CERTIFICATION OF SECRETARIES

(a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code. (b) A person may be certified to practice as a municipal secretary in this state. The person shall be granted a certificate on completion of a program of instruction for municipal secretaries conducted at an institution of higher education. (c) A private association of secretaries of municipalities may contract with an institution of higher education to use the facilities of the institution to provide a program of instruction for municipal secretaries. The association shall develop the program with the assistance of the institution. The institution shall approve a program that meets qualifications for approval developed by the institution. The association shall conduct the program at the institution. (d) A private association of secretaries that establishes a program of instruction under this section shall pay the costs of the program, including the payment of a reasonable fee to the institution that houses the program for the use of the institution's facilities. State funds may not be appropriated to finance a certification program established under this section. (e) A private association of secretaries that establishes a program of instruction under this section shall issue a certificate to each person who successfully completes the program. A person who holds a certificate issued under this section must renew the certificate not later than five years after the date on which the original certificate was issued. The person may renew the certificate on completion of a supplementary program of instruction conducted at the institution of higher education. (f) This section does not require a person to be certified as a municipal secretary in order to practice in that capacity.