S.B. No. 1728 amends the Education Code to expand the participation of certain juvenile justice entities in the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program. The bill allows the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments to apply for grants alongside public junior colleges, technical institutes, state colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. The amendments include the addition of these juvenile justice entities in the sections detailing the grant application process and eligibility criteria, ensuring they can receive funding to develop new career and technical education programs.

Additionally, the bill specifies that grants can be awarded for educational opportunities not previously available to students in facilities operated by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or related entities. This includes provisions for dual credit courses and partnerships with public educational institutions. The changes aim to enhance educational access and career readiness for juveniles involved in the justice system, thereby promoting their reintegration into society. The act will 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: Education Code 134.004, Education Code 134.006, Education Code 134.007 (Education Code 134)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 134.004, Education Code 134.006, Education Code 134.007 (Education Code 134)
Engrossed: Education Code 134.004, Education Code 134.006, Education Code 134.007 (Education Code 134)
House Committee Report: Education Code 134.004, Education Code 134.006, Education Code 134.007 (Education Code 134)
Enrolled: Education Code 134.004, Education Code 134.006, Education Code 134.007 (Education Code 134)