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 insertion of these juvenile justice entities into the list of eligible applicants and grant recipients, while deleting references to only school districts and charter schools.

Additionally, the bill specifies that grants can be awarded for the development of new career and technical education programs that may benefit students in facilities operated by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and related entities. The commission is tasked with considering the potential economic returns of these programs, as well as their relevance to emerging industries and dual credit opportunities. 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)