Bill Text: TX HB1296 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Relating to information regarding postsecondary education and career opportunities and workforce needs in this state.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2013-06-14 - Effective immediately [HB1296 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-HB1296-Engrossed.html

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By: Alvarado, J. Davis of Harris, Munoz, Jr. H.B. No. 1296

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to information regarding postsecondary education and
career opportunities and workforce needs in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 7, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 7.040 to read as follows:
Sec. 7.040. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES. (a) The agency shall prepare information comparing
institutions of higher education in this state and post the
information on the agency's Internet website. Information prepared
under this section shall be given to a public school student who
requests the information. The information shall:
(1) identify postsecondary education and career
opportunities, including information that states the benefits of
four-year and two-year higher education programs, postsecondary
technical education, skilled workforce careers, and career
education programs;
(2) compare each institution of higher education with
other institutions regarding:
(A) the relative cost of tuition;
(B) the retention rate of students;
(C) the graduation rate of students;
(D) the average student debt;
(E) the loan repayment rate of students; and
(F) the employment rate of students;
(3) identify the state's future workforce needs, as
projected by the Texas Workforce Commission; and
(4) include annual wage information for the top 10
highest demand jobs in this state, as identified by the Texas
Workforce Commission.
(b) The agency shall collaborate with the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission to
obtain the information required under Subsection (a). The agency
shall incorporate the use of existing materials and develop new
materials to be provided to counselors, students, and parents
regarding institutions of higher education.
SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.0907 to read as follows:
Sec. 61.0907. REPORT PROJECTING WORKFORCE NEEDS. (a) The
board, in conjunction with the Texas Workforce Commission and in
consultation with any other state agency as requested by the board
or the commission, shall collect relevant information and make
five-year projections concerning:
(1) the workforce needs of this state; and
(2) the educational attainment and training of persons
projected to enter the state workforce.
(b) Based on the projections made under Subsection (a), the
board shall identify the types and levels of education, training,
and skills that are needed to meet the state's future workforce
needs and shall make recommendations concerning the expansion of
existing programs or the development of new programs at public and
private postsecondary educational institutions in this state as
necessary to meet the projected workforce needs.
(c) A postsecondary educational institution may use the
recommendations made under Subsection (b) in planning for degree
programs, coursework offerings, and training programs.
(d) Not later than February 1, 2015, the board shall prepare
and submit electronically to each standing legislative committee
with primary jurisdiction over higher education or workforce
development, each public and private postsecondary educational
institution in this state, and the Texas Education Agency a report
of the information collected and analyzed under this section,
including recommendations of the board for programming at
postsecondary educational institutions. The board may provide
subsequent updates to the report as the board considers necessary.
(e) This section expires August 31, 2017.
SECTION 3. 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, 2013.