By: Zaffirini  S.B. No. 959          (In the Senate - Filed March 3, 2021; March 11, 2021, read   first time and referred to Committee on Higher Education;   April 8, 2021, reported favorably by the following vote:  Yeas 9,   Nays 0; April 8, 2021, sent to printer.)Click here to see the committee vote     A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT     relating to student success-based funding recommendations for   certain continuing workforce education courses offered by public   junior colleges.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 61.0593, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (f-1) to read as follows:          (f-1)  In making its recommendations under Subsection (f)   relating to institutional appropriations of incentive funds for   public junior colleges based on achievement on student success   measures, the board shall incorporate the consideration of student   success measures, and include appropriate funding recommendations   based on those success measures, achieved in qualified continuing   workforce education courses offered by those colleges for which   credit toward a certificate or associate's degree is not awarded.     For purposes of this subsection, a continuing workforce education   course is considered qualified if the course is consistent with the   role and mission of a public junior college and is designed to   prepare students with skills necessary to attain external workforce   credentials, including a certification or license, or employment in   a specific high-demand occupation, regardless of whether the course   is part of a recognized sequence of courses that requires a specific   number of contact hours.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.     * * * * *