reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 302 - Division of Workforce Development › Subchapter I. Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Grant Program › Section 302.255. Application; Eligibility for Grant

Sec. 302.255.  APPLICATION; ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT.  The commission shall establish eligibility criteria for a person to receive a grant under this subchapter.  The eligibility criteria must include the requirement that the person:
(1)  apply to the commission in the form and manner prescribed by commission rule;
(2)  if the person is an entity, be in good standing under the laws of the state in which the person was formed or organized, as evidenced by a certificate issued by the secretary of state or the state official of another state having custody of the records pertaining to a person formed or organized under the laws of that state;
(3)  not owe delinquent taxes to a taxing unit of this state; and
(4)  operate an industry-recognized apprenticeship program that:
(A)  provides on-the-job training under an industry-recognized, accredited training curriculum;
(B)  guarantees employment for participants during and on successful completion of the training period;
(C)  pays each participant a wage and provides eligibility for participants to receive full-time employee benefits during and on successful completion of the training period;
(D)  requires participants to advance their skills, at a minimum, to a credentialed, performance-verified mid-level status in a field related to the industry-recognized apprenticeship program;
(E)  has a duration of not more than 26 weeks; and
(F)  gives preference to training and hiring:
(i)  unemployed Texans who have filed with the commission;
(ii)  veterans of the United States armed forces;
(iii)  formerly incarcerated individuals; and
(iv)  underemployed individuals who are working without industry-recognized certifications or other credentials.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2784), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 302 - Division of Workforce Development › Subchapter I. Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Grant Program › Section 302.256. Grant Award; Grant Amount

Sec. 302.256.  GRANT AWARD; GRANT AMOUNT.  (a)  The commission may award grants under this subchapter only to reimburse an eligible person for the cost of training industry-recognized apprenticeship program participants who:
(1)  complete a program operated by the person that meets the requirements of  Section 302.255(4) having achieved the skills level required by Section 302.255(4)(D); and
(2)  maintain suitable employment for at least 12 consecutive months immediately following completion of the program.
(b)  Grant funds awarded to an eligible person under this subchapter must be awarded on a per industry-recognized apprenticeship program participant basis.  The amount of a grant awarded to an eligible person for training a participant described by Subsection (a) may not exceed the lesser of:
(1)  the total cost to the person for training the participant, excluding wages and benefits; or
(2)  $10,000.
(c)  In determining the amount of a grant awarded under this subchapter for an industry-recognized apprenticeship program participant, the commission may consider the increased economic value to the state resulting from or reasonably anticipated to result from the participant's completion of the program, including by considering any increase or anticipated increase in the amount of tax revenue generated by the participant, and any decrease in the participant's use of a state-funded benefit, attributable to the participant's job placement and earning projections.  The commission by rule may establish guidelines or formulas for determining an increase in economic value to the state attributable to a participant's program completion for purposes of this subsection.
(d)  The commission by rule may establish limitations on the total amount of grant funds that a person may be awarded under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2784), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 302 - Division of Workforce Development › Subchapter I. Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Grant Program › Section 302.257. Program Rules

Sec. 302.257.  PROGRAM RULES.  (a)  The commission shall adopt rules to administer and enforce this subchapter.
(b)  The commission shall post the rules on its Internet website.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2784), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 302 - Division of Workforce Development › Subchapter I. Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Grant Program › Section 302.258. Annual Report

Sec. 302.258.  ANNUAL REPORT.  (a)  Not later than December 1 of each year, the commission shall submit to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the members of the legislature a report on grants made under this subchapter that states:
(1)  the number of direct jobs each grant recipient created in this state in each job category of the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's job classification guide;
(2)  the median wage of the jobs each grant recipient created in this state;
(3)  the total amount of each grant awarded to a grant recipient;
(4)  the number and categorization of industry-recognized apprenticeship program participants trained and employed by each grant recipient under Section 302.255(4)(F);
(5)  a determination of whether the grant program administered under this subchapter has resulted in a positive return on investment to the state and an explanation of the methods used by the commission in making that determination; and
(6)  if the commission considers it appropriate and feasible, a list of recommendations for legislative or other changes to the grant program administered under this subchapter to increase the return on investment to the state.
(b)  The report may not include information that is made confidential by law.
(c)  The commission may require a grant recipient under this subchapter to submit, on a form provided by the commission, information required to complete the report.
(d)  The commission shall post the annual report on its Internet website.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2784), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 303 - Skills Development Fund › Section 303.001. Purpose; Definitions

