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.