SRC-JEC H.B. 2975 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2975 78R9576 KSD-DBy: Chavez (Lucio) International Relations and Trade 5/10/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The 77th Texas Legislature authorized the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to establish a technology training pilot program to assist workers displaced by international trade or other state economic programs. The pilot program, implemented in El Paso County, focused on computer-related jobs and developed a successful curriculum. H.B. 2975 authorizes TWC to establish a pilot program using the curriculum developed for the El Paso program for workers along the Texas-Mexico border region. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Workforce Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 301.0675, Labor Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 301, Labor Code, by adding Section 301.0675, as follows: Sec. 301.0675. PILOT PROGRAM; TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER REGION TECHNOLOGY TRAINING. (a) Defines "Texas-Mexico border region." (b) Authorizes the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) by rule to establish and implement a pilot program in the Texas-Mexico border region under which TWC is authorized to competitively procure adult technology training for residents of the state who are workers displaced as a result of the trade dislocations or other changes in the state economy. (c) Authorizes TWC, if it establishes a pilot program under this section, to use certain resources, obtain certain funds, and collaborate with certain entities. (d) Requires TWC, not later than December 1, of each even-numbered year, to submit to certain state officials a report regarding the status and results of a pilot program established under this section. (e) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2007. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.