89R14686 SCR-F By: Blanco S.B. No. 2925 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the establishment of the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 481, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter HH to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER HH. TASK FORCE ON MODERNIZING MANUFACTURING Sec. 481.701. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "task force" means the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing. Sec. 481.702. CREATION OF TASK FORCE; COMPOSITION. (a) The Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing is established to study the modernization of manufacturing in this state. (b) The task force is composed of 11 members, consisting of: (1) the executive director of the office or the executive director's designee; and (2) the following members appointed by the governor, on the recommendation of the executive director of the office or the executive director's designee: (A) two members representing small manufacturers with an established presence in this state; (B) two members representing mid-sized manufacturers with an established presence in this state; (C) two members representing large manufacturers with an established presence in this state; (D) two experts in automation and digital technologies related to manufacturing; (E) one member representing the Texas Workforce Commission; and (F) one additional member representing the office. (c) The executive director of the office or the executive director's designee shall serve as the presiding officer of the task force. (d) The task force shall meet at the call of the presiding officer. Sec. 481.703. DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. (a) The task force shall: (1) study the current state of manufacturing in this state, with a focus on the adoption of automation and digital technologies; (2) identify barriers to the adoption of automation and digital technologies in manufacturing; (3) develop recommendations for policies and programs to support the modernization of manufacturing in this state, including incentives for the adoption of automation and digital technologies; and (4) evaluate the potential economic effect of modernizing manufacturing, including job creation and retention, increased productivity, and competitiveness. (b) The task force may establish subcommittees as necessary to carry out its duties under this subchapter. Sec. 481.704. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The office shall provide the staff and facilities necessary to assist the task force in performing the task force's duties under this subchapter. Sec. 481.705. REPORT. Not later than October 1, 2026, the task force shall prepare and deliver to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over economic development matters a report on the task force's findings and recommendations for legislative or other action. Sec. 481.706. EXPIRATION. The task force is abolished and this subchapter expires September 1, 2027. 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, 2025.