By: Sparks  S.B. No. 2448          (In the Senate - Filed March 13, 2025; March 25, 2025, read   first time and referred to Committee on Economic Development;   April 22, 2025, reported adversely, with favorable Committee   Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 5, Nays 0; April 22, 2025,   sent to printer.)Click here to see the committee vote     COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 2448 By:  Sparks     A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT     relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Development   Grant Program.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended by adding   Subchapter J to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER J. RURAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM          Sec. 302.301.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning   assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.                (2)  "Nonprofit organization" means an organization   exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal   Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section   501(c)(3) of that code.                (3)  "Program" means the Rural Workforce Development   Grant Program established under this subchapter.          Sec. 302.302.  PROGRAM ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.   The commission, in consultation with the Texas Education Agency and   the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall establish and   administer the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program under   which the commission may award grants to one or more nonprofit   organizations to provide technical assistance and support to   institutions of higher education and school districts located in   rural areas of the state in aligning and delivering workforce   training and higher education programs to address skills gaps to   meet urgent workforce demands of rural areas.          Sec. 302.303.  GRANT ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for a grant   under the program, a nonprofit organization must:                (1)  apply to the commission in the manner prescribed   by commission rule;                (2)  demonstrate experience in effectively providing   technical assistance and support to institutions of higher   education or school districts located in a rural area of this state   in aligning and delivering workforce training and higher education   programs to address skills gaps to meet the area's urgent workforce   demands; and                (3)  satisfy any other relevant criteria prescribed by   commission rule.          Sec. 302.304.  GRANT REQUIREMENTS. (a) The commission may   award a grant to an eligible nonprofit organization under the   program only if the organization enters into a contract with the   commission that includes conditions providing the commission with   sufficient control to ensure the public purpose of improving rural   workforce development is accomplished and the state receives a   return benefit.          (b)  Grant money awarded to an eligible nonprofit   organization under the program may be used by the organization only   for costs associated with providing technical assistance and   support to an institution of higher education or school district   located in a rural area of this state in aligning and delivering   workforce training and higher education programs to address skills   gaps to meet the area's urgent workforce demands.          Sec. 302.305.  FUNDING. In addition to any money   appropriated for the program, the commission may solicit and accept   gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for   the program.          Sec. 302.306.  RULES; REVIEW. The commission shall:                (1)  adopt rules for the administration of this   subchapter; and                (2)  periodically verify that grant money awarded to a   nonprofit organization under the program is being used   appropriately.          Sec. 302.307.  ANNUAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of   each year, the commission shall submit to the governor, the   lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,   and each standing committee of the legislature with primary   jurisdiction over workforce development a report regarding:                (1)  any grants awarded under the program during the   most recent state fiscal year; and                (2)  the program's effectiveness.          SECTION 2.  The Texas Workforce Commission shall adopt the   rules required under Subchapter J, Chapter 302, Labor Code, as   added by this Act, as soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.     * * * * *