Sec. 303.001.  PURPOSE;  DEFINITIONS.  (a)  The purpose of this chapter is to remove administrative barriers that impede the response of public community and technical colleges, community-based organizations, local workforce development boards, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to industry and workforce training needs and to develop incentives for public community and technical colleges, community-based organizations, local workforce development boards, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to provide customized assessment and training in a timely and efficient manner.
(b)  For purposes of this chapter:
(1)  "Assessment" means the evaluation of an employer's workforce needs and requirements.
(2)  "Community-based organization" means a private nonprofit organization, including a development corporation and faith-based organization, that:
(A)  provides for education, vocational education, rehabilitation, job training, or internship services or programs;  and
(B)  is exempt from the payment of federal income taxes under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and its subsequent amendments, by being listed as an exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of that code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 153, Sec. 1, eff. May 20, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1120, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1041 (H.B. 700), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 303 - Skills Development Fund › Section 303.002. Waiver

Sec. 303.002.  WAIVER.  (a)  The commission may review and recommend to the legislature the waiver of any requirements set forth in Title 3, Education Code, as they may apply to public community and technical colleges, that impede the ability of such a college to develop in a timely manner customized training for demand occupations in particular industries, including statutes or regulations limiting costs that may be recovered by a public community or technical college from state funds.
(b)  A public community or technical college or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service may recover customized assessment and training costs incurred by the institution if:
(1)  there is an actual or projected labor shortage in the occupation in which training is provided that is not being met by an existing institution or program in the area; and
(2)  the wages at the time of job placement for individuals who successfully complete customized training at the public community or technical college or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service are equal to the prevailing wage for that occupation in the local labor market area.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 153, Sec. 2, eff. May 20, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1041 (H.B. 700), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 303 - Skills Development Fund › Section 303.0031. Use of Skills Development Fund to Recruit Certain Employers

Sec. 303.0031.  USE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FUND TO RECRUIT CERTAIN EMPLOYERS.  (a)  In this section, "public junior college" and "public technical institute" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(b)  In addition to the purposes described by Section 303.001, the commission may use the skills development fund to provide an intensive and rapid response to, and support services for, employers expanding in or relocating their operations to this state, with a focus on recruiting employers who will provide complex or high-skilled employment opportunities in this state.
(c)  The commission may use funds available for the purpose of this section to:
(1)  provide leadership and direction to, and linkage among, out-of-state employers, economic development organizations, local workforce development boards, public junior colleges, and public technical institutes to address the employers' needs for recruitment and hiring for complex or high-skilled employment positions as necessary to facilitate employers' relocation to or expansion of operations in this state; and
(2)  award grants to a public junior college or public technical institute providing workforce training and related support services to employers who commit to establishing a place of business in this state.
(d)  A grant awarded under this section may be used only for:
(1)  developing:
(A)  customized workforce training programs for an employer's specific business needs;
(B)  fast-track curriculum;
(C)  workforce training-related support services for employers; or
(D)  instructor certification necessary to provide workforce training; and
(2)  acquiring training equipment necessary for instructor certification and employment.
(e)  The executive director, or a person appointed by the executive director who is knowledgeable in the administration of grants, is responsible for the distribution of grant money under this section.
(f)  The commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for the purpose of this section.
(g)  The commission may require, as a condition of receiving money under this section, that a recipient agree to repay the amount received and any related interest if the commission determines that the money was not used for the purposes for which the money was awarded.
(h)  Money may not be used under this section to pay any training costs or other related costs of an employer to relocate the employer's worksite from one location in this state to another location in this state.
(i)  The commission may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 325 (H.B. 108), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 303 - Skills Development Fund › Section 303.0035. Use of Money in Holding Fund (General Revenue Account 5069) for Skills Development

Sec. 303.0035.  USE OF MONEY IN HOLDING FUND (GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT 5069)  FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.  Money in the holding fund (general revenue account 5069) may be used only for the purposes for which the money in the skills development fund created under Section 303.003 may be used.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1115 (H.B. 2421), Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 303 - Skills Development Fund › Section 303.004. Fund Review; Report by Certain Workforce Training Providers Required

