Section 1. Subtitle B, Title 6, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 672 requiring state agencies to give an employment preference to former foster youth who were in the permanent managing conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services on the day preceding the individual's 18th birthday over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual is entitled to an employment preference only if the individual is 25 years of age or younger (day before turning 26).
"State agencies" means a department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government created by the state constitution or a state statute, including an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003 of the Education Code. However, the employment preference does not apply to the position of private secretary or deputy of an official or department or to an individual holding a strictly confidential relation to the employing officer.
PAL Staff will provide the Employment Preference form letter to qualifying youth when they are 18 years of age and as requested. Former Foster youth will need to respond to questions on their application for employment to be considered for the employment preference 1) Were you a foster youth under the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services on the day before your 18th birthday? Yes or No 2) If yes, are you currently 25 years of age or younger? Yes or No