By: Burkett H.B. No. 1606
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Workforce
  Investment Council, including assumption of the duties of the Texas
  Skill Standards Board.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 2308.005, Government Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 2308.005.  APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas
  Workforce Investment Council is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas
  Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that
  chapter, the council is abolished September 1, 2027 [2015].  The
  council shall be reviewed during the period in which the Texas
  Workforce Commission is reviewed.
         SECTION 2.   Subchapter C, Chapter 2308, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 2308.109 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2308.109.  DUTY TO DEVELOP SKILL STANDARDS.  (a) The
  council shall provide advice to the governor and the legislature on
  the development of a statewide system of industry-defined and
  industry-recognized skill standards and credentials for all major
  skilled occupations that:
               (1)  provide strong employment and earnings
  opportunities in this state; and
               (2)  require less than a baccalaureate degree.
         (b)  The council shall:
               (1)  validate and recognize nationally established
  skill standards to guide curriculum development, training,
  assessment, and certification of workforce skills;
               (2)  convene industry groups to develop skill standards
  and certification procedures for industries and occupations in
  which standards have not been established or adopted and recognize
  the skill standards and certification procedures;
               (3)  review the standards developed by other states and
  foreign countries and enter into agreements for mutual recognition
  of standards and credentials to enhance portability of skills; and
               (4)  promote the use of standards and credentials among
  employers.
         (c)  The council shall:
               (1)  report on the council's duties under this section
  to the governor; and
               (2)  provide annual reports on the council's duties
  under this section to the governor, the division, and the
  legislature.
         SECTION 3.  Subchapter H, Chapter 2308, Government Code, is
  repealed.
         SECTION 4.  The Texas Skill Standards Board is abolished.
  All powers and duties of the Texas Skill Standards Board are
  transferred to the Texas Workforce Investment Council.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.