BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2074
86R4395 KJE-D	By: Paxton
	Education
	4/18/2019
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Career and Technology Education (CTE) provides the technical knowledge and skills that are aligned with academic standards needed to prepare individuals for further education and careers in current or emerging professions. Research suggest that participating in CTE programs have improved student academic outcomes. CTE at the high school level introduces students to middle-skills opportunities, but industry exposure will further encourage students to pursue these careers. Gaining postsecondary technical credentials for middle-skill occupations can substantially increase average annual wages.

 

Currently under Section 42.154, Education Code, districts are eligible to receive "weighted" 35 percent funding for eligible full-time equivalent students in approved CTE programs, and $50/FTE students enrolled in 2-plus CTE courses (plus federal funding through Perkins). Thus, there already exists the infrastructure for additional funding for districts that participate in CTE programs.  Accordingly, Section 42.154, Education Code, can allow districts to use part/all of their CTE allotment to offset business' cost for employing paid interns�enabling students to gain hands-on experience.

 

S.B. 2074 amends the Education Code by adding Section 29.1871 to permit school districts to contract with private employers to reimburse the employer for all or part of the cost of providing a paid internship or similar program to a student participating in a career and technology education program for the district. S.B. 2074 further amends Section 42.154, Education Code, to allow school districts to use funds allocated to the district for career and technology education as provided under Section 29.1871 (weighted funding). 

 

As proposed, S.B. 2074 amends current law relating to authorizing school districts to reimburse under the Foundation School Program private employers for paid internships provided to certain students in career and technology education programs in the district.

 

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 F, Chapter 29, Education Code, by adding Section 29.1871, as follows:

 

Sec. 29.1871. CONTRACT TO REIMBURSE FOR PAID INTERNSHIP. (a) Authorizes a school district, to encourage private employers to participate with school districts in providing career and technology education to assist students in developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for a broad range of career opportunities, to contract with a private employer to reimburse the employer for all or part of the cost of providing a paid internship or similar program to a student participating in a career and technology education program in the district.

 

(b) Requires a contract described by Subsection (a) to:

 

(1) require the private employer to provide to the school district's student a paid internship or similar program that primarily promotes a public purpose of the district relating to career and technology education; and

 

(2) include provisions under which the school district is granted sufficient control to ensure that the public purpose under Subdivision (1) is accomplished and the district receives the return benefit.

 

(c) Authorizes the school district, in reimbursing a private employer under a contract under Subsection (a), to use funds allocated to the district for career and technology education under Section 42.154 (Career and Technology Education Allotment).

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 42.154(c), Education Code, as follows:

 

(c) Requires funds allocated under this section (Career and Technology Education Allotment), other than an indirect cost allotment established under State Board of Education rule, to be used:

 

(1) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change; or

 

(2) to reimburse private employers for providing paid internships or similar programs to students in career and technology education programs as provided by Section 29.1871.

 

SECTION 3. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2019�2020 school year.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.