S.B. No. 1535

AN ACT

relating to the establishment by the Texas Workforce Commission of an advanced nuclear energy workforce development program.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended by adding Section 302.0081 to read as follows:

Sec. 302.0081. ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:

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

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

(3) "General academic teaching institution," "institution of higher education," "public junior college," and "public technical institute" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.

(4) "Program" means the advanced nuclear energy workforce development program established under this section.

(b) The commission, in collaboration with the agency and coordinating board and in consultation with representatives designated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to coordinate this state's nuclear energy strategies, by rule shall establish and administer the advanced nuclear energy workforce development program under this section for the purpose of addressing urgent skilled labor demands in the advanced nuclear energy industry in this state.

(c) Under the program, the commission shall:

(1) create a strategic plan for:

(A) addressing labor supply gaps and talent retention issues in the advanced nuclear energy industry; and

(B) providing financial assistance, including through the creation of strategic partnerships among public and private entities and advanced nuclear energy industry stakeholders, to incentivize and support:

(i) the development of programming and outreach efforts designed to create awareness of nuclear science and career opportunities in the field of advanced nuclear energy among public school students;

(ii) the creation of academic pathways from secondary school to education and training programs at institutions of higher education in the field of advanced nuclear energy;

(iii) the creation by institutions of higher education of education and training programs in the field of advanced nuclear energy; and

(iv) research and leadership development in the field of advanced nuclear energy at general academic teaching institutions; and

(2) develop customized curriculum requirements for degree and certificate programs to prepare students for high-wage jobs in the advanced nuclear energy industry that, subject to coordinating board approval under Section 61.0512, Education Code, may be offered by an institution of higher education.

(d) In developing curriculum requirements under Subsection (c)(2), the commission shall:

(1) consult with:

(A) representatives of the agency, coordinating board, general academic teaching institutions, public technical institutes, and public junior colleges;

(B) the designated representatives of the Public Utility Commission of Texas described by Subsection (b); and

(C) employers in the advanced nuclear energy industry; and

(2) focus on developing academic pathways to and curricula for programs leading to high-wage jobs in the areas of:

(A) nuclear-grade welding;

(B) radiological control and monitoring;

(C) reactor operations;

(D) nuclear instrumentation and control; and

(E) nuclear, electrical, chemical, civil, and environmental engineering.

(e) Not later than September 1 of each year, the commission, in consultation with the agency and coordinating board, shall prepare and submit to each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over workforce development, higher education, or energy industry matters, a report summarizing the commission's activities under the program. The report may include the commission's recommendations for legislative or other action.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1535 passed the Senate on April 1, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 26, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1535 passed the House, with amendment, on May 21, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 138, Nays 4, two present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

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Governor