TWC approves certifications, rule changes and waivers; distributes $759,000 in RESEA funds and reviews dozens of UI appeals
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Summary
The Texas Workforce Commission approved certification and recertification of Community Rehabilitation Programs, adopted and published rule amendments across multiple chapters of 40 TAC, authorized WIOA waiver submissions to the U.S. Department of Labor, approved $759,000 in RESEA fund distribution to six local boards, appointed advisory committee members, and considered many unemployment insurance appeals (deferrals, resubmissions, and modifications).
The Texas Workforce Commission approved a series of administrative and program actions at its public meeting, including certification and recertification of community rehabilitation programs, publication of proposed rule changes, adoption of final amendments to the Skills Development Fund rules, repeal of an obsolete subchapter, approval to submit three WIOA waiver requests to the U.S. Department of Labor and a $759,000 distribution of RESEA funds to expand a subsequent-meetings pilot.
On certification and recertification, commissioners approved staff recommendations to certify GALT Staffing (El Paso) for participation in the Purchasing from People with Disabilities (PPD) program and to recertify Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center and Lighthouse for the Blind Houston.
Rule actions included staff requests to publish a proposed amendment to 40 TAC chapter 800 to set abolishment dates (proposed 12/31/2035) for three advisory committees, and adoption of final amendments to 40 TAC chapter 803 (Skills Development Fund) that implement Senate Bill 856 by adding the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station as an eligible applicant. Commissioners also approved publication for public comment of a proposed repeal of subchapter J in chapter 806 because the enabling statute has expired.
On federal coordination, staff recommended and the commission approved submission of three waiver requests under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) covering post-exit supportive services, youth program elements and out-of-school youth expenditure flexibilities. Commissioners discussed tracking and performance reporting requirements for any DOL-approved waivers.
The commission voted to distribute $759,000 in RESEA funds to six additional local workforce boards to expand a subsequent-meetings pilot intended to increase evidence-based reemployment interventions.
Advisory appointments: commissioners approved the appointment of Jeanie Burton (vice president of people, ATX Specialty Foods), Lisa McDaniel (executive director, Workforce Solutions North Texas) and Dr. Krista Van Buren (director of adult education, Navarro College) to the adult education and literacy advisory committee for two-year terms expiring March 2028.
Unemployment insurance appeals: commissioners reviewed numerous pulled UI cases on dockets 11 and 12. The panel deferred consideration of case 3889465 after learning a court suit had been filed that removed TWC jurisdiction. Across other pulled cases the commission repeatedly voted to resubmit cases for merits testimony where good cause or evidentiary development was warranted, modified some administrative-tribunal (AT) decisions, affirmed others and recorded multiple short-form dissents. Where motions were recorded, commissioners generally accepted staff recommendations for the remaining cases on the dockets.
What this means: The meeting combined standard administrative rulemaking and program-management decisions with adjudicative review of individual appeal cases. Most program and rule items were approved for publication or adoption as staff recommended; several contested UI appeals will return for further process.
The meeting concluded after brief reports and an adjournment vote.
