Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4451

Filed

3/9/23

Out of House Committee

4/18/23

Voted on by House

5/1/23

Out of Senate Committee

5/18/23

Voted on by Senate

5/21/23

Governor Action

6/11/23

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission regarding apprenticeship opportunities in this state for emerging and high-demand industries.

Impact

By enacting HB 4451, the legislation is expected to strengthen Texas’s workforce by customizing training opportunities to meet the demands of both employers and job seekers. With the state economy increasingly reliant on a highly skilled labor force, apprenticeships are viewed as an essential part of developing the necessary skills in workers for future job markets. The approach supports the strategic alignment of workforce training programs with industry needs, potentially leading to better employment conditions and economic growth.

Summary

House Bill 4451 mandates a report by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) regarding apprenticeship opportunities in emerging and high-demand industries within Texas. As part of the bill, the TWC will collaborate with local workforce development boards to gather data and make recommendations on expanding apprenticeship programs. This annual report must assess the total number of active apprenticeship programs and apprentices categorized by industries, as defined by the North American Industry Classification System. The aim is to identify labor market demands and propose strategies to fill gaps in apprenticeship availability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4451 has been largely positive among legislators and advocacy groups focusing on workforce development. Supporters argue that enhancing apprenticeship opportunities is vital for economic prosperity and for ensuring that Texas workers are equipped for high-demand jobs. While the overall tone is supportive, there are concerns raised about whether the report will adequately include and reflect the needs of labor unions, which have historically played a significant role in apprenticeship programs.

Contention

One notable point of contention centers around the representation of labor unions in the discussions related to apprenticeship programs. Critics have voiced concerns that their perspectives may not be fully integrated into the report and its recommendations, potentially sidelining important apprenticeship initiatives that unions have traditionally advocated. This issue underscores the broader debate about balancing the needs of various stakeholders in workforce development.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Labor Code

Chapter 302. Division Of Workforce Development
- Section: 0191
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0191
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0191
- Section: New Section
- Section: 019
- Section: 0191
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0191
- Section: New Section

Education Code

Chapter 133. Apprenticeship System Of Adult Career And Technology Education
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1576

Relating to the creation of the Texas Industrial Workforce Apprenticeship Grant Program.

TX H0452

An act relating to expanding apprenticeship and other workforce opportunities

TX SB00837

An Act Concerning Apprenticeship Opportunities For High Growth, High Demand Jobs.

TX SB561

Provides relative to the apprenticeships at the Louisiana Workforce Commission. (8/1/12)

TX HB2478

Relating to the collection, study, and reporting by the Texas Workforce Commission of certain information regarding shortages in high-wage, high-demand occupations.

TX HB544

Workforce Development and Advancement, Department of; changes title of Director to Commissioner.

TX SB436

Workforce Development and Advancement, Department of; changes title of Director to Commissioner.

TX SB497

Education; High-demand Career Initiatives Program as the High Demand Apprenticeship Program; redesignate

TX AB244

Quick-Service Restaurant Young Workforce Apprenticeship Program: tax credits.

TX SB83

American Apprenticeship Act This bill authorizes the Department of Labor to make grants to assist states in carrying out projects that defray the cost of pre-apprenticeship or related instruction for qualified apprenticeship programs. Labor shall (1) establish performance measures and an evaluation system for such grant program; and (2) identify in-demand occupations that lack the use of apprenticeships, analyze the use of the qualified apprenticeship program model in those occupations, and report on such analysis to states and Congress.