85R11956 KJE-D     By: Lucio III H.B. No. 2730       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the authority of the commissioner of education to   create career and technical credentials and certificates that may   be earned through a career and technology education program and to a   study to identify unmet needs in career and technology education   programs.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter F, Chapter 29, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 29.1821 and 29.193 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.1821.  COMMISSIONER AUTHORITY TO CREATE CREDENTIALS   AND CERTIFICATES. (a)  To address unmet workforce needs and enhance   student competitiveness in the labor market, the commissioner may   create career and technical credentials or certificates that may be   earned by a public high school student through a career and   technology education program.          (a-1)  Not later than September 1, 2020, the commissioner   shall create at least one credential or certificate in information   technology in accordance with the results of the study conducted   under Section 29.193. This subsection expires September 1, 2021.          (b)  A credential or certificate created under this section   must:                (1)  be aligned with state and regional workforce needs   in the applicable field; and                (2)  serve as an entry point for employment or a bridge   to postsecondary education in the applicable field.          (c)  The commissioner may consult with relevant stakeholders   in creating credentials or certificates under this section.          (d)  The agency shall post on the agency's Internet website   information regarding any credentials or certificates created by   the commissioner under this section.          Sec. 29.193.  STUDY AND REPORT TO IDENTIFY UNMET NEEDS. (a)     The agency shall conduct a study to identify unmet needs in career   and technology education programs offered to public high school   students. The agency shall include in the study programs in the   information technology career cluster and in any other career   cluster selected by the agency.          (b)  The study must, for each career cluster included in the   study:                (1)  evaluate:                      (A)  the industry-recognized credentials or   certificates in the career cluster currently being offered to   public high school students through career and technology education   programs; and                      (B)  the knowledge and skills in the career   cluster necessary to meet state and regional workforce needs; and                (2)  identify:                      (A)  any gaps between the industry-recognized   credentials or certificates identified under Subdivision (1)(A)   and the knowledge and skills identified under Subdivision (1)(B);   and                      (B)  any knowledge or skills that could be   incorporated into career and technology education programs in the   career cluster to increase students' marketability in that field   after graduation from high school.          (c)  Not later than September 1, 2019, the agency shall   submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the   house of representatives a report on the study and any   recommendations for legislative or other action. The report must   identify each credential or certificate, including at least one   credential or certificate in information technology, to be created   by the commissioner under Section 29.1821 as a result of the study.          (d)  This section expires September 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, 2017.