reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 307 - Employment Service › Section 307.002. Employment Services Agreements

Sec. 307.002.  EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AGREEMENTS.  (a)  To ensure the establishment and maintenance of public employment offices under this chapter, the executive director may enter into an agreement with any political subdivision of the state or with a private or nonprofit organization, including a local workforce development board, and, as a part of the agreement, accept money, services, or quarters as a contribution to the employment service account.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), to establish and maintain, or assist in the establishment and maintenance of, public employment offices within a county or other political subdivision of this state, the commissioners court of the county or the governing body of the other political subdivision may enter into agreements with the employment service on terms and conditions agreed to by the commissioners court or other governing body and the employment service.  The county or other political subdivision may employ means and appropriate and spend funds as necessary to establish and operate the public employment offices, and may provide, as part of the agreement, payment for:
(1)  the rent of premises;
(2)  services rendered;
(3)  the purchase of equipment;  and
(4)  any other purpose considered advisable by the commissioners court or other governing body.
(c)  In an area in which a local workforce development board has been certified and a local plan approved by the governor, that board shall provide employment services in its local workforce development area, and a person employed by the commission to provide employment services on the day before the approved local plan takes effect shall be given preference in employment at a career development center administered by that board.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 202.082 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.07, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 307 - Employment Service › Section 307.003. Employment Service Financing

Sec. 307.003.  EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FINANCING.  Money received by the state under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. Section 49 et seq.) shall be deposited to the credit of the employment service account in the general revenue fund.  The money in the account may be used by the commission as provided by this chapter and the Wagner-Peyser Act.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 203.153 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.001. Legislative Intent

Sec. 308.001.  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.  It is the intent of the legislature that this chapter is enacted to enlist employers in a partnership with this state to assist recipients of public assistance in developing marketable work skills and obtaining employment.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.002. Definitions

Sec. 308.002.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Division" means the division of workforce development of the commission.
(2)  "Employer" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.001.
(3)  "JOBS training program" means the job opportunities and basic skills (JOBS) training program under Part F, Subchapter IV, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 682).
(4)  "Local workforce development board" means a board created under Subchapter F, Chapter 2308, Government Code.
(5)  "Program" means the Texans Work program established under this chapter.
(6)  "Trainee" means a recipient of food stamps under the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, and financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, who:
(A)  is eligible to participate in the JOBS training program;  and
(B)  receives on-the-job training through a training course offered under the program.
(7)  "Training course" means a course for the development of practical employment skills that is:
(A)  offered to trainees by an employer who participates in the program;  and
(B)  approved as required by this chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.003. Texans Work Program

Sec. 308.003.  TEXANS WORK PROGRAM.  (a)  The Texans Work program is created as an integrated system of on-the-job training for certain persons who receive food stamps under the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code, and financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, and are eligible to participate in the JOBS training program.  The program shall be considered a means-tested program and shall be operated through courses conducted by participating employers and shall offer direct work experience and skills training.
(b)  The program shall be offered in each area of this state in which an employer is located who elects to participate and whose participation is approved by the local workforce development board or, if a local workforce development board does not exist in the employer's area, by the division.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.004. Training Courses; Approval

Sec. 308.004.  TRAINING COURSES;  APPROVAL.  (a)  Each training course shall be designed by a local participating employer to meet the needs of that employer.  The training course must instruct the trainee in a prearranged curriculum of skills that uses systems specific to and produced by the employer's industry.
(b)  The length of a training course may not be less than six months or more than 12 months unless an exception is approved by the division.  The duration of a course shall be based on specific training needs.
(c)  An employer whose participation is approved under Section 308.003 shall submit to the division in the manner prescribed by the commission a description of the employer's proposed training course.  The employer shall work with the division and the Texas Skill Standards Board to develop a training course that incorporates instruction in the skill standards applicable to that industry.  A training course may not be used by an employer participating in the plan until the course is approved by the commission.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.005. Powers and Duties of Commission and Division; Guidelines for Training Course Approval