Sec. 303.004.  FUND REVIEW; REPORT BY CERTAIN WORKFORCE TRAINING PROVIDERS REQUIRED. (a) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall review all customized training programs biennially to verify that state funds are being used appropriately by public community and technical colleges and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service under this chapter.
(b)  Not later than October 1 of each even-numbered year, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and each public community or technical college that provides workforce training under this chapter shall:
(1)  conduct a review of the service's or college's training programs to:
(A)  determine the effectiveness of the programs in improving the wages of participants who complete the programs; and
(B)  identify strategies for improving the delivery of workforce training in order to more effectively impact economic development in this state; and
(2)  submit to the commission a detailed written report summarizing the results of the review for inclusion by the executive director in the report to the governor and the legislature required by Section 303.006(c).
(c)  If the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service or a public community or technical college fails to submit a report required by Subsection (b)(2):
(1)  the service or college must refund to the comptroller any unexpended state funds received by the service or college under this chapter for the state fiscal biennium in which the report was due; and
(2)  the commission may not award any additional grant to the service or college under this chapter until the service or college has complied with that reporting requirement.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 153, Sec. 4, eff. May 20, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 911 (H.B. 1297), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 566 (S.B. 634), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 566 (S.B. 634), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 303 - Skills Development Fund › Section 303.005. Participation in Additional Programs; Application Requirements; Priority

Sec. 303.005.  PARTICIPATION IN ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS; APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; PRIORITY.  (a)  An employer may not apply both to a public community or technical college for customized training and assessment from the college through a grant issued to the college under the skills development fund program established under this chapter and for a grant under the Texas Enterprise Fund program established under Subchapter E, Chapter 481, Government Code, unless the employer and the college file an application for concurrent participation in both programs that complies with any rules adopted by the Texas Workforce Commission on concurrent participation.
(b)  In awarding any grant under this chapter, the commission shall consider giving priority to training incentives for small businesses.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1485, Sec. 2.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1115 (H.B. 2421), Sec. 6, eff. June 18, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 304 - Counseling for Displaced Homemakers or Workers › Section 304.001. Definition

Sec. 304.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "displaced homemaker" means a person who:
(1)  has worked without pay as a homemaker for the person's family;
(2)  is not gainfully employed;
(3)  has had, or would have, difficulty in obtaining employment;  and
(4)  has depended on:
(A)  the income of a family member for financial support and has lost that income;  or
(B)  government assistance as the parent of dependent children and is no longer eligible for that assistance.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 302.001 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 304 - Counseling for Displaced Homemakers or Workers › Section 304.002. Job Counseling Program

Sec. 304.002.  JOB COUNSELING PROGRAM.  (a)  The commission, through a special assistance job counseling program, shall:
(1)  provide counseling for displaced homemakers;
(2)  assist displaced homemakers in obtaining training and education;  and
(3)  place displaced homemakers in suitable employment.
(b)  The counseling must:
(1)  consider and build on the skills and experiences of the homemaker;  and
(2)  prepare the person, through employment counseling, to reenter the paid work force and develop and improve job skills.
(c)  The commission shall design the program specifically for persons reentering the paid work force after a number of years as homemakers to enable them to assume or resume a valuable role in the paid work force commensurate with the homemakers' talents and abilities.
(d)  The commission may not charge a fee for participation in the program by a displaced homemaker.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 302.002 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 304 - Counseling for Displaced Homemakers or Workers › Section 304.003. Personnel; Office

Sec. 304.003.  PERSONNEL;  OFFICE.  The commission shall use its personnel, services, facilities, and equipment to operate the job counseling program.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 302.003 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 304 - Counseling for Displaced Homemakers or Workers › Section 304.004. Cooperation by State Agencies and Political Subdivisions

