By: Powell, Zaffirini S.B. No. 1355

(In the Senate - Filed February 28, 2019; March 7, 2019, read first time and referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development; May 9, 2019, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 0; May 9, 2019, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of the work-based learning task force.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 133, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 133.010 to read as follows:

Sec. 133.010. WORK-BASED LEARNING TASK FORCE. (a) In this section:

(1) "Agency" means the Texas Education Agency.

(2) "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(3) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.

(4) "Open-enrollment charter school" has the meaning assigned by Section 5.001.

(5) "Task force" means the work-based learning task force established under this section.

(6) "Work-based learning opportunity" includes a youth or adult apprenticeship or internship that provides paid work experience and corresponding classroom instruction, delivered in an employment relationship that both the business and worker intend to lead to an industry-recognized credential and full-time employment after completion of the program.

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

(c) The task force is composed of the following 18 members:

(1) one member of the commission, appointed by the executive director of the commission;

(2) one member of the coordinating board, appointed by the commissioner of higher education;

(3) one member of the agency, appointed by the commissioner of education;

(4) five members appointed by the governor as follows:

(A) one member from a school district or open-enrollment charter school;

(B) one member from an institution of higher education;

(C) two members from a high-growth, high-wage industry; and

(D) one member from a statewide advocacy organization representing young adults, a statewide education advocacy organization, or a student organization that focuses on apprenticeships;

(5) five members appointed by the lieutenant governor as follows:

(A) one member from a school district or open-enrollment charter school;

(B) one member from an institution of higher education;

(C) two members from a high-growth, high-wage industry; and

(D) one member from a statewide advocacy organization representing young adults, a statewide education advocacy organization, or a student organization that focuses on apprenticeships; and

(6) five members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives as follows:

(A) one member from a school district or open-enrollment charter school;

(B) one member from an institution of higher education;

(C) two members from a high-growth, high-wage industry; and

(D) one member from a statewide advocacy organization representing young adults, a statewide education advocacy organization, or a student organization that focuses on apprenticeships.

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

(e) The task force shall meet at the call of the presiding officer.

(f) A member of the task force serves at the will of the member's appointing authority. A vacancy on the task force must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(g) A member of the task force may not receive compensation for serving on the task force but is entitled 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) The commission, the coordinating board, and the agency shall each provide necessary administrative and technical support for the activities of the task force.

(i) The task force may 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) The task force shall:

(1) develop recommendations for:

(A) increasing the number of work-based learning opportunities in this state and the availability of those opportunities, including for persons experiencing barriers to employment and who are historically underrepresented in high-growth, high-wage industries, with a particular focus on occupations other than building and construction trades;

(B) removing barriers that impede the growth of work-based learning opportunities in this state, including in small and mid-size companies and in industries that have not historically offered work-based learning opportunities;

(C) addressing employer concerns regarding liability for work-based learning opportunities;

(D) improving a diverse pipeline of access to and success in work-based learning opportunities, including assistance with child care, food, and transportation;

(E) aligning public and private funding for work-based learning opportunities;

(F) identifying data to be collected from work-based learning opportunity providers; and

(G) establishing a process for the collection and maintenance of data described by Paragraph (F) and for the reporting of that data to policymakers and the public;

(2) develop critical guidance for local sector or industry partnerships on how to serve as intermediaries facilitating work-based learning opportunities, including guidance regarding:

(A) marketing work-based learning opportunities to community stakeholders;

(B) assisting business in establishing work-based learning opportunities; and

(C) providing or brokering education and training for individuals experiencing barriers to employment; and

(3) identify any resources that are needed, and any current resources that could be redirected, to expand work-based learning opportunities in this state.

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

(l) Not later than December 1, 2020, the task force shall submit a written report to the legislature, the commission, the coordinating board, and the agency 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) The task force is abolished and this section expires September 1, 2021.

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

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.

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