Sec. 308.005.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION AND DIVISION;  GUIDELINES FOR TRAINING COURSE APPROVAL.  (a)  The commission shall adopt rules as necessary to implement the program, including establishing the criteria for determining which persons described by Section 308.003(a) may be required to participate in the program.
(b)  With the cooperation of the Texas Skill Standards Board, the commission shall develop guidelines for the approval of employer training courses.
(c)  In developing guidelines under Subsection (b), the commission shall condition approval on the expectation that a participating employer will develop job descriptions that are relevant to regular paid positions in the employer's workplace or that are available in the community in which the employer is located.  In determining whether to approve a particular training course, the commission shall specifically consider:
(1)  the administrative burden imposed by participation in the program by the participating employer;
(2)  whether the proposed training reasonably may be expected to enhance the employability of individual trainees;
(3)  whether the proposed training produces a realistic and usable level of skills;
(4)  whether the proposed training is composed of a greater ratio of training-to-work than regular employees receive under analogous conditions;
(5)  whether the employer has any intention of retaining successful trainees as regular employees;
(6)  the extent to which the proposed training includes nonspecific work skills;  and
(7)  if the employer has previously participated in the program, the prior performance of the employer in meeting the guidelines described by this subsection.
(d)  The commission may develop incentives for employers who have completed a training course offered through the program to hire as a regular employee for a period of at least one year a trainee who has successfully completed the training course.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.006. Powers and Duties of Texas Department of Human Services

Sec. 308.006.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.  The Texas Department of Human Services shall provide to the commission and a local workforce development board information and technical assistance as necessary to implement the program.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.007. Rights and Duties of Participating Employer

Sec. 308.007.  RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER.  (a)  Each employer who participates in the program shall provide a work-training position for trainees under a contract entered into with the local workforce development board or with the commission.
(b)  The employer shall interview and select the employer's trainees from a list of eligible clients that is provided to the employer by the local workforce development board or the commission.
(c)  In the operation of a training course, a participating employer may use training methods selected by the employer as long as those methods instruct the trainees in the applicable skill at the applicable standards.
(d)  An employer who participates in the program is not liable for the payment of payroll taxes or contributions to the unemployment compensation system for a trainee and is not obligated to provide health insurance coverage or retirement or pension benefits for the trainee.  An employer is responsible to the JOBS training program only for quality training, skills certification, and reporting of attendance.
(e)  During the training course, the employer shall pay $300 per month for each trainee to the commission in the manner prescribed by the commission.  The commission shall deposit the amount in the general revenue fund to the credit of the Texas employment and training account.
(f)  A trainee is considered an employee of the employer for purposes of Section 401.012.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.008. Rights of Regular Employees

Sec. 308.008.  RIGHTS OF REGULAR EMPLOYEES.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), not more than 20 percent of an employer's workforce may consist of trainees under the program.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to an employer who has fewer than 50 employees.
(c)  As a condition of participation in the program, an employer whose regular employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement shall notify the applicable collective bargaining agent of the employer's intent to participate in the program.  The employer shall provide the notice required under this subsection before accepting trainees at the employer's workplace.
(d)  A participating employer may not accept a trainee for participation in a training course conducted under the program if that participation will:
(1)  result in:
(A)  the displacement or partial displacement of a regular employee from an existing position;
(B)  the elimination of a vacant position created by the laying off of a regular employee during the 90 days preceding the employer's participation in the program;
(C)  the elimination of a position that would otherwise constitute a promotion for a regular employee;  or
(D)  a hiring freeze implemented by the employer;  or
(2)  impair a collective bargaining agreement in effect on the date that the employer proposes to begin participation in the program.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.009. Rights and Duties of Participating Trainees

Sec. 308.009.  RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARTICIPATING TRAINEES.  (a)  Each trainee who participates in the program shall work during the training course not less than the minimum number of hours required under applicable federal law for work participation for recipients of public assistance.
(b)  Each trainee is entitled to:
(1)  the rights provided under Chapters 21 and 101 as if the trainee were a regular employee;  and
(2)  participation in an administrative dispute resolution procedure conducted by the commission to resolve grievances involving participation in the program.
(c)  Each trainee shall receive a skill standards certification on successful completion of a training course offered under the program.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.010. Account

Sec. 308.010.  ACCOUNT.  (a)  The Texas employment and training account is established as a special account in the general revenue fund.  The account is composed of:
(1)  employer contributions paid under Section 308.007;  and
(2)  state matching funds obtained through the block grant received by this state under the JOBS training program.
(b)  Money in the account may be used only for the payment of training stipends and for other training activities authorized under the program.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.011. Training Stipend