Sec. 304.004.  COOPERATION BY STATE AGENCIES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.  State agencies and political subdivisions of the state shall cooperate with the commission in obtaining suitable employment for displaced homemakers counseled by the commission.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 302.004 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 304.005.  HOME OWNERSHIP COUNSELING FOR DISPLACED WORKERS.  (a)  The commission shall provide written notice in English and in Spanish of eligibility for home ownership counseling under federal law to each worker residing in this state who is eligible for home ownership counseling under 12 U.S.C. Section 1701x, as amended, and who:
(1)  is covered by a certification of eligibility for adjustment assistance under 19 U.S.C. Section 2331, as amended;  or
(2)  is threatened to become totally or partially separated, or has become totally or partially separated, from a firm that is certified eligible for adjustment assistance under 19 U.S.C. Section 2341, as amended.
(b)  The notice must contain:
(1)  a list of home ownership counseling organizations that:
(A)  receive assistance under 12 U.S.C. Section 1701x, as amended;  and
(B)  serve the area in which the worker's home is located;  or
(2)  any toll-free telephone number through which the worker can obtain the list prescribed by Subdivision (1).
(c)  A firm located in this state that has requested a certification of eligibility for adjustment assistance under 19 U.S.C. Section 2341, as amended, shall notify the commission of that request.
(d)  In this section, "firm" has the meaning assigned by 19 U.S.C. Section 2351, as amended.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 289, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 305.001. Purpose

Sec. 305.001.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of the Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program is to help ensure a qualified workforce to meet the needs of this state by reducing the financial barriers to postsecondary career education and training for economically disadvantaged Texans.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 305.002. Definitions

Sec. 305.002.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Workforce Commission.
(2)  "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(3)  "Eligible institution" means a career school or college in this state that:
(A)  holds a certificate of approval under Chapter 132, Education Code;  and
(B)  is approved by the commission under Section 305.023 for its students to participate in the grant program established under this chapter.
(4)  "Public technical institute" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(5)  "Qualified education program" means a postsecondary education program that meets the requirements provided by Section 305.024.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 364, Sec. 2.29, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 817, Sec. 8.43, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 305.003. Memorandum of Understanding

Sec. 305.003.  MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  The commission and the coordinating board shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the coordination and administration of the grant program established under Subchapter B.  Functions assigned to the commission under this chapter may be assigned to the coordinating board pursuant to the memorandum of understanding.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 197 (H.B. 3519), Sec. 1, eff. May 27, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.021. Tuition Assistance Grant; Amount of Grant

Sec. 305.021.  TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT;  AMOUNT OF GRANT.  (a)  The commission may provide tuition assistance grants to Texas residents enrolled in a qualified education program at an eligible institution.
(b)  In selecting applicants to receive grants under this chapter and the amount of the grant for each applicant, the commission may consider:
(1)  the financial need and resources of an applicant;
(2)  the state's need for workforce development in the applicant's proposed career field;
(3)  the efficient use of the money available for grants;
(4)  the fair allocation of grants to promote workforce development in different career fields;
(5)  the opportunity of applicants from all regions of this state to receive financial assistance under this chapter;  and
(6)  any other factor the commission considers appropriate to further the purposes of this chapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.022. Limitations on Grant Amount

Sec. 305.022.  LIMITATIONS ON GRANT AMOUNT.  (a)  The amount of a grant under this chapter may not exceed the lower of:
(1)  the maximum grant amount, if any, specified by the legislature in an appropriation act;  or
(2)  the amount by which the tuition and required fees at the eligible institution attended exceeds the average amount of tuition and required fees that would be charged at a public technical institute, as determined by the commission based on information provided by the coordinating board.
(b)  The total amount of grants paid under this chapter on behalf of a student during a state fiscal year may not exceed an amount equal to 50 percent of the average state appropriation in the biennium preceding the biennium in which the grant is made for a full-time student or the equivalent at a public technical institute, as determined by the coordinating board and certified to the commission.
(c)  The amount of a grant to a part-time student shall be made on a pro rata basis in relation to the amount of the grant the person would be entitled to receive if enrolled as a full-time student.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.023. Approval of Institutions

Sec. 305.023.  APPROVAL OF INSTITUTIONS.  The commission shall approve a career school or college for its students to participate in the grant program established under this chapter if the school or college:
(1)  has been accredited for not less than five years by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and maintains that accreditation;
(2)  has held a certificate of approval under Chapter 132, Education Code, for at least five years;  and
(3)  offers one or more qualified education programs.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 364, Sec. 2.30, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 817, Sec. 8.44, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.024. Qualified Education Programs

