The bill, H.B. No. 322, 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 of allowable expenses under Section 134.004(b) and expands the permissible uses of grant funds under Section 134.006(b) to include technology-related costs.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that grants could only be used for certain expenses, thereby broadening the scope of eligible uses. 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 legislative update aims to better align the JET Grant Program with the evolving needs of career and technical education, ensuring that institutions have the necessary resources to prepare students for high-demand occupations.

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