Sec. 308.011.  TRAINING STIPEND.  (a)  The state shall pay to each trainee who demonstrates satisfactory participation in a training program approved under this chapter a monthly training stipend in the manner prescribed by Subsection (c).
(b)  The training stipend is composed of $600 paid to the trainee from the Texas employment and training account.  In addition to the stipend, the trainee shall continue to receive the amount of benefits that the trainee is eligible to receive under the program of financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, and the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code.
(c)  The state may transfer the monthly training stipend to a trainee by electronic benefits transfer (EBT) to an account if that method is determined by the Texas Department of Human Services to be cost-effective.
(d)  The training stipend does not constitute income to the trainee for purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of benefits received under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code.  A trainee who participates in a training program in a satisfactory manner is entitled to full JOBS benefits and benefits under the financial assistance program and food stamp program during the training program.  A trainee who terminates participation in the training program before the conclusion of the training loses eligibility for the training stipend and the JOBS benefits but remains eligible to receive benefits under the financial assistance program and food stamp program.
(e)  Excessive unexcused absences from participation subjects a trainee to a reduction in the training stipend in an amount set by the commission.
(f)  The training stipend shall be paid on the first workday of each month following the month in which the trainee participates in the training program.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 308 - Texans Work Program › Section 308.012. Report; Records

Sec. 308.012.  REPORT;  RECORDS.  (a)  The commission shall collect information and maintain records regarding:
(1)  the operation and outcome of the program;
(2)  impediments identified by the commission that affect the successful operation of the program;  and
(3)  complaints or other comments regarding the program received by the commission from employers, trainees, regular employees, and local workforce development boards.
(b)  Information maintained by the commission under Subsection (a) is a public record.
(c)  Expired.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 309 - Self-Sufficiency Fund › Section 309.001. Definitions

Sec. 309.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Community-based organization" means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that provides education, vocational education or rehabilitation, job training, or internship services or programs.  The term includes a neighborhood group or organization, community action agency, community development corporation, union-related organization, employer-related organization, faith-based organization, tribal government, or organization serving Native Americans.
(2)  "Fund" means the self-sufficiency fund created under Section 309.002.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 126, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 309 - Self-Sufficiency Fund › Section 309.002. Self-Sufficiency Fund

Sec. 309.002.  SELF-SUFFICIENCY FUND.  (a)  Subject to the availability of funds, the self-sufficiency fund is created as an account in the general revenue fund for use by public community and technical colleges, community-based organizations, and state extension agencies to develop job-training programs in which individuals who are identified by the commission as being low-income or at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance benefits are provided job training by:
(1)  an entity that develops a job-training program under this section;
(2)  a small or medium-sized business or trade union; or
(3)  an informal partnership between an entity that develops a job-training program under this section and a small or medium-sized business network or consortium.
(b)  Money from the fund may also be used for support services as necessary for participants to prepare for and participate in training activities and to make the transition from training activities to employment.
(c)  The commission shall administer the fund.  The executive director, or a person appointed by the executive director who is knowledgeable in the administration of grants, is responsible for the distribution of money from the fund.
(d)  To the greatest extent practicable, money from the fund shall be spent in all areas of the state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 126, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 88 (S.B. 770), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 309 - Self-Sufficiency Fund › Section 309.003. Job-Training Programs

Sec. 309.003.  JOB-TRAINING PROGRAMS.  (a)  A job-training program financed by the fund:
(1)  must be specifically designed to:
(A)  ensure that participants meet applicable state and federal work requirements;
(B)  enable participants to find and apply for existing jobs;  and
(C)  include the involvement of employers who provide assistance in setting curricula and standards for job-training programs developed with money from the fund and are committed to hiring graduates of the programs;  and
(2)  is considered a work or employment activity for purposes of Section 31.012, Human Resources Code.
(b)  An entity that receives money from the fund for a job-training program shall work in conjunction with employers to place participants who successfully complete the program in positions of employment in which the participants will earn wages sufficient to enable the participants to become independent of or avoid becoming dependent on benefits under the financial assistance program established  under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, and if applicable, benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 126, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 88 (S.B. 770), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 309 - Self-Sufficiency Fund › Section 309.004. Rulemaking Authority

Sec. 309.004.  RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.  The commission shall adopt rules to implement this chapter, including rules to:
(1)  identify individuals who are low-income or at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance benefits; and
(2)  determine which individuals identified under Subdivision (1) are eligible to participate in job-training programs developed with money from the fund.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 126, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 88 (S.B. 770), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.001. Definitions

