78R7331 DRH-D

By:  Guillen                                                      H.B. No. 3279



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use economic 
development funds to provide educational and job training 
opportunities.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 380, Local Government Code, is amended 
by adding Section 380.004 to read as follows:
	Sec. 380.004.  EDUCATIONAL AND JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.  
(a)  This section applies only to a municipality located in a county 
with a population of less than 1.8 million.
	(b)  In addition to any other economic planning and 
development program authorized by this subtitle, a municipality may 
also provide for the establishment, administration, and support of:
		(1)  long-term job training programs, including 
in-training support service grants;
		(2)  college scholarship programs for local public high 
school students;
		(3)  after school programs of learning and enrichment 
activities for local public elementary and middle school students;
		(4)  early childhood development programs, including a 
program to assist in life skills education; and
		(5)  comprehensive literacy programs, including 
accelerated programs and programs that serve the local community.
	(c)  A municipality by ordinance shall establish criteria 
for the award of funds for a program established under this section.
	(d)  In establishing a program, a municipality shall 
describe the public purpose for the program and how the program will 
promote state or local economic development or stimulate business 
or commercial activity in the municipality.
	(e)  Funds or any method of funding that may be used for 
another program in this subtitle may also be used for a program 
administered under this section.
	(f)  Funds or any method of funding that may be used to build 
a venue under Chapter 334 or 335 or that have been used under 
another law to build an arena, coliseum, stadium, or other similar 
facility may also be used for a program administered under this 
section.
	SECTION 2.  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.