By: Burkett, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.B. No. 1606
(In the Senate - Received from the House April 13, 2015;
April 21, 2015, read first time and referred to Committee on
Natural Resources and Economic Development; May 5, 2015, reported
favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 5, 2015, sent
to printer.)
COMMITTEE VOTE
YeaNayAbsentPNV
FraserX
EstesX
BirdwellX
HallX
HancockX
HinojosaX
LucioX
NicholsX
SeligerX
UrestiX
ZaffiriniX
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Workforce
Investment Council, including assumption of the duties of the Texas
Skill Standards Board.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 2308.005, Government Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 2308.005. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas
Workforce Investment Council is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas
Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that
chapter, the council is abolished September 1, 2027 [2015]. The
council shall be reviewed during the period in which the Texas
Workforce Commission is reviewed.
SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 2308, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2308.109 to read as follows:
Sec. 2308.109. DUTY TO DEVELOP SKILL STANDARDS. (a) The
council shall provide advice to the governor and the legislature on
the development of a statewide system of industry-defined and
industry-recognized skill standards and credentials for all major
skilled occupations that:
(1) provide strong employment and earnings
opportunities in this state; and
(2) require less than a baccalaureate degree.
(b) The council shall:
(1) validate and recognize nationally established
skill standards to guide curriculum development, training,
assessment, and certification of workforce skills;
(2) convene industry groups to develop skill standards
and certification procedures for industries and occupations in
which standards have not been established or adopted and recognize
the skill standards and certification procedures;
(3) review the standards developed by other states and
foreign countries and enter into agreements for mutual recognition
of standards and credentials to enhance portability of skills; and
(4) promote the use of standards and credentials among
employers.
(c) The council shall:
(1) report on the council's duties under this section
to the governor; and
(2) provide annual reports on the council's duties
under this section to the governor, the division, and the
legislature.
SECTION 3. Subchapter H, Chapter 2308, Government Code, is
repealed.
SECTION 4. The Texas Skill Standards Board is abolished.
All powers and duties of the Texas Skill Standards Board are
transferred to the Texas Workforce Investment Council.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
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