Senate Bill 366 proposes significant changes to the technical education equipment grants program administered by the Department of Workforce Development. The bill aims to expand 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 eligible projects beyond just equipment acquisition to include facility enhancements and training programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the matching funds requirement for grant recipients. Previously, the matching funds had to be 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 in-kind contributions such as software and equipment can also count towards the match. This change is intended to make it easier for school districts to access grant funding and support technical education initiatives.

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