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.