81R25695 KSD-D
 
  By: Strama H.B. No. 4328
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 4328:
 
  By:  Strama C.S.H.B. No. 4328
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of the Interagency Literacy Council
  for the study, promotion, and enhancement of literacy in this
  state.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle B, Title 4, Labor Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 312 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 312.  INTERAGENCY LITERACY COUNCIL
         Sec. 312.001.  DEFINITION. In this chapter, "council" means
  the Interagency Literacy Council established under this chapter.
         Sec. 312.002.  APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT.  The Interagency
  Literacy Council is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas
  Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that
  chapter, the council is abolished and this chapter expires
  September 1, 2019.
         Sec. 312.003.  ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION.  (a)  The
  commission shall establish the Interagency Literacy Council. The
  council is composed of nine members as follows:
               (1)  a representative of the commission, appointed by
  the executive director;
               (2)  a representative of the Texas Education Agency,
  appointed by the commissioner of education;
               (3)  a representative of the Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board, appointed by the commissioner of higher
  education; and
               (4)  six public members who are leaders of the business
  or nonprofit community engaged in literacy promotion efforts,
  appointed by the executive director of the commission.
         (b)  The representative appointed under Subsection (a)(1)
  shall serve as the presiding officer of the council.
         Sec. 312.004.  COMMISSION DUTIES. The commission shall
  provide staff and resources as necessary for the operation of the
  council.
         Sec. 312.005.  TERMS; VACANCY. (a) Members of the council
  serve two-year terms, with the terms expiring February 1 of each
  odd-numbered year.
         (b)  A member may be reappointed.
         (c)  A vacancy on the council shall be filled for the
  remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as provided by
  Section 312.003(a).
         Sec. 312.006.  MEETINGS.  (a) The council shall meet in
  person at least three times each year and may hold meetings by
  conference call if necessary. The council shall invite
  stakeholders to participate in at least one council meeting each
  year and provide an opportunity for submission of oral or written
  testimony.
         (b)  Section 551.125, Government Code, applies to a meeting
  held by conference call under this section, except that Section
  551.125(b), Government Code, does not apply.
         Sec. 312.007.  COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. (a) A member
  of the council may not receive compensation for service on the
  council.
         (b)  A public member may be reimbursed for the member's
  actual and necessary expenses for meals, lodging, transportation,
  and incidental expenses incurred while performing council
  business, subject to any applicable limitation on reimbursement
  prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.
         Sec. 312.008.  COUNCIL POWERS AND DUTIES. The council
  shall:
               (1)  study current research to assess the adult
  literacy needs in this state, including literacy needs relating to
  business and finance, workforce and technology, civics, and health
  and wellness;
               (2)  consult with key stakeholders to identify:
                     (A)  barriers to improving literacy; and
                     (B)  evidence-based best practices for improving
  literacy;
               (3)  review the status of the programs and services
  administered by each agency or entity represented on the council
  that promote literacy in an effort to coordinate efforts, align
  services, reduce redundancies, implement best practices, integrate
  support services, and improve accountability;
               (4)  build existing funding streams and identify
  additional state and federal funding sources available for the
  promotion of literacy in this state; and
               (5)  raise literacy awareness and engage community
  leaders in creative solution building for improving literacy in
  this state.
         Sec. 312.009.  STATEWIDE LITERACY PLAN; REPORT.  (a)  The
  council shall develop a comprehensive statewide action plan for the
  improvement of literacy in this state, including a recommended
  timeline for implementation.
         (b)  The council shall submit to both houses of the
  legislature, the governor, and the Texas Workforce Investment
  Council on or before November 1 of each even-numbered year a written
  report on:
               (1)  the development of the council's statewide action
  plan;
               (2)  the actions taken in furtherance of the plan;
               (3)  the areas that need improvement in implementing
  the plan;
               (4)  any change to the plan; and
               (5)  the programs and services that address literacy
  needs in this state.
         Sec. 312.010.  GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The commission
  may accept for the council a gift, grant, or donation from any
  source to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
         Sec. 312.011.  RULES. The commission may adopt rules
  necessary to implement this chapter.
         SECTION 2.  (a)  The Interagency Literacy Council shall
  submit the initial report required under Section 312.009(b), Labor
  Code, as added by this Act, not later than November 1, 2012.
         (b)  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
  Act, the designated appointing officials shall appoint the members
  to the Interagency Literacy Council established under Chapter 312,
  Labor Code, as added by this Act.
         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, 2009.