By: Powell, Zaffirini S.B. No. 1355
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the work-based learning task
force.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 133, Education Code, is amended by
adding Section 133.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 133.010. WORK-BASED LEARNING TASK FORCE. (a) In this
section:
(1) "Agency" means the Texas Education Agency.
(2) "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board.
(3) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning
assigned by Section 61.003.
(4) "Open-enrollment charter school" has the meaning
assigned by Section 5.001.
(5) "Task force" means the work-based learning task
force established under this section.
(6) "Work-based learning opportunity" includes a
youth or adult apprenticeship or internship that provides paid work
experience and corresponding classroom instruction, delivered in
an employment relationship that both the business and worker intend
to lead to an industry-recognized credential and full-time
employment after completion of the program.
(b) The work-based learning task force is established to
develop strategies for expanding and improving the delivery of
work-based learning opportunities in this state.
(c) The task force is composed of the following 18 members:
(1) one member of the commission, appointed by the
executive director of the commission;
(2) one member of the coordinating board, appointed by
the commissioner of higher education;
(3) one member of the agency, appointed by the
commissioner of education;
(4) five members appointed by the governor as follows:
(A) one member from a school district or
open-enrollment charter school;
(B) one member from an institution of higher
education;
(C) two members from a high-growth, high-wage
industry; and
(D) one member from a statewide advocacy
organization representing young adults, a statewide education
advocacy organization, or a student organization that focuses on
apprenticeships;
(5) five members appointed by the lieutenant governor
as follows:
(A) one member from a school district or
open-enrollment charter school;
(B) one member from an institution of higher
education;
(C) two members from a high-growth, high-wage
industry; and
(D) one member from a statewide advocacy
organization representing young adults, a statewide education
advocacy organization, or a student organization that focuses on
apprenticeships; and
(6) five members appointed by the speaker of the house
of representatives as follows:
(A) one member from a school district or
open-enrollment charter school;
(B) one member from an institution of higher
education;
(C) two members from a high-growth, high-wage
industry; and
(D) one member from a statewide advocacy
organization representing young adults, a statewide education
advocacy organization, or a student organization that focuses on
apprenticeships.
(d) The members of the task force shall select a presiding
officer from among the membership.
(e) The task force shall meet at the call of the presiding
officer.
(f) A member of the task force serves at the will of the
member's appointing authority. A vacancy on the task force must be
filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(g) A member of the task force may not receive compensation
for serving on the task force but is entitled to reimbursement for
travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the
business of the task force as provided by the General
Appropriations Act.
(h) The commission, the coordinating board, and the agency
shall each provide necessary administrative and technical support
for the activities of the task force.
(i) The task force may solicit gifts, grants, and donations
from any public or private source for use in carrying out the task
force's duties under this section.
(j) The task force shall:
(1) develop recommendations for:
(A) increasing the number of work-based learning
opportunities in this state and the availability of those
opportunities, including for persons experiencing barriers to
employment and who are historically underrepresented in
high-growth, high-wage industries, with a particular focus on
occupations other than building and construction trades;
(B) removing barriers that impede the growth of
work-based learning opportunities in this state, including in small
and mid-size companies and in industries that have not historically
offered work-based learning opportunities;
(C) addressing employer concerns regarding
liability for work-based learning opportunities;
(D) improving a diverse pipeline of access to and
success in work-based learning opportunities, including assistance
with child care, food, and transportation;
(E) aligning public and private funding for
work-based learning opportunities;
(F) identifying data to be collected from
work-based learning opportunity providers; and
(G) establishing a process for the collection and
maintenance of data described by Paragraph (F) and for the
reporting of that data to policymakers and the public;
(2) develop critical guidance for local sector or
industry partnerships on how to serve as intermediaries
facilitating work-based learning opportunities, including guidance
regarding:
(A) marketing work-based learning opportunities
to community stakeholders;
(B) assisting business in establishing
work-based learning opportunities; and
(C) providing or brokering education and
training for individuals experiencing barriers to employment; and
(3) identify any resources that are needed, and any
current resources that could be redirected, to expand work-based
learning opportunities in this state.
(k) In carrying out its duties under this section, the task
force shall consult with stakeholders, including young adults
participating in work-based learning opportunities.
(l) Not later than December 1, 2020, the task force shall
submit a written report to the legislature, the commission, the
coordinating board, and the agency that includes:
(1) the task force's findings;
(2) a summary of the stakeholder input received by the
task force;
(3) recommendations for legislative or other action
and proposed legislation; and
(4) a statement regarding the feasibility of the task
force's recommendations.
(m) The task force is abolished and this section expires
September 1, 2021.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the appropriate persons shall appoint the members of
the task force created by Section 133.010, Education Code, as added
by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.