By:  Villarreal, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Shapeigh)               H.B. No. 453
	(In the Senate - Received from the House May 5, 2003; 
May 7, 2003, read first time and referred to Committee on Business 
and Commerce; May 23, 2003, reported favorably by the following 
vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 23, 2003, sent to printer.)


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT


relating to a pilot program for early childhood teacher education 
and retention.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.   The heading to Section 302.0055, Labor Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 302.0055.  [T.E.A.C.H.] PILOT PROGRAM.                   
	SECTION 2.  Sections 302.0055(a) and (e), Labor Code, are 
amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The commission shall establish a pilot program [, to be 
known as the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) 
pilot program,] to assist teachers in retaining employment in the 
field of child care.  In establishing and administering the 
program, the commission may consult with nationally recognized [any 
other] early childhood teacher pilot programs [program].
	(e)  Not later than December 1 of each year, the commission 
shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature regarding 
the status and results of the [T.E.A.C.H.] pilot program.
	SECTION 3.   This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.



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