By: Lucio, Seliger S.B. No. 1557
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to business and nonprofit organization participation in
supporting early college high schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 29.908, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsections (c) and (d) and adding Subsections (e), (f),
and (g) to read as follows:
(c) A student participating in the program is entitled to
the benefits of the Foundation School Program in proportion to the
amount of time spent by the student on high school courses, in
accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner, while completing
the course of study established by the applicable articulation
agreement under Subsection (b)(3).
(d) The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and
donations from any source, including private and nonprofit
organizations. Private and nonprofit organizations that
contribute to the fund shall receive an award under Section 7.113[,
to pay any costs of the program not covered by the student's
Foundation School Program benefits].
(e) The commissioner shall collaborate with the Texas
Workforce Commission and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board to develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance private
industry participation under this section. The plan must
include:
(1) strategies to increase private industry
participation; and
(2) incentives for businesses and nonprofit
organizations that choose to make donations and work with high
schools that participate in a program under this section to
maximize job placement opportunities for program graduates.
(f) Not later than December 1, 2014, the commissioner shall
provide a report that summarizes the strategic plan developed under
Subsection (e) to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house
of representatives, the governor, the Texas Workforce Commission,
and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Texas
Education Agency, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board shall each make the report
available on the respective agency's Internet website.
(g) [(d)] The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to
administer the program. The rules may provide for giving
preference in receiving program benefits to a student who is in the
first generation of the student's family to attend college and may
establish other distinctions or criteria based on student need.
The commissioner shall consult the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board in administering the program. The Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board may adopt rules as necessary to
exercise its powers and duties under this section. The P-16 Council
may make recommendations, including recommendations for rules,
concerning administration of the program.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.