SECTION 111.24. Training and Education of Employees

(a) With the approval of the Executive Director, the Commission may make available to its employees funds for training and education in accordance with the Employee Training Act, Texas Government Code §§656.041 - 656.049.

(b) In order to be eligible for agency supported training and education, the employee must demonstrate in writing, to the satisfaction of the Executive Director or designee, that the training or education is related to the duties or prospective duties of the employee. If the training or education is offered by an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education, as defined by Texas Education Code §61.003, and is allowed under agency human resources policies:

(1) the agency may only pay the tuition expenses for a program course successfully completed by the employee at an accredited institution of higher education; and

(2) the Executive Director must authorize the tuition reimbursement payment.

(c) An employee who completes training and education to obtain a degree or certification for which the Commission has provided all or part of the required fees must agree in writing to fully repay the Commission any amounts paid for educational assistance if the employee voluntarily terminates employment with the agency within one year after the course or courses are completed.

(d) All materials received by an employee as part of agency-funded training and education remain the property of the Commission.

(e) Approval to participate in a training and education program, including an agency-sponsored training, seminar or conference, shall not in any way affect an employee's at-will status. The approval of a training and education program is not a guarantee or indication that approval will be granted for subsequent training and education programs. Approval to participate in a training and education program shall in no way constitute a guarantee or indication of continued employment, nor shall it constitute a guarantee or indication of future employment in a current or prospective position.

Source Note: The provisions of this §111.24 adopted to be effective August 7, 2008, 33 TexReg 6129; amended to be effective July 7, 2016, 41 TexReg 4797