By:  Zaffirini                                                            S.B. No. 66



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to addressing the transportation needs of certain 
recipients of financial assistance.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is 
amended by adding Sections 302.0036 and 302.0037 to read as 
follows:
	Sec. 302.0036.  TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE.  (a)  To the 
extent funds are available, the commission and local workforce 
development boards shall provide transportation assistance to 
recipients of financial assistance participating in employment 
programs under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, that enables the 
recipients to maintain a stable work history and attain financial 
stability and self-sufficiency.
	(b)  The commission and local workforce development boards 
may provide the assistance described by Subsection (a) by 
implementing new initiatives or expanding existing initiatives 
that provide transportation assistance to recipients of financial 
assistance for whom transportation is a barrier to employment.
	Sec. 302.0037.  MAXIMIZING FEDERAL FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION 
ASSISTANCE.  (a)  The commission and local workforce development 
boards shall maximize the state's receipt of federal funds 
available to provide transportation assistance to recipients of 
financial assistance participating in employment programs under 
Chapter 31, Human Resources Code.
	(b)  The commission and local workforce development boards 
may, within any applicable appropriation limits, take any action 
required by federal law to receive federal funds to provide 
transportation assistance.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.