Amend CSSB 1 (house committee printing) as follows:

(1) Under the Article XI appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (page XI-11), add the following appropriately numbered rider:

____. Rural Technology Grants. (a) In addition to other amounts appropriated by this Act to the Department of Agriculture for the purposes of Article VI, Strategy A.2.1, Rural Community and Economic Development, the amount of $2,500,000 is appropriated out of the general revenue fund for the state fiscal year ending August 31, 2018, and the amount of $2,500,000 is appropriated out of the general revenue fund for the state fiscal year ending August 31, 2019.

(b) The additional amounts appropriated under this provision may be used only as provided by Section 12.027 (g), Agriculture Code, to further economic development in rural south Texas, including the communities in Brooks County, Duval County, Jim Hogg County, and Willacy County by providing financial assistance to those counties, or to municipalities, school districts, or junior college districts located in those counties, to support dual enrollment programs and other educational programs that further economic development. The financial assistance may be used to develop new programs, to hire faculty and staff, to provide classroom and office space, to provide computer and technology infrastructure and support, to provide library materials, and for similar educational purposes that further economic development.

(2) Adjust the Article VI subtotal (page XI-12) under Article XI and the Article XI grand total (page XI-14) accordingly.