85R11956 KJE-D
By: Lucio III H.B. No. 2730
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of the commissioner of education to
create career and technical credentials and certificates that may
be earned through a career and technology education program and to a
study to identify unmet needs in career and technology education
programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Sections 29.1821 and 29.193 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.1821. COMMISSIONER AUTHORITY TO CREATE CREDENTIALS
AND CERTIFICATES. (a) To address unmet workforce needs and enhance
student competitiveness in the labor market, the commissioner may
create career and technical credentials or certificates that may be
earned by a public high school student through a career and
technology education program.
(a-1) Not later than September 1, 2020, the commissioner
shall create at least one credential or certificate in information
technology in accordance with the results of the study conducted
under Section 29.193. This subsection expires September 1, 2021.
(b) A credential or certificate created under this section
must:
(1) be aligned with state and regional workforce needs
in the applicable field; and
(2) serve as an entry point for employment or a bridge
to postsecondary education in the applicable field.
(c) The commissioner may consult with relevant stakeholders
in creating credentials or certificates under this section.
(d) The agency shall post on the agency's Internet website
information regarding any credentials or certificates created by
the commissioner under this section.
Sec. 29.193. STUDY AND REPORT TO IDENTIFY UNMET NEEDS. (a)
The agency shall conduct a study to identify unmet needs in career
and technology education programs offered to public high school
students. The agency shall include in the study programs in the
information technology career cluster and in any other career
cluster selected by the agency.
(b) The study must, for each career cluster included in the
study:
(1) evaluate:
(A) the industry-recognized credentials or
certificates in the career cluster currently being offered to
public high school students through career and technology education
programs; and
(B) the knowledge and skills in the career
cluster necessary to meet state and regional workforce needs; and
(2) identify:
(A) any gaps between the industry-recognized
credentials or certificates identified under Subdivision (1)(A)
and the knowledge and skills identified under Subdivision (1)(B);
and
(B) any knowledge or skills that could be
incorporated into career and technology education programs in the
career cluster to increase students' marketability in that field
after graduation from high school.
(c) Not later than September 1, 2019, the agency shall
submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the
house of representatives a report on the study and any
recommendations for legislative or other action. The report must
identify each credential or certificate, including at least one
credential or certificate in information technology, to be created
by the commissioner under Section 29.1821 as a result of the study.
(d) This section expires September 1, 2020.
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, 2017.