BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2038
	By: Rodr�guez
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	5/29/2019
	Enrolled

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, passed S.B. 2027, directing the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a joint study of occupational skills training programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). That study, released in December of 2018, highlighted some additional areas TWC should explore further, based on the S.B. 2027 external stakeholder workgroup�s recommendations.

 

Often, for adults with IDD, job searches are difficult. Individuals with IDD face many barriers to employment, sometimes lacking training or credentials, or other times having to overcome the biases of would-be employers. Ideally, individuals with IDD would be able to work in a setting of their choice while living in a setting of their choice and associating with people of their choosing, be they friends, family members, or colleagues. For many individuals with IDD, independent living is the preferred option: best for those individuals, for family members who may help care for them, and for the state, which often provides some level of services. Without question, the greatest way for these individuals to build an independent life is to find a satisfying job that pays a wage capable of supporting their lifestyle.

 

Even more often, individuals with IDD, their family members, and their advocates are not certain about potential career options. As recommended in the S.B. 2027 (85R) report, S.B. 2038 would direct TWC to examine high-demand industries that have jobs requiring a workforce credential and that would be feasible for individuals with IDD. Having some insight into in-demand employment options would provide a greater element of meaningful choice of employment for individuals with IDD. S.B. 2038 would also highlight some of the occupational skills training options most likely to lead to gainful employment upon completion and would direct TWC to include a list of all available funding sources for occupational skills training programs for individuals with IDD. This report would provide a roadmap toward training and careers that could serve as the basis for an independent, community-based lifestyle for these individuals. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

 

S.B. 2038 amends current law relating to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission regarding occupational skills training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

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 Subchapter B, Chapter 352, Labor Code, by adding Section 352.060, as follows:

 

Sec. 352.060. REPORT REGARDING OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. (a) Requires the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to prepare a report that identifies:

 

(1) potential funding sources for occupational skills training programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and

 

(2) specific occupations in high-demand industries in this state for which a postsecondary certification, occupational license, or other workforce credential is required and that may be appropriate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

(b) Requires TWC, not later than November 1, 2020, to:

 

(1) publish the report in a prominent location on TWC's Internet website; and

 

(2) submit a copy of the report to each legislative standing committee with jurisdiction over workforce development or vocational rehabilitative services.

 

(c) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2021.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.