2-2 (1) a requirement that the commission provide
2-3 technical assistance to the boards in avoiding or responding to
2-4 sanctions; and
2-5 (2) specific provisions regarding the time in which a
2-6 board is to be allowed to address concerns and improve the board's
2-7 performance.
2-8 Sec. 302.046. PLAN REGARDING LACK OF SERVICE PROVIDERS. (a)
2-9 The commission shall adopt a plan to address the lack of service
2-10 providers in specific local workforce development areas.
2-11 (b) The plan adopted under this section must include
2-12 provisions:
2-13 (1) for offering incentives to attract exceptional
2-14 service providers and to encourage those providers to cooperate and
2-15 assist in improving the practices of other providers;
2-16 (2) relating to the imposition of sanctions by a board
2-17 against a service provider; and
2-18 (3) requiring, under certain circumstances, the
2-19 commission to assist in providing services until a provider is
2-20 designated.
2-21 SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended
2-22 by adding Section 302.064 to read as follows:
2-23 Sec. 302.064. COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL BOARDS. (a) The
2-24 commission shall collaborate with local workforce development
2-25 boards when determining the use of funds at the local level.
2-26 (b) The commission shall develop funding guidelines and
2-27 strategies allowing boards to exercise flexibility in identifying
3-1 and addressing the needs of persons who live in remote areas or who
3-2 face other barriers to employment.
3-3 SECTION 4. (a) This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
3-4 (b) The Texas Workforce Commission shall evaluate and
3-5 adjust, if necessary, the use of the commission's full-time
3-6 employees in providing assistance to local workforce development
3-7 boards. In attempting to provide more assistance to local boards,
3-8 the commission shall emphasize providing assistance in performance
3-9 measurement, financial management, child-care services, and
3-10 contract management.
3-11 (c) The Texas Workforce Commission and the Legislative
3-12 Budget Board shall review and, if necessary, adjust the performance
3-13 measurements used for local workforce development boards so that
3-14 the measurements do not hinder the ability of the boards to perform
3-15 their duties. The performance measurements must be directed to
3-16 encourage the boards to assist clients in attaining sustainable
3-17 employment with wages that promote self-sufficiency for clients and
3-18 their families.