BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1355
86R10626 SOS-F	By: Powell
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/29/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 1355 would establish a Work-Based Learning Task Force within the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative. The task force would help the state execute the wider group's recommendations by advising the state on ways to:

� Increase the number of work-based learning opportunities through paid internships and apprenticeship programs;

� Remove barriers to growth standing in the way of these programs, particularly for small and mid-size companies, by addressing employer concerns regarding liability, staffing pipelines, training, and planning for strategic success;

� Provide guidance on aligning public and private funding; and

� Keep policymakers informed on the success of these initiatives through data collection and sharing.

Tri-agency members (the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Education Agency) would nominate their own representation. Each chamber of the Texas legislature and the Texas governor would have the opportunity to appoint additional task force members representing school districts/charter schools, institutions of higher education, and industry.

As proposed, S.B. 1355 amends current law relating to the establishment of the work-based learning task force.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 133, Education Code, by adding Section 133.010, as follows:

Sec. 133.010. WORK-BASED LEARNING TASK FORCE. (a) Defines "agency," "coordinating board," "institution of higher education," "open-enrollment charter school," "task force," and "work-based learning opportunity. "

(b) Provides that the work-based learning task force (task force) is established to develop strategies for expanding and improving the delivery of work-based learning opportunities in this state.

(c) Provides that the task force is composed of 18 members and sets forth the requirements for composition of the task force.

(d) Requires the members of the task force to select a presiding officer from among the membership.

(e) Requires the task force to meet at the call of the presiding officer.

(f) Provides that a member of the task force serves at the will of the member's appointing authority. Requires a vacancy on the task force to be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(g) Prohibits a member of the task force from receiving compensation for serving on the task force but entitles the member to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the task force as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

(h) Requires the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to each provide necessary administrative and technical support for the activities of the task force.

(i) Authorizes the task force to solicit gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for use in carrying out the task force's duties under this section.

(j) Requires the task force to develop certain program recommendations and to develop certain critical guidance for local sector or industry partnerships on how to serve as intermediaries facilitating work-based learning opportunities.

(k) Requires the task force, in carrying out its duties under this section, to consult with stakeholders, including young adults participating in work-based learning opportunities.

(l) Requires the task force, not later than December 1, 2020, to submit a written report to the legislature, TWC, THECB, and TEA that includes:

(1) the task force's findings;

(2) a summary of the stakeholder input received by the task force;

(3) recommendations for legislative or other action and proposed legislation; and

(4) a statement regarding the feasibility of the task force's recommendations.

(m) Provides that the task force is abolished and this section expires September 1, 2021.

SECTION 2. Requires the appropriate persons, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to appoint the members of the task force created by Section 133.010, Education Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2019.