85R9579 KSD-D     By: Romero, Jr. H.B. No. 3397       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to formula funding for continuing workforce education   courses offered by public junior colleges.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 61.059, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows:          (b-2)  In developing the formulas under this section for the   allocation of state funds to public junior colleges, the board   shall include appropriate base funding amounts for continuing   education workforce courses offered by public junior colleges for   which credit toward a certificate or associate's degree is not   awarded, to the extent those courses are consistent with the role   and mission of a public junior college and are designed to prepare   students with skills necessary to attain external workforce   credentials, including certifications and licenses, or employment   in specific high-demand occupations, and regardless of whether the   courses are part of a recognized sequence of courses that requires a   specific number of contact hours.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2017.