S.B. No. 1557
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to business and nonprofit organization participation in
  supporting early college high schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 29.908, Education Code, is amended by
  amending Subsections (c) and (d) and adding Subsections (e), (f),
  and (g) to read as follows:
         (c)  A student participating in the program is entitled to
  the benefits of the Foundation School Program in proportion to the
  amount of time spent by the student on high school courses, in
  accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner, while completing
  the course of study established by the applicable articulation
  agreement under Subsection (b)(3).
         (d)  The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and
  donations from any source, including private and nonprofit
  organizations.  Private and nonprofit organizations that
  contribute to the fund shall receive an award under Section 7.113[,
  to pay any costs of the program not covered by the student's
  Foundation School Program benefits].
         (e)  The commissioner shall collaborate with the Texas
  Workforce Commission and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
  Board to develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance private
  industry participation under this section.  The plan must
  include:
               (1)  strategies to increase private industry
  participation; and
               (2)  incentives for businesses and nonprofit
  organizations that choose to make donations and work with high
  schools that participate in a program under this section to
  maximize job placement opportunities for program graduates.
         (f)  Not later than December 1, 2014, the commissioner shall
  provide a report that summarizes the strategic plan developed under
  Subsection (e) to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house
  of representatives, the governor, the Texas Workforce Commission,
  and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The Texas
  Education Agency, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas
  Higher Education Coordinating Board shall each make the report
  available on the respective agency's Internet website.
         (g) [(d)]  The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to
  administer the program.  The rules may provide for giving
  preference in receiving program benefits to a student who is in the
  first generation of the student's family to attend college and may
  establish other distinctions or criteria based on student need.  
  The commissioner shall consult the Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board in administering the program.  The Texas Higher
  Education Coordinating Board may adopt rules as necessary to
  exercise its powers and duties under this section.  The P-16 Council
  may make recommendations, including recommendations for rules,
  concerning administration of the program.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1557 passed the Senate on
  May 2, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1557 passed the House on
  May 22, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 148, Nays 0, two
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor