workforce program for the advanced nuclear energy industry

The text as introduced · 539 words

89R8503 KSD-D

By: Campbell
S.B. No. 1631

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment by the Texas Workforce Commission of

an advanced nuclear energy workforce development program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is

amended by adding Section 302.0081 to read as follows:

Sec. 302.0081. ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:

(1) "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher

Education Coordinating Board.

(2) "General academic teaching institution,"

"institution of higher education," "public junior college," and

"public technical institute" have the meanings assigned by Section

61.003, Education Code.

(3) "Program" means the advanced nuclear energy

workforce development program established under this section.

(b) The commission, in collaboration with the coordinating

board and in consultation with representatives designated by the

Railroad Commission of Texas to coordinate this state's nuclear

energy strategies, by rule shall establish and administer the

advanced nuclear energy workforce development program under this

section for the purpose of addressing urgent skilled labor demands

in the advanced nuclear energy industry in this state.

(c) Under the program, the commission shall:

(1) create a strategic plan for:

(A) addressing labor supply gaps and talent

retention issues in the advanced nuclear energy industry; and

(B) providing financial assistance, including

through the creation of strategic partnerships among public and

private entities and advanced nuclear energy industry

stakeholders, to incentivize and support:

(i) the creation by institutions of higher

education of education and training programs in the field of

advanced nuclear energy; and

(ii) research and leadership development in

the field of advanced nuclear energy at general academic teaching

institutions;

(2) develop customized curriculum requirements for

degree and certificate programs to prepare students for high-wage

jobs in the advanced nuclear energy industry that, subject to

coordinating board approval under Section 61.0512, Education Code,

may be offered by an institution of higher education; and

(3) implement strategies to:

(A) educate students and other individuals

seeking employment in the advanced nuclear energy industry in this

state regarding education and training requirements for jobs in the

industry; and

(B) connect students and other individuals

seeking employment in the advanced nuclear energy industry in this

state with industry employers and employment opportunities.

(d) In developing curriculum requirements under Subsection

(c)(2), the commission shall:

(1) consult with:

(A) representatives of the coordinating board,

general academic teaching institutions, public technical

institutes, and public junior colleges;

(B) the designated representatives of the

Railroad Commission of Texas described by Subsection (b); and

(C) employers in the advanced nuclear energy

industry; and

(2) focus on developing curriculum for programs

leading to high-wage jobs in the areas of:

(A) nuclear-grade welding;

(B) radiological control and monitoring;

(C) reactor operations;

(D) nuclear instrumentation and control; and

(E) nuclear, electrical, chemical, civil, and

environmental engineering.

(e) Not later than September 1 of each year, the commission,

in consultation with the coordinating board, shall prepare and

submit to each standing committee of the legislature with primary

jurisdiction over workforce development, higher education, or

energy industry matters, a report summarizing the commission's

activities under the program. The report may include the

commission's recommendations for legislative or other action.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.