Sec. 310.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Member" means a member of the child-care resource and referral network that provides child-care resource and referral services in this state.
(2)  "Network" means the child-care resource and referral network administered by a nonprofit public or private organization that contracts with the commission to provide child-care resource and referral services in this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 310.002.  CHILD-CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL NETWORK.  (a)  The commission, through funds allocated to the commission as the agency designated to administer the grant under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 9858 et seq.), as amended, and specifically appropriated to the commission for that purpose, shall:
(1)  contract with a child-care resource and referral network to provide child-care resource and referral services in this state;  and
(2)  require the network to be administered in compliance with the requirements of the block grant program.
(b)  The commission shall use a system of competitive procurement to award a contract to a child-care resource and referral network that has proven experience in providing child-care resource and referral services.
(c)  To the extent funds from the block grant program are available for that purpose, the commission shall award the contract under this section in a manner that will allow for the provision of child-care resource and referral services throughout this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.003. Statewide Child-Care Needs Assessment

Sec. 310.003.  STATEWIDE CHILD-CARE NEEDS ASSESSMENT.  (a)  The network shall conduct a needs assessment to determine the supply of and demand for child-care services in this state and to identify discrepancies between that supply and demand.
(b)  Based on the needs assessment, the network shall make recommendations to the commission regarding collaborative solutions to address the identified child-care supply and demand discrepancies.  The recommended solutions must involve collaboration between:
(1)  local workforce development boards;
(2)  community-based social services agencies;
(3)  employers;
(4)  child-care providers;  and
(5)  parents who are consumers of child-care services.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.004. Resource Services

Sec. 310.004.  RESOURCE SERVICES.  The network, through its members, shall provide and continually update resource information regarding:
(1)  child-care and early childhood education services in this state;  and
(2)  assistance in becoming a child-care provider, including information about:
(A)  the general requirements for applying for and maintaining a license, listing, or registration under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code;  and
(B)  the availability of financial resources and educational, technical, and other training opportunities, including management skills training and continuing education programs for operators and employees of child-care facilities, regardless of whether the network or another person provides those opportunities.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.005. Referral Services

Sec. 310.005.  REFERRAL SERVICES.  (a)  The network, through its members, shall provide referral services to:
(1)  a person who is seeking child-care and early childhood education services;  and
(2)  an employer seeking child-care assistance for the employer or an employee through:
(A)  a consultation regarding the availability of child-care and early childhood education services;  or
(B)  specialized services for the employer or its employees.
Text of subsection effective until April 01, 2025
(b)  In addition to providing referrals to child-care and early childhood education services, the network, through its members, shall provide:
(1)  referrals to available support services, including:
(A)  parenting education classes;  and
(B)  services for parents or children offered by health and human services agencies, as defined by Section 531.001, Government Code, or otherwise available in the community;  and
(2)  information for consumers of child-care and early childhood education services, including:
(A)  information regarding early childhood development;
(B)  criteria for identifying quality child-care and early childhood education services that support the healthy development of children;  and
(C)  other information that will assist consumers in making informed and effective choices regarding child-care and early childhood education services.
Text of subsection effective on April 01, 2025
(b)  In addition to providing referrals to child-care and early childhood education services, the network, through its members, shall provide:
(1)  referrals to available support services, including:
(A)  parenting education classes; and
(B)  services for parents or children offered by health and human services agencies, as defined by Section 521.0001, Government Code, or otherwise available in the community;  and
(2)  information for consumers of child-care and early childhood education services, including:
(A)  information regarding early childhood development;
(B)  criteria for identifying quality child-care and early childhood education services that support the healthy development of children; and
(C)  other information that will assist consumers in making informed and effective choices regarding child-care and early childhood education services.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 2.141, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.006. Advertisement of Services

Sec. 310.006.  ADVERTISEMENT OF SERVICES.  (a)  The network, through its members, shall inform parents, child-care consumers, child-care providers, and employers located in the member's service area of:
(1)  the resource and referral services available from the network;  and
(2)  the methods by which a person may contact the member to access resource and referral services.
(b)  A member may provide the information under Subsection (a) through the media and alternative means, including:
(1)  state and local community, job, and health fairs;
(2)  public service announcements and advertisements;
(3)  career development centers;
(4)  offices of health and human services agencies;
(5)  Texas workforce centers that comprise the Texas Workforce Network;  and
(6)  direct contacts with employers and child-care providers.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.007. Collection of Child-Care Data

