89R10959 AB-F
By: Ashby H.B. No. 4479
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Development
Grant Program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter J to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER J. RURAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM
Sec. 302.301. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning
assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(2) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization
exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section
501(c)(3) of that code.
(3) "Program" means the Rural Workforce Development
Grant Program established under this subchapter.
Sec. 302.302. PROGRAM ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.
The commission, in consultation with the Texas Education Agency and
the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall establish and
administer the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program under
which the commission may award grants to one or more nonprofit
organizations to provide technical assistance and support to
institutions of higher education and school districts in rural
areas of the state in aligning and delivering workforce training
and higher education to address skills gaps to meet urgent
workforce demands.
Sec. 302.303. GRANT ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for a grant
under the program, a nonprofit organization must:
(1) apply to the commission in the manner prescribed
by commission rule;
(2) demonstrate experience in effectively providing
technical assistance and support to institutions of higher
education or school districts in a rural area of this state in
aligning and delivering workforce training and education programs
to address skills gaps to meet the area's urgent workforce demands;
and
(3) satisfy any other relevant criteria prescribed by
commission rule.
Sec. 302.304. GRANT REQUIREMENTS. (a) The commission may
award a grant to an eligible nonprofit organization under the
program only if the organization enters into a contract with the
commission that includes conditions providing the commission with
sufficient control to ensure the public purpose of improving rural
workforce development is accomplished and the state receives a
return benefit.
(b) Grant money awarded to an eligible nonprofit
organization under the program may be used by the organization only
for costs associated with providing technical assistance and
support to an institution of higher education or school district
located in a rural area of this state in aligning and delivering
workforce training and education to meet the area's urgent
workforce demands.
Sec. 302.305. FUNDING. In addition to any money
appropriated for the program, the commission may solicit and accept
gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for
the program.
Sec. 302.306. RULES; REVIEW. The commission shall:
(1) adopt rules for the administration of this
subchapter; and
(2) periodically verify that grant money awarded to a
nonprofit organization under the program is being used
appropriately.
Sec. 302.307. ANNUAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of
each year, the commission shall submit to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
and each standing committee of the legislature with primary
jurisdiction over workforce development a report regarding:
(1) any grants awarded under the program during the
most recent state fiscal year; and
(2) the program's effectiveness.
SECTION 2. The Texas Workforce Commission shall adopt the
rules required under Subchapter J, Chapter 302, Labor Code, as
added by this Act, as soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.