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.