Assembly Bill 357 proposes significant changes to the technical education equipment grants program administered by the Department of Workforce Development. The bill expands the purposes for which grant funds can be utilized, allowing for the construction, renovation, or improvement of technical education facilities, as well as the acquisition of tools, equipment, and necessary instructional materials for training in construction-related and advanced manufacturing fields.

Additionally, the bill modifies the matching funds requirement for grant recipients. Previously, the match was set at 200% of the grant amount if contributed from school district funds, or 100% if from other sources. Under the new provisions, the match will now equal the amount of the grant awarded, regardless of the source, and will also accept in-kind contributions such as software, tools, and equipment. The existing language regarding the matching funds requirement has been amended to reflect these changes, and certain sections of the current law have been repealed to streamline the grant process.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 106.275(1)(b), 106.275