85R6084 KSD-D
 
  By: Miles S.B. No. 574
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the expansion of applied workforce learning
  opportunities in this state, including through the establishment of
  the Texas Industry Internship Challenge.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is
  amended by adding Section 302.0028 to read as follows:
         Sec. 302.0028.  APPLIED WORKFORCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES;
  TEXAS INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP CHALLENGE.  (a)  The commission, in
  partnership with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher
  Education Coordinating Board, shall develop and implement
  strategies to:
               (1)  significantly increase the number of, and
  participation by students in, applied workforce learning
  opportunities, including paid internships, externships, and
  apprenticeships, offered by employers in high-demand industries
  and occupations to students enrolled in high schools or public or
  private institutions of higher education in this state, including
  opportunities offered during the summer; and
               (2)  facilitate the uniform award by high schools and
  public or private institutions of higher education of academic
  credit to students for the successful completion of those
  opportunities, where appropriate. 
         (b)  In carrying out its duties under Subsection (a), the
  commission shall establish the Texas Industry Internship Challenge
  under which the commission develops and administers a centralized
  electronic Internet portal through which, in a streamlined,
  responsive, and user-friendly manner:
               (1)  employers may post information regarding applied
  workforce learning opportunities described by Subsection (a); and
               (2)  students enrolled in high schools or public or
  private institutions of higher education in this state may access
  information regarding and apply for those opportunities.
         (c)  The commission, the commissioner of education, and the
  Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may adopt rules as
  necessary for the administration of 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, 2017.