By Solis H.B. No. 2327 77R5972 JMM-D 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 commission and 1-9 board employees regarding the collection and analysis of data in 1-10 the commission's reporting and information system for performance 1-11 reports. 1-12 SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended 1-13 by adding Sections 302.044, 302.045, and 302.046 to read as 1-14 follows: 1-15 Sec. 302.044. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES. The commission shall 1-16 require that local workforce development boards participate in 1-17 outreach activities provided by the commission that are designed by 1-18 the commission to allow board members and employees to become more 1-19 proficient in the administration and operation of local workforce 1-20 development activities. The commission shall adopt policies 1-21 establishing the number of outreach activities in which a board is 1-22 required to participate. 1-23 Sec. 302.045. SANCTIONS PLAN. The commission shall adopt a 1-24 detailed and understandable plan to be used by local workforce 2-1 development boards in the implementation of the sanction process. 2-2 The plan adopted under this section must include: 2-3 (1) a requirement that the commission provide 2-4 technical assistance to the boards in avoiding or responding to 2-5 sanctions; and 2-6 (2) specific provisions regarding the time in which a 2-7 board is to be allowed to address concerns and improve the board's 2-8 performance. 2-9 Sec. 302.046. PLAN REGARDING LACK OF SERVICE PROVIDERS. (a) 2-10 The commission shall adopt a plan to address the lack of service 2-11 providers in specific local workforce development areas. 2-12 (b) The plan adopted under this section must include 2-13 provisions: 2-14 (1) for offering incentives to attract exceptional 2-15 service providers and to encourage these providers to cooperate and 2-16 assist in improving the practices of other providers; 2-17 (2) relating to the imposition of sanctions by a board 2-18 against a service provider; and 2-19 (3) requiring, under certain circumstances, the 2-20 commission to assist in providing services until a provider is 2-21 designated. 2-22 SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended 2-23 by adding Section 302.064 to read as follows: 2-24 Sec. 302.064. COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL BOARDS. (a) The 2-25 commission shall collaborate with local workforce development 2-26 boards when determining the use of funds at the local level. 2-27 (b) The commission shall develop funding guidelines and 3-1 strategies allowing boards to exercise flexibility in identifying 3-2 and addressing the needs of persons who live in remote areas or who 3-3 face other barriers to employment. 3-4 SECTION 4. (a) This Act takes effect September 1, 2001. 3-5 (b) The Texas Workforce Commission shall evaluate and 3-6 adjust, if necessary, the use of the commission's full-time 3-7 employees in providing assistance to local workforce development 3-8 boards. In attempting to provide more assistance to local boards, 3-9 the commission shall emphasize providing assistance in performance 3-10 measurement, financial management, child care services, and 3-11 contract management. 3-12 (c) The Texas Workforce Commission and the Legislative 3-13 Budget Board shall review and, if necessary, adjust the performance 3-14 measurements used for local workforce development boards so that 3-15 the measurements do not hinder the ability of the boards to perform 3-16 their duties. The performance measurements must be directed to 3-17 encourage the boards to assist clients in attaining sustainable 3-18 employment with wages that promote self-sufficiency for clients and 3-19 their families. 3-20 COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO. 1 3-21 Amend H.B. 2327 by striking "and commission" on page 1, line 3-22 8. 3-23 Solis