SECTION 31.12. Training and Education of Commission Employees

(a) The commission may use state funds in accordance with Government Code §§656.041 - 656.104 to provide training and education for its employees.

(b) Training or education provided pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be related to the employee's current position or prospective job duties within the commission.

(c) Commission employees may be required to complete training and/or education programs related to the employee's current or prospective job duties as a condition of employment.

(d) Participation in training or education programs requires the approval of the employee's supervisors prior to participation and is subject to the availability of funds in the commission's budget.

(e) The employee training and education program for the commission may include:

(1) mandatory agency-sponsored training or education required for all employees;

(2) training or education relating to technical or professional certifications and licenses;

(3) training and education designed to promote employee development;

(4) employee-funded external education;

(5) commission-funded external education;

(6) a tuition-reimbursement program; and

(7) such other training or education determined by the commission to be of benefit to the employee and the commission, and to promote effective state administration pursuant to Government Code §656.042.

(f) Approval to participate in any portion of the commission's training and education program shall not in any way: affect an employee's at-will employment status; constitute a guarantee or indication of continued employment; or constitute a guarantee or indication of future employment in a current or prospective position.

(g) Approval to participate in any training or education program may be withdrawn if the commission determines, in its sole discretion, that participation would negatively affect the employee's job duties or performance.

Source Note: The provisions of this §31.12 adopted to be effective February 18, 2013, 38 TexReg 823