TITLE: Relating to courses or other activities offered by public schools for certain industry-recognized credentials or certificates.

SUMMARY: Relating to courses or other activities offered by public schools for certain industry-recognized credentials or certificates.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to courses or other activities offered by public schools for certain industry-recognized credentials or certificates. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 28.002, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsections (g-3) and (g-4) to read as follows: (g-3) A course or other activity offered under Subsection (g-1) to obtain an industry-recognized certificate or credential: (1) may include training relating to: (A) federal occupational safety laws and rules; and (B) codes and standards adopted by any recognized national code organization; and (2) may not include a requirement that conflicts with state or federal laws relating to the employment of minors. (g-4) For purposes of providing instruction or training for a course or other activity offered under Subsection (g-1) to obtain credit toward a license under Chapter 1301, Occupations Code, or a residential wireman license under Chapter 1305, Occupations Code, a school district may, as provided by Section 21.055 of this code, issue a teaching permit and employ as a teacher a person licensed under Chapter 1301 or 1305, Occupations Code, as applicable. SECTION 2. Subchapter G, Chapter 1301, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1301.3586 to read as follows: Sec. 1301.3586. LICENSE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH CERTAIN VOCATIONAL CREDIT. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the board shall credit toward the licensing requirements, other than examination requirements, for a license issued under this chapter by the board a student's training or education in a course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain a license under this chapter, that is approved as provided by Section 28.002(g-1), Education Code, if: (1) the board approves the curriculum of the course or other activity; and (2) the student satisfactorily completes the course or other activity. (b) The board shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 1305, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1305.1646 to read as follows: Sec. 1305.1646. LICENSE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH CERTAIN VOCATIONAL CREDIT. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall credit toward the licensing requirements, other than examination requirements, for a residential wireman license issued under this chapter by the department a student's training or education in a course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain a residential wireman license under this chapter, that is approved as provided by Section 28.002(g-1), Education Code, if: (1) the executive director on recommendation of the advisory board approves the curriculum of the course or other activity; and (2) the student satisfactorily completes the course or other activity. (b) The commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.