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 equal the amount of the grant awarded, regardless of the source, and will now include in-kind contributions such as software, tools, and equipment. The bill also repeals certain existing provisions related to matching funds, streamlining the requirements for grant recipients.

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