H.B. No. 1702 amends the Education Code to enhance the eligibility criteria for the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund grant program. The bill introduces a new definition for "qualifying general academic teaching institution," which includes institutions with fewer than 10,000 students, located in counties with populations under 35,000, and designated as Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Additionally, the bill expands the list of eligible entities for grant applications to include these qualifying institutions alongside public junior colleges, public technical institutes, and nonprofit organizations.

The bill also outlines specific requirements for entities seeking grants, such as administering performance-based workforce training programs that align with high-demand occupations, demonstrating successful outcomes in recruiting and placing individuals in employment, and securing at least 40% of funding from non-state sources. Furthermore, it mandates collaboration with various stakeholders, including local businesses and educational partners, to ensure that training programs meet the needs of the job market. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()