BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4131

By: Bailes

International Relations & Economic Development

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Texas Workforce Commission administers the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program, which supports open-enrollment charter schools, public school districts, public junior colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges, and the Windham School District. The JET program funds equipment purchase and installation for career and technical education programs resulting in a certificate, credential of value, or post-secondary degree. Recent JET fund purchases include welding gear and drones. However, some emerging technologies, such as those with subscription-based models, have been considered ineligible for funding under the current law governing the JET program. H.B. 4131 seeks to authorize the use of JET grants to pay costs relating to technology solutions to support career and technical education programs.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 4131 amends the Education Code to authorize grants from the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program to pay costs for the acquisition, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of technology solutions necessary to support new career and technical education programs at educational institutions. The bill applies only to a grant awarded on or after the bill's effective date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.