H.B. 3179 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3179
By: Homer
Economic Development
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law establishing local workforce boards sets out several
requirements, among them are  methods for selecting private sector board
members and requirements that the Texas Workforce Commission give prior
approval for local initiatives and demonstration projects.  However, this
is contrary to TWC policy of giving boards the maximum amount of local
control, and in some instances, interfere contradict other portions of
existing law.  HB 3179 would clean-up these inconsistencies and allow for
more local control.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

HB 3179 amends the Government Code to remove the requirement that
nominations for private sector representatives must be not less than 150
percent of the number of individuals to be appointed. 

HB 3179 amends the Government Code to repeal Sections  2308.3036 and
2308.3038, which require TWC's prior approval for local  demonstration
projects and TANF programs, and Section 2308.3037 which establish a
special fund for demonstration projects under Section 2308.3036.  The bill
transfers all unobligated and unexpended balances in fund created under
this fund to the general revenue fund. 

HB 3179 abolishes the local workforce development board demonstration
project program established under Section 2308.3036 of the Government Code
and transfers all unobligated and unexpended balances in the local
workforce development board demonstration project fund account created
under Section 2308.3037, Government Code, to the general revenue fund. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.