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.