CHAPTER 312. INTERAGENCY LITERACY COUNCIL

LABOR CODE

TITLE 4. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND UNEMPLOYMENT

SUBTITLE B. TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION; WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT;

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

CHAPTER 312. INTERAGENCY LITERACY COUNCIL

Sec. 312.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "council" means the

Interagency Literacy Council established under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Interagency

Literacy Council is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code

(Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by

that chapter, the council is abolished and this chapter expires

September 1, 2019.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.003. ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION. (a) The

commission shall establish the Interagency Literacy Council. The

council is composed of nine members as follows:

(1) a representative of the commission, appointed by the

executive director;

(2) a representative of the Texas Education Agency, appointed by

the commissioner of education;

(3) a representative of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating

Board, appointed by the commissioner of higher education; and

(4) six public members who are leaders of the business or

nonprofit community engaged in literacy promotion efforts,

appointed by the executive director of the commission.

(b) The representative appointed under Subsection (a)(1) shall

serve as the presiding officer of the council.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.004. COMMISSION DUTIES. The commission shall provide

staff and resources as necessary for the operation of the

council.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.005. TERMS; VACANCY. (a) Members of the council serve

two-year terms, with the terms expiring February 1 of each

odd-numbered year.

(b) A member may be reappointed.

(c) A vacancy on the council shall be filled for the remainder

of the unexpired term in the same manner as provided by Section

312.003(a).

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.006. MEETINGS. (a) The council shall meet in person

at least three times each year and may hold meetings by

conference call if necessary. The council shall invite

stakeholders to participate in at least one council meeting each

year and provide an opportunity for submission of oral or written

testimony.

(b) Section 551.125, Government Code, applies to a meeting held

by conference call under this section, except that Section

551.125(b), Government Code, does not apply.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.007. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. (a) A member of the

council may not receive compensation for service on the council.

(b) A public member may be reimbursed for the member's actual

and necessary expenses for meals, lodging, and transportation

incurred while performing council business, subject to any

applicable limitation on reimbursement prescribed by the General

Appropriations Act.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.008. COUNCIL POWERS AND DUTIES. The council shall:

(1) study current research to assess the adult literacy needs in

this state, including literacy needs relating to business and

finance, workforce and technology, civics, and health and

wellness;

(2) consult with key stakeholders to identify:

(A) barriers to improving literacy; and

(B) evidence-based best practices for improving literacy;

(3) review the status of the programs and services administered

by each agency or entity represented on the council that promote

literacy in an effort to coordinate efforts, align services,

reduce redundancies, implement best practices, integrate support

services, and improve accountability;

(4) build existing funding streams and identify additional state

and federal funding sources available for the promotion of

literacy in this state; and

(5) raise literacy awareness and engage community leaders in

creative solution building for improving literacy in this state.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.009. STATEWIDE LITERACY PLAN; REPORT. (a) The council

shall develop a comprehensive statewide action plan for the

improvement of literacy in this state, including a recommended

timeline for implementation.

(b) The council shall submit to both houses of the legislature,

the governor, and the Texas Workforce Investment Council on or

before November 1 of each even-numbered year a written report on:

(1) the development of the council's statewide action plan;

(2) the actions taken in furtherance of the plan;

(3) the areas that need improvement in implementing the plan;

(4) any change to the plan; and

(5) the programs and services that address literacy needs in

this state.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.010. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The commission may

accept for the council a gift, grant, or donation from any source

to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 312.011. RULES. The commission may adopt rules necessary

to implement this chapter.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

1024, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.