HB 4196

relating to the establishment of the Task Force on Modernizing
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 481, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter HH to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER HH.  TASK FORCE ON MODERNIZING MANUFACTURING
Sec. 481.701.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "task force"
means the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing.
Sec. 481.702.  CREATION OF TASK FORCE; COMPOSITION.  (a)  The
Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing is established to study the
modernization of manufacturing in this state.
(b)  The task force is composed of 11 members, consisting of:
(1)  the executive director of the office or the
executive director's designee; and
(2)  the following members appointed by the governor,
on the recommendation of the executive director of the office or the
(A)  two members representing small manufacturers
with an established presence in this state;
(B)  two members representing mid-sized
manufacturers with an established presence in this state;
(C)  two members representing large manufacturers
with an established presence in this state;
(D)  two experts in automation and digital
technologies related to manufacturing;
(E)  one member representing the Texas Workforce
(F)  one additional member representing the
(c)  The executive director of the office or the executive
director's designee shall serve as the presiding officer of the
(d)  The task force shall meet at the call of the presiding
Sec. 481.703.  DUTIES OF TASK FORCE.  (a)  The task force
(1)  study the current state of manufacturing in this
state, with a focus on the adoption of automation and digital
(2)  identify barriers to the adoption of automation
and digital technologies in manufacturing;
(3)  develop recommendations for policies and programs
to support the modernization of manufacturing in this state,
including incentives for the adoption of automation and digital
(4)  evaluate the potential economic effect of
modernizing manufacturing, including job creation and retention,
increased productivity, and competitiveness.
(b)  The task force may establish subcommittees as necessary
to carry out its duties under this subchapter.
Sec. 481.704.  ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.  The office shall
provide the staff and facilities necessary to assist the task force
in performing the task force's duties under this subchapter.
Sec. 481.705.  REPORT.  Not later than October 1, 2026, the
task force shall prepare and deliver to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
and each standing committee of the legislature with primary
jurisdiction over economic development matters a report on the task
force's findings and recommendations for legislative or other
Sec. 481.706.  EXPIRATION.  The task force is abolished and
this subchapter expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.