TX
Texas House Bill HB322

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB322

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of House Committee
4/17/25  
Voted on by House
4/29/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/22/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/27/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.

Impact

HB 322 is expected to improve state laws by broadening the permissible uses of grant funds and enabling educational institutions to respond more effectively to labor market demands. This change is likely to lead to more tailored educational programs that address the skills required by employers within the state. By facilitating the development of these programs, the bill aims to assist Texas in maintaining a competitive workforce. Additionally, it addresses funding for technology that would enhance the quality of education provided and streamline operations within the institutions involved.

Summary

House Bill 322 focuses on the modifications to the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program. The bill aims to enhance the flexibility and utility of grant funds awarded under this program to better support the development of career and technical education programs within public junior colleges, online technical institutes, and school districts. It specifically allows for the funding of start-up costs as well as the acquisition and maintenance of necessary technology solutions that support these educational programs. The intent is to align educational offerings with the needs of local businesses, promoting job readiness among students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 322 is largely positive among supporters who believe it enhances educational opportunities and better equips students for the job market. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, particularly from education advocates who argue that it will lead to improved job outcomes for graduates. However, there are some concerns from stakeholders about how effectively the funds will be utilized and whether the changes adequately address the broader educational needs beyond just immediate job readiness.

Contention

Despite its overall support, notable points of contention include the concern over the long-term effectiveness of the JET Grant Program. Some legislators and advocacy groups have raised questions about the program's past performance and whether the amendments proposed in HB 322 adequately enable institutions to meet workforce needs without compromising the breadth of education provided. Critics are cautioning against a potential narrow focus that prioritizes immediate job skills at the expense of a well-rounded education.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 134. Jobs And Education For Texans (jet) Grant Program
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Latest TX HB322 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular HB322

Companion Bills

TX SB59

Identical Relating to the use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4131

Relating to the use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

TX HB2615

Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX SB2539

Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.

TX HB4454

Relating to the administration of the Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.