By: Sparks S.B. No. 2448
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to rural workforce development.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is
amended by adding Section 302.021 to read as follows:
Sec. 302.021. RURAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. (a) The purpose
of this section is to enhance the employability, earnings, and
standard of living of the people living in rural communities of this
state, through job creation and expansion, education, and skills
training.
(b) The commission, in consultation with the Texas
Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,
shall administer a rural workforce development program to support
measurable programs advancing college and career readiness, skill
development, and work experience opportunities, including:
(1) recruiting and retaining businesses for
high-wage, high-demand careers aligned to the commission's
regional labor market information under Section 302.002 and the
occupational shortage areas reported under Section 302.019;
(2) working with one or more institutions of higher
education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, to support
attainment of the coordinating board's long-range master plan for
higher education developed under Section 61.051, Education Code,
and to ensure students cost-effectively attain degrees and
postsecondary credentials of value; and
(3) working with participating rural school districts
to attain or maintain the highest or second highest performance
rating category under Chapter 39, Education Code.
(c) The commission may award grants to local entities that
perform activities related to the purposes of this section.
(d) The commission may award grants for technical
assistance to one or more nonprofit organizations with experience
in improving outcomes, including students' college and career
outcomes, in rural communities in this state. The nonprofit
organization shall assist a rural community's alignment of
workforce, higher education, and education goals, including access
and attainment of postsecondary credentials and degrees.
(e) The commission may accept gifts, grants, and donations
from any public or private source for the purposes of the program
and shall administer the program using money appropriated to the
commission or money received from other sources.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.