Sec. 310.007.  COLLECTION OF CHILD-CARE DATA.  (a)  The network, through its members, shall:
(1)  collect and continuously update statewide data regarding the supply of and demand for child-care and early childhood education services in this state;
(2)  report the data to the commission each calendar quarter;  and
(3)  make the information available statewide.
(b)  The data required by this section must include a comprehensive compilation of all available child-care and early childhood education services in this state and information concerning unmet needs of consumers with respect to those services.
(c)  The commission and the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services shall provide assistance to the network and members of the network in collecting, aggregating, and updating the data required by this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 310 - Child-Care Resource and Referral Network › Section 310.008. Rules

Sec. 310.008.  RULES.  The commission may adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1445, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 311 - Voluntary Workforce Training for Certain Students › Section 311.001. Definitions

Sec. 311.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Agency" means the Texas Education Agency.
(2)  "Certified program" means a career and technology secondary and postsecondary education program conducted under an agreement as described by Section 311.003 or a voluntary program certified by the agency in conjunction with the commission as meeting the standards prescribed by Section 311.002, and that:
(A)  integrates a secondary school academic curriculum with private sector workplace training and a postsecondary curriculum;
(B)  places students in job internships;
(C)  is designed to continue into postsecondary education and lead to the participant earning an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree;
(D)  will result in teaching new skills and adding value to the wage-earning potential of participants and increasing a participant's long-term employability in this state;  and
(E)  meets recognized or accepted industry standards.
(3)  "Participant" means a person at least 16 years of age who is enrolled in a public or private secondary or postsecondary school, or an equivalent program, and who began to voluntarily participate in a certified voluntary workforce training program as part of secondary school education.
(4)  "Sponsor" means any person operating a certified program and in whose name the program is registered.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 311 - Voluntary Workforce Training for Certain Students › Section 311.002. Certification Standards

Sec. 311.002.  CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.  To be eligible for certification by the agency under this chapter, a program must:
(1)  be conducted under an organized, written plan embodying the terms and conditions of employment, job training, classroom instruction, and supervision of participants and be subscribed to by a sponsor who has undertaken to carry out the program;
(2)  comply with all state and federal laws, including laws pertaining to fair labor standards and workplace health and safety;
(3)  comply with recognized industry standards applicable to the program in which the participant is engaged;  and
(4)  include an agreement by the employer to assign an employee to serve as a mentor for the participant.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 311 - Voluntary Workforce Training for Certain Students › Section 311.004. Rulemaking

Sec. 311.004.  RULEMAKING.  (a)  The agency and commission shall adopt rules as necessary to administer each entity's duties under this chapter.  To the extent possible, the agency and commission shall cooperate with each other in adopting rules so that all rules adopted under this chapter are consistent and easily administered.
(b)  Rules adopted under this section must include a requirement that participation in a certified program under this chapter is voluntary.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 311 - Voluntary Workforce Training for Certain Students › Section 311.005. Commission Duties; Local Workforce Development Boards

Sec. 311.005.  COMMISSION DUTIES;  LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS.  (a)  The commission shall:
(1)  administer its responsibilities under this chapter as part of the commission's workforce development system;
(2)  cooperate with other state agencies as appropriate;  and
(3)  provide information and technical assistance to the agency, secondary and postsecondary schools, employers, local workforce development boards, and other entities.
(b)  A local workforce development board, working in partnership with other local and regional entities, shall provide to secondary and postsecondary schools and employers in the area in which the board is established information and technical assistance as necessary to implement this chapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 312 - Industry-Based Certification Advisory Council › Section 312.001. Definition

Sec. 312.001.  DEFINITION.    In this chapter, "advisory council" means the industry-based certification advisory council established under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 731 (H.B. 3938), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 312 - Industry-Based Certification Advisory Council › Section 312.002. Advisory Council

Sec. 312.002.  ADVISORY COUNCIL.  (a)  The industry-based certification advisory council is established to advise the commission regarding the alignment of public high school career and technology education programs with current and future workforce needs in communities, regions, and the state.
(b)  The advisory council is composed of the following nine members:
(1)  three members representing industry in this state, one each appointed by the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives;
(2)  three members representing public school teachers who teach career and technology education courses or public school administrators, one each appointed by the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(3)  three members representing a public junior college, public state college, or public technical institute, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, one each appointed by the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c)  The members of the advisory council serve staggered four-year terms, with the terms of either four or five members expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year.
(c-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (c), the initial members appointed shall determine by lot which four of the nine initial members will serve terms that expire February 1, 2023, and which five of the nine initial members will serve terms that expire February 1, 2025.  This subsection expires January 1, 2026.
(d)  A vacancy on the advisory council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for that position.
(e)  A member of the advisory council is not entitled to compensation for service as a member of the advisory council but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary travel expenses incurred in performing functions as a member of the advisory council, as provided in the General Appropriations Act.
(f)  Using existing resources, the commission shall provide administrative and staff support for the advisory council.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 731 (H.B. 3938), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 312 - Industry-Based Certification Advisory Council › Section 312.003. Inventory of Credentials and Certificates

