House Bill No. 5476 aims to enhance the coordination and alignment of career and technical education (CTE) grant programs among the Texas agency, coordinating board, and commission. The bill introduces new subsections to Chapter 2308A of the Government Code, which mandate these entities to work together in coordinating competitive grant programs that support the expansion and implementation of CTE initiatives aligned with state workforce development goals. The new provisions emphasize the importance of reducing duplication in grant programs, structuring funding to support secondary-to-postsecondary career pathways, and ensuring that grant programs address the needs of high-demand fields.
Additionally, the bill specifies that the coordination of grant programs should prioritize comprehensive funding for facilities, equipment, instructional materials, and staff necessary for effective program delivery. It also lists specific grant programs that will be coordinated under this initiative, including Jobs and Education for Texans, P-TECH, and federal programs like the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act. The bill 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: ()