85R6084 KSD-D
By: Miles S.B. No. 574
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the expansion of applied workforce learning
opportunities in this state, including through the establishment of
the Texas Industry Internship Challenge.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is
amended by adding Section 302.0028 to read as follows:
Sec. 302.0028. APPLIED WORKFORCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES;
TEXAS INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP CHALLENGE. (a) The commission, in
partnership with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board, shall develop and implement
strategies to:
(1) significantly increase the number of, and
participation by students in, applied workforce learning
opportunities, including paid internships, externships, and
apprenticeships, offered by employers in high-demand industries
and occupations to students enrolled in high schools or public or
private institutions of higher education in this state, including
opportunities offered during the summer; and
(2) facilitate the uniform award by high schools and
public or private institutions of higher education of academic
credit to students for the successful completion of those
opportunities, where appropriate.
(b) In carrying out its duties under Subsection (a), the
commission shall establish the Texas Industry Internship Challenge
under which the commission develops and administers a centralized
electronic Internet portal through which, in a streamlined,
responsive, and user-friendly manner:
(1) employers may post information regarding applied
workforce learning opportunities described by Subsection (a); and
(2) students enrolled in high schools or public or
private institutions of higher education in this state may access
information regarding and apply for those opportunities.
(c) The commission, the commissioner of education, and the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may adopt rules as
necessary for the administration of this section.
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.