Sec. 305.024.  QUALIFIED EDUCATION PROGRAMS.  For purposes of this chapter, a qualified education program is a postsecondary course of instruction in a specific career field that:
(1)  is at least one academic year in length as defined by the United States Department of Education;  and
(2)  leads to a certificate, certification, degree, or diploma in the career field.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 305.025.  NONDISCRIMINATION.  The commission in administering this chapter shall ensure compliance with Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Section 2000d et seq.), as amended, in regard to nondiscrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.026. Application; Eligibility for Grant

Sec. 305.026.  APPLICATION;  ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT.  (a)  To receive a grant under this chapter, a person must apply to the eligible institution in which the person enrolls in the manner provided by commission rule.
(b)  To be eligible to receive a grant under this chapter, an applicant must:
(1)  be a Texas resident and meet the requirements to qualify as a Texas resident under Subchapter B, Chapter 54, Education Code, and the rules of the coordinating board for the payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education;
(2)  be enrolled in a qualified education program at an eligible institution for at least one-half of a full course load;
(3)  be required to pay more tuition and required fees than the amount required at a public technical institute and be charged not less than the regular tuition and required fees paid by other students enrolled at the eligible institution the person attends;
(4)  establish financial need and eligibility for student financial assistance in accordance with procedures and regulations of the United States Department of Education for financial aid programs under Title IV, Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section 1070 et seq.), as amended;
(5)  not be in default on a loan made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan Program, or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program;
(6)  not owe a refund on a grant received under the federal Pell Grant program or the federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant program;  and
(7)  comply with any other requirements adopted by the commission under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.027. Payment of Grant

Sec. 305.027.  PAYMENT OF GRANT.  (a)  On receipt of an enrollment report for a student awarded a grant under this chapter and certification of the amount of the student's financial need from the approved institution, the commission shall certify the amount of the grant awarded to the student.
(b)  The grant shall be paid to the student through the eligible institution in which the student is enrolled.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.028. Adoption and Distribution of Rules

Sec. 305.028.  ADOPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RULES.  (a)  The commission may adopt reasonable rules to administer and enforce this chapter.
(b)  The commission shall distribute a copy of the rules to each eligible institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 305 - Texas Career Opportunity Grant Program › Subchapter B. Grant Program › Section 305.029. Annual Report

Sec. 305.029.  ANNUAL REPORT.  The commission shall include in the commission's supplemental annual report to the governor and the legislature under Section 301.065(c) a report regarding the grant program established under this chapter.  The report shall include for the period covered by the report:
(1)  the number of students who received grants under this chapter; and
(2)  the number of those students who attended each eligible institution, including information on the race or ethnicity of those students attending each institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 266 (S.B. 1413), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.001. Definitions

Sec. 306.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(2)  "Correctional institutions division" means the correctional institutions division of the department.
(3)  "Project RIO" means the project for reintegration of offenders.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 92, eff. Jan. 1, 1996;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 3.016, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.001 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.002. Project Rio

Sec. 306.002.  PROJECT RIO.  The project for reintegration of offenders is a statewide employment referral program designed to reintegrate into the labor force persons sentenced to the correctional institutions division or committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 92, eff. Jan. 1, 1996;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 3.016, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.002 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 132, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.003. Administration

Sec. 306.003.  ADMINISTRATION.  The department, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the commission shall cooperate to maximize the effectiveness of Project RIO.  For that purpose, the commission shall administer the project.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 92, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.003 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 133, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.004. Memorandum of Understanding--Adoption

Sec. 306.004.  MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING--ADOPTION.  (a)  The department, the commission, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department shall each adopt a memorandum of understanding that establishes the respective responsibilities of each agency and of the divisions within the department.
(b)  The commission shall coordinate the development of the memoranda of understanding.  The department and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department shall adopt rules as necessary to implement their respective memoranda and may amend the memorandum and those rules as necessary.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 92, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.004 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 134, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.005. Memorandum of Understanding--Contents