Sec. 312.003.  INVENTORY OF CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATES.  (a)  The advisory council shall develop an inventory of industry-recognized credentials and certificates that may be earned by a public high school student through a career and technology education program and that:
(1)  are aligned to state and regional workforce needs; and
(2)  serve as an entry point to middle- and high-wage jobs.
(b)  The inventory must include for each credential or certificate:
(1)  the associated career cluster;
(2)  the awarding entity;
(3)  the level of education required and any additional requirements for the credential or certificate;
(4)  any fees for obtaining the credential or certificate; and
(5)  the average wage or salary for jobs that require or prefer the credential or certificate.
(c)  In developing the inventory, the advisory council may consult with local workforce boards, the Texas Workforce Investment Council, the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(d)  The advisory council shall establish a process for developing the inventory, including the criteria for the inclusion of a credential or certificate in the inventory.
(e)  The advisory council shall annually review and revise the inventory.
(f)  Each year, the commission shall:
(1)  adopt and, if necessary, review the inventory; and
(2)  provide a copy of the inventory to the Texas Education Agency and to each school district and public institution of higher education that offers a career and technology education program to public high school students.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 494 (H.B. 2729), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Education Code, Section 29.189 by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 731 (H.B. 3938), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 313 - Requirements for Providers of Relative Child Care › Section 313.001. Definitions

Sec. 313.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Department" means the Department of Family and Protective Services.
(2)  "Relative child care" means child care that is:
(A)  funded wholly or partly from money received under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 9858 et seq.); and
(B)  provided by a provider who:
(i)  is at least 18 years of age;
(ii)  complies with any federal or state requirements regarding subsidized child care that apply to the provider;
(iii)  provides child-care services for less than 24 hours a day to a child who is, by marriage, blood relationship, or court decree:
(a)  the grandchild of the provider;
(b)  the great-grandchild of the provider;
(c)  the sibling of the provider, and the child resides in a separate residence from the provider; or
(d)  the niece or nephew of the provider; and
(iv)  operates a listed family home under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code, that provides care for one or more children related to the provider and does not hold any other license or permit to provide child care under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code.
(3)  "Teen parent" means an individual 18 years of age or younger, or 19 years of age and fully enrolled in a secondary school in a program leading toward a high school diploma, who is the parent of a child.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 869 (S.B. 76), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 313 - Requirements for Providers of Relative Child Care › Section 313.002. Location of Care

Sec. 313.002.  LOCATION OF CARE.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), relative child care must be provided in the child-care provider's home.
(b)  The commission shall allow relative child care in the child's home:
(1)  for a disabled child and the child's siblings;
(2)  for a child under 18 months of age and the child's siblings;
(3)  for a child of a teen parent; and
(4)  when the parent's work schedule necessitates child–care services during the evening, overnight, or on the weekend and taking the child outside of the child's home would be disruptive to the child.
(c)  The commission may allow relative child care in the child's home if the commission determines that other child-care provider arrangements are not available in the community.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 869 (S.B. 76), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 313 - Requirements for Providers of Relative Child Care › Section 313.003. Listing as Family Home

Sec. 313.003.  LISTING AS FAMILY HOME.  A relative child-care provider must list the provider's home with the department as a family home.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 869 (S.B. 76), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 313 - Requirements for Providers of Relative Child Care › Section 313.004. Notice of Background and Criminal History Checks

Sec. 313.004.  NOTICE OF BACKGROUND AND CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS.  The commission must provide notice of the background and criminal history check requirement to the parent or guardian of the child who will receive care through a relative child-care provider before the parent or guardian selects the provider.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 869 (S.B. 76), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 313 - Requirements for Providers of Relative Child Care › Section 313.005. Memorandum of Understanding

Sec. 313.005.  MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  The commission and the department shall adopt a memorandum of understanding regarding the administration and payment of costs of listing a relative child-care provider as required by this chapter.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 869 (S.B. 76), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 314 - Texas Back to Work Program › Section 314.001. Definition

Sec. 314.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "qualified applicant" means a person who made less than $40 per hour at the person's last employment before becoming unemployed.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 35.02, eff. September 28, 2011.