H.B. No. 3662
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the Texas Workforce Innovation Needs Program;
  authorizing a fee.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 29.922 to read as follows:
         Sec. 29.922.  TEXAS WORKFORCE INNOVATION NEEDS PROGRAM. (a)
  In this section:
               (1)  "Private or independent institution of higher
  education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
               (2)  "Program" means the Texas Workforce Innovation
  Needs Program.
         (b)  The Texas Workforce Innovation Needs Program is
  established to:
               (1)  provide selected school districts, public
  institutions of higher education, and private or independent
  institutions of higher education with the opportunity to establish
  innovative programs designed to prepare students for careers for
  which there is demand in this state; and
               (2)  use the results of those programs to inform the
  governor, legislature, and commissioner concerning methods for
  transforming public education and higher education in this state by
  improving student learning and career preparedness.
         (c)  To apply to participate in the program, a school
  district, public institution of higher education, or private or
  independent institution of higher education must use the form and
  apply in the time and manner established by commissioner rule. The
  application process must require each applicant district or
  institution of higher education to submit a detailed plan as
  required by Subsections (d) and (e) of the instruction and
  accountability the applicant would provide under the program.
         (d)  A plan submitted under Subsection (c):
               (1)  must:
                     (A)  be designed to support improved instruction
  of and learning by students and provide evidence of the accurate
  assessment of the quality of learning on campus;
                     (B)  describe any waiver of an applicable
  prohibition, requirement, or restriction for which the district or
  institution of higher education intends to apply; and
                     (C)  include any other information required by
  commissioner rule; and
               (2)  may, if submitted by a school district, designate
  one or more campuses rather than the entire district to participate
  in the program.
         (e)  In addition to satisfying the requirements under
  Subsection (d)(1), a plan submitted under Subsection (c) must, to
  the greatest extent appropriate for the grade or higher education
  levels served under the program, either:
               (1)  focus on engagement of students in
  competency-based learning as necessary to earn postsecondary
  credentials, including:
                     (A)  career and technical certificates;
                     (B)  associate's degrees;
                     (C)  bachelor's degrees; and
                     (D)  graduate degrees; or
               (2)  incorporate career and technical courses into dual
  enrollment courses or into the early college education program
  under Section 29.908 to provide students the opportunity to earn a
  career or technical certificate or associate's degree.
         (f)  From among the school districts and institutions of
  higher education that apply as required under this section, the
  commissioner shall select those school districts and institutions
  of higher education that present the plans that are most likely to
  be effective in producing the next generation of higher performing
  public schools and institutions of higher education that provide
  education and training in an innovative form and manner to prepare
  students for careers for which there is demand in this state.
         (g)  The commissioner shall convene program leaders
  periodically to discuss methods to transform learning
  opportunities for all students, build cross-institution support
  systems and training, and share best practices tools and processes.
         (h)  A school district or institution of higher education
  participating in the program or the commissioner may, for purposes
  of this section, accept gifts, grants, or donations from any
  source, including a private or governmental entity.
         (i)  To cover the costs of administering the program, the
  commissioner may charge a fee to a school district or institution of
  higher education participating in the program.
         (j)  In consultation with interested school districts,
  institutions of higher education, and other appropriate interested
  persons, the commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary for
  purposes of this section.
         (k)  Not later than December 1, 2014, and not later than
  December 1, 2016, with the assistance of school districts and
  institutions of higher education participating in the program, the
  commissioner shall submit to the governor and the legislature
  reports concerning the performance and progress of the program
  participants. The report submitted not later than December 1,
  2014, must include any recommendation by the commissioner
  concerning legislative authorization necessary for the
  commissioner to waive a prohibition, requirement, or restriction
  that applies to a program participant and other school district or
  institution of higher education interested in beginning a similar
  program. To prepare for implementation of a commissioner waiver,
  the commissioner shall seek any necessary federal waiver. This
  subsection expires January 1, 2020.
         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, 2013.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 3662 was passed by the House on May 2,
  2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 3662 was passed by the Senate on May
  22, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor