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.