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, software, and instructional training necessary for advanced manufacturing and construction-related fields. This broadens the scope of the program to better support educational institutions in preparing students for careers in these industries.

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 allows for in-kind contributions, such as software and equipment, to count towards the match. This change aims to make the grant program more accessible and flexible for school districts seeking to enhance their technical education offerings.

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