81R25695 KSD-D
By: Strama, et al. H.B. No. 4328
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the Interagency Literacy Council
for the study, promotion, and enhancement of literacy in this
state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 4, Labor Code, is amended by
adding Chapter 312 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 312. INTERAGENCY LITERACY COUNCIL
Sec. 312.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "council" means
the Interagency Literacy Council established under this chapter.
Sec. 312.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Interagency
Literacy Council is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas
Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that
chapter, the council is abolished and this chapter expires
September 1, 2019.
Sec. 312.003. ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION. (a) The
commission shall establish the Interagency Literacy Council. The
council is composed of nine members as follows:
(1) a representative of the commission, appointed by
the executive director;
(2) a representative of the Texas Education Agency,
appointed by the commissioner of education;
(3) a representative of the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, appointed by the commissioner of higher
education; and
(4) six public members who are leaders of the business
or nonprofit community engaged in literacy promotion efforts,
appointed by the executive director of the commission.
(b) The representative appointed under Subsection (a)(1)
shall serve as the presiding officer of the council.
Sec. 312.004. COMMISSION DUTIES. The commission shall
provide staff and resources as necessary for the operation of the
council.
Sec. 312.005. TERMS; VACANCY. (a) Members of the council
serve two-year terms, with the terms expiring February 1 of each
odd-numbered year.
(b) A member may be reappointed.
(c) A vacancy on the council shall be filled for the
remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as provided by
Section 312.003(a).
Sec. 312.006. MEETINGS. (a) The council shall meet in
person at least three times each year and may hold meetings by
conference call if necessary. The council shall invite
stakeholders to participate in at least one council meeting each
year and provide an opportunity for submission of oral or written
testimony.
(b) Section 551.125, Government Code, applies to a meeting
held by conference call under this section, except that Section
551.125(b), Government Code, does not apply.
Sec. 312.007. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. (a) A member
of the council may not receive compensation for service on the
council.
(b) A public member may be reimbursed for the member's
actual and necessary expenses for meals, lodging, transportation,
and incidental expenses incurred while performing council
business, subject to any applicable limitation on reimbursement
prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 312.008. COUNCIL POWERS AND DUTIES. The council
shall:
(1) study current research to assess the adult
literacy needs in this state, including literacy needs relating to
business and finance, workforce and technology, civics, and health
and wellness;
(2) consult with key stakeholders to identify:
(A) barriers to improving literacy; and
(B) evidence-based best practices for improving
literacy;
(3) review the status of the programs and services
administered by each agency or entity represented on the council
that promote literacy in an effort to coordinate efforts, align
services, reduce redundancies, implement best practices, integrate
support services, and improve accountability;
(4) build existing funding streams and identify
additional state and federal funding sources available for the
promotion of literacy in this state; and
(5) raise literacy awareness and engage community
leaders in creative solution building for improving literacy in
this state.
Sec. 312.009. STATEWIDE LITERACY PLAN; REPORT. (a) The
council shall develop a comprehensive statewide action plan for the
improvement of literacy in this state, including a recommended
timeline for implementation.
(b) The council shall submit to both houses of the
legislature, the governor, and the Texas Workforce Investment
Council on or before November 1 of each even-numbered year a written
report on:
(1) the development of the council's statewide action
plan;
(2) the actions taken in furtherance of the plan;
(3) the areas that need improvement in implementing
the plan;
(4) any change to the plan; and
(5) the programs and services that address literacy
needs in this state.
Sec. 312.010. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The commission
may accept for the council a gift, grant, or donation from any
source to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 312.011. RULES. The commission may adopt rules
necessary to implement this chapter.
SECTION 2. (a) The Interagency Literacy Council shall
submit the initial report required under Section 312.009(b), Labor
Code, as added by this Act, not later than November 1, 2012.
(b) As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
Act, the designated appointing officials shall appoint the members
to the Interagency Literacy Council established under Chapter 312,
Labor Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.