BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 322

89R878 KSD-D

By: Guillen (Zaffirini)

 

Education K-16

 

5/19/2025

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Current limitations within the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program prevent funds from being used to purchase subscription-based technology tools for classrooms, hindering effective career and technical education (CTE) training. H.B. 322 would address this issue by expanding the allowable uses of JET grant funds to include subscription-based technology solutions, such as virtual reality training platforms and design software. This change would enable educational institutions to access modern tools, improving training quality and better preparing students for future careers. 

 

H.B. 322 amends current law relating to the use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 134.004(b), Education Code, as follows:

 

(b) Authorizes grants to be awarded under this chapter from the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) fund:

 

(1) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change; and

 

(2) to pay costs for the acquisition, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of technology solutions necessary to support new career and technical education programs at public junior colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges, and school districts and open-enrollment charter schools described under Section 134.006 (Grants to Educational Institutions For Career and Technical Programs).

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 134.006(b), Education Code, as follows:

 

(b) Provides that a grant received under this section is authorized to be used only for certain purposes, including to finance the acquisition, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of technology solutions necessary to support �certain career or technical education courses or programs. Makes nonsubstantive changes.�

 

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.