The bill, S.B. No. 59, amends the Education Code to enhance the use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program. It introduces new provisions that allow grants to be used not only to cover start-up costs for developing new career and technical education programs at various educational institutions but also to finance the acquisition, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of necessary technology solutions to support these programs. Specifically, the bill adds two new categories for grant usage: one for technology solutions related to program support and another for financing courses that lead to licenses, certificates, or postsecondary degrees.

Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed grant funds to be used solely for initial costs of course or program development, thereby broadening the scope of eligible expenses. The changes will apply only to grants awarded on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to better align grant funding with the evolving needs of career and technical education in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 134.004, Education Code 134.006 (Education Code 134)