SRC-AMY, TJG S.B. 112 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 112 78R1415 BDH-DBy: Van de Putte Education 2/21/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the Texas education system prepares students well for a secondary degree, however, many students to not attend college or university, or attend but do not graduate with a secondary degree. The focus on preparation for a secondary education prevents students from entering directly into the workforce prepared for today's job market, including high-wage, technical jobs. As proposed, S.B. 112 creates the Career and Technology Education Advisory Board to help the Texas Education Agency develop a statewide plan for career and technology education, and expands the role of business and industry representatives in district and planning committees. S.B. 112 also allows for partnerships between wealthy and poor districts to serve multiple areas, for school boards to recognize students' achievement in career and technology programs, and for incentives for businesses' participation in the programs. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 11.251(b), Education Code, by including business and industry representatives in the list referring to groups which are required to be represented on committees relating to career and technology education and training. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 29F, Education Code, by adding Section 29.1821, as follows: Sec. 29.1821. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD. (a) Provides that the Career and Technology Education Advisory Board (board) consists of nine members appointed by the commissioner of education. (b) Requires the board to include certain persons. (c) Provides that a member of the board serves at the pleasure of the commissioner. (d) Prohibits a member of the board from receiving compensation or reimbursement. (e) Requires the board to take certain actions to assist the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and school districts. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 29F, Education Code, by adding Section 29.187, as follows: Sec 29.187. AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION; PROGRAM. (a) Authorizes the board of trustees of a school district, in addition to the authority granted under Section 29.183 (Career and Technology and other Education Programs), to develop and offer a program under which a student may receive specific education in a career and technology profession which meets certain criteria and obtain an award, from a school district, for distinguished achievement in career and technology education and a stamp or other notation on the student's transcript that indicates receipt of the award. (b) Provides that an award granted under this section is not in lieu of a diploma or certificate of coursework completion issued under Section 28.025 (High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic). (c) Requires a board of trustees of a school district, in developing a program under this section, to consider the state plan for career and technology education required under Section 29.182 (State Plan for Career and Technology Education). (d) Authorizes a board of trustees of a school district to contract with an entity listed in Section 29.184(a) for assistance in developing the program or providing instruction to district students participating in the program. (e) Authorizes a board of trustees of a school district to also contract with a local business or a local institution of higher education for assistance in developing or operating a program under this section. Authorizes a program to provide education in areas of technology unique to the local area. (f) Authorizes a board of trustees of a school district to provide insurance to protect a business that contracts with the district under Subsection (e) against liability for a bodily injury sustained by or the death of a district student while working for the business as part of a program established under this section. Requires the board to notify the parent or guardian of each student working for a business if the board provides insurance to the business under this subsection. Requires the amount of insurance the district provides to be reasonable considering the financial condition of the district. Requires the insurance to meet certain requirements regarding the insurer and submission. (g) Requires a board of trustees of a school district to submit a proposed program under this section to the commissioner of education in accordance with criteria established by the commissioner. SECTION 4. Amends Chapter 29F, Education Code, by adding Section 29.188, as follows: Sec. 29.188. RECOGNITION OF SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM. Provides that the governor is encouraged to present a proclamation or certificate to each member of the business and industry community that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in cooperation with the TEA, determines has successfully assisted in the provision of a career and technology education program under this subchapter. SECTION 5. Makes a conforming change to Section 41.123, Education Code, regarding Section 41.125, Education Code. SECTION 6. Amends Chapter 41E, Education Code, by adding Section 41.125, as follows: Sec. 42.125. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) Authorizes the board of trustees of a school district with a wealth per student that exceeds the equalized level to reduce the district's wealth per student by executing an agreement to provide students of one or more other districts with career and technology education through a program designated as an area program for career and technology education. (b) Provides that the agreement is not effective unless the commissioner certifies certain requirements. (c) Requires a board of trustees of a school district to obtain voter approval of the agreement in the manner provided by Section 41.122 (Equalized Wealth: Voter Approval), except that the ballot is required to be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition. SECTION 7. Amends Section 61.077(b), Education Code, by requiring the Joint Advisory Committee (committee) to cooperate with the board, the commissioner of higher education, and the State Board of Education, when it acts as the State Board for Career and Technology Education on certain issues. Makes a nonsubstantive change. SECTION 8. Amends Chapter 301D, Labor Code, by adding Section 301.0611, as follows: Sec. 301.0611. COORDINATION OF CERTAIN AWARDS AND INCENTIVES. Requires the TWC, the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas, and the Texas Higher Education Agency (THEA) to prepare and make available to the public a list of all awards and incentives available for business participation in certain activities regarding a career and technology education program. SECTION 9. Provides that it is the intent of the legislature that public schools provide career and technology education by teaching fundamental academic skills and providing practical, hands-on learning experiences in order to prepare students for postsecondary educational opportunities and highskill, high-wage employment opportunities and should not include mandatory career-tracking for students or result in professional certification instead of receipt of a high school diploma. SECTION 10. Provides that this Act takes effect September 1, 2003, except that Sections 1 and 3 take effect immediately and apply beginning with the 2003-2004 school year if this Act recieves a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. Provides that if this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, Sections 1 and 3 take effect September 1, 2003.