BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1750

By: West

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

According to interested parties, the manner in which employers evaluate recent college graduates is undergoing a transformational change and to such extent that earning a college degree does not ensure an automatic pathway to success. In many cases, employers now may select from a much larger pool of recent college graduates with similar qualifications and therefore seek individuals who demonstrate aptitude and a strong work ethic, which a diploma alone may not necessarily convey. The parties suggest that private sector internships and postsecondary work experience are vital in this regard and that the Texas college work-study program, which provides part-time, and preferably degree plan-related or career-relevant, jobs funded by the state and employers to students who demonstrate financial need, should be the cornerstone in efforts to provide students the work experience employers are seeking.

The parties contend, however, that the program has been misdirected, resulting in limited collaboration between college students and the private sector. S.B. 1750 seeks to correct this misdirection and ensure that more students have the skills necessary for the modern workforce by moving more students to the private sector for jobs under the work-study program.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1750 amends the Education Code to require each institution eligible to participate in the Texas college work-study program to ensure that up to 50 percent of the employment positions provided through the work-study program in an academic year are provided by employers eligible under the program who are providing employment located off campus. This requirement applies to participation in the program beginning with the 2016–2017 academic year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.