81R10761 JRJ-D
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2405
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot program to expand access to career and technical
education partnerships in rural areas.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Section 12.0271 to read as follows:
Sec. 12.0271. RURAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In this section:
(1) "General academic teaching institution" and
"public junior college" have the meanings assigned by Section
61.003, Education Code.
(2) "Rural area" means:
(A) a county with a population of less than
100,000; or
(B) a municipality with a population of less than
50,000.
(b) Subject to available funding, the commissioner by rule
shall develop a rural workforce investment pilot program to develop
partnerships in rural areas among school districts, public junior
colleges, general academic teaching institutions, and business and
industry to provide greater access to career and technical
education and industry certification to high school students in
those areas.
(c) The department shall coordinate with the Texas
Workforce Commission, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board, and the Texas Education Agency in developing the pilot
program.
(d) Students participating in the pilot program may receive
at least 60 hours of college credit before high school graduation.
(e) A local workforce development board authorized by the
Texas Workforce Commission may apply to participate in the pilot
program if the workforce development board:
(1) serves a rural area of the state; and
(2) meets any other qualifications prescribed by the
commissioner.
(f) To receive a grant under this section, an applicant must
commit public or private funds matching the grant in a percentage
set by the commissioner. The commissioner shall set the required
percentage of matching funds based on the demonstrated economic
capacity of the community served by the program to raise funds for
the purpose of matching the grant, as determined by the
commissioner.
SECTION 2. 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.