Sec. 306.005.  MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING--CONTENTS.  (a)  The memorandum of understanding between the department and the commission must establish the role of:
(1)  the correctional institutions division in ascertaining and encouraging an inmate's chances for employment by:
(A)  providing vocational and educational assessment for the person while incarcerated;
(B)  developing a skills enhancement program for the person while incarcerated, in cooperation with other governmental, educational, and private entities, using available public or private financial resources authorized by statute;  and
(C)  referring the person on release to the project through the person's parole officer or supervision officer;
(2)  the community justice assistance division and the parole division of the department in:
(A)  encouraging and referring persons to the project;  and
(B)  ensuring that those persons participate in the project and avail themselves of its services;  and
(3)  the commission in developing and maintaining a statewide network for finding positions of employment that require the skills possessed by project participants and in helping those participants to secure employment.
(b)  The memorandum of understanding between the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the commission must establish the roles of the institutional and community services division in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the role of the commission in the same manner the roles of the department and commission are established under Subsection (a).
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 92, eff. Jan. 1, 1996;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 3.018, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.005 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 22.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 135, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.006. Project Director

Sec. 306.006.  PROJECT DIRECTOR.  (a)  The executive director shall designate the director of Project RIO to coordinate the efforts of the affected state agencies and expedite the delivery of services to participants in the project, including prospective employers.
(b)  The project director shall:
(1)  propose, for adoption by the commission, standards and guidelines for the operation of the project;
(2)  obtain information from appropriate state agencies and offices affiliated with the project to determine any necessary changes in the project;
(3)  disseminate information statewide about the project;  and
(4)  train commission staff to assist in the operation of affiliated services.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 92, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.006 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.007. Provision of Information on State Services for Ex-Offenders and Employers

Sec. 306.007.  PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON STATE SERVICES FOR EX-OFFENDERS AND EMPLOYERS.  (a)  To assist in the reintegration into the labor force of persons formerly sentenced to the correctional institutions division or committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the commission through Project RIO shall provide:
(1)  to those persons:
(A)  information from local workforce development boards on job training and employment referral services;
(B)  information from the Department of State Health Services on substance abuse treatment services;
(C)  information from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs on housing services;
(D)  information from the Texas Veterans Commission on services for veterans; and
(E)  information on tax refund voucher programs under Subchapter H, Chapter 301; and
(2)  to the employers and potential employers of those persons:
(A)  information from the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office on the enterprise zone program; and
(B)  information from local workforce development boards on services listed in Section 2308.304, Government Code.
(b)  The commission shall adopt a memorandum of understanding with each of the following agencies that establishes the respective responsibilities of the commission and the agencies in providing information described by Subsection (a) to persons formerly sentenced to the institutional division or the state jail division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, to employers or potential employers of those persons, and to local workforce development boards:
(1)  the Department of State Health Services;
(2)  the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;
(3)  the Texas Veterans Commission; and
(4)  the Health and Human Services Commission.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 611, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 217.007 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 22.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 817, Sec. 10.14, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 818, Sec. 6.10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 136, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 306 - Project Rio (Reintegration of Offenders) › Section 306.008. Data Sharing

Sec. 306.008.  DATA SHARING.  (a)  To assist in the reintegration into the labor force of persons formerly sentenced to the correctional institutions division or committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the commission, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the department shall establish a data interface that, at a minimum, provides to the commission:
(1)  detailed information about persons released from a correctional facility who might benefit from post-release Project RIO services, including:
(A)  demographic and identifying information;
(B)  the person's address on release;
(C)  a comprehensive state offense history, including the date of release from the correctional facility, sentence discharge date, and conditions of parole;
(D)  assessment information;
(E)  educational and work history;
(F)  information related to participation in the work against recidivism program operated by the department's manufacturing and logistics division under the Texas Correctional Industries office; and
(G)  other services provided under this title before release from the correctional facility; and
(2)  referral information from the department and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department necessary to implement the provision of post-release employment services.
(b)  The data interface established under Subsection (a) must be designed to provide to a person's supervising officer on release information about the person's participation in employment services and entry into the workforce.
(c)  Information received from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department under this section is confidential and is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1142 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 137, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Labor Code › Title 4 - Employment Services and Unemployment › Subtitle B - Texas Workforce Commission; Workforce Development; Employment Services › Chapter 307 - Employment Service › Section 307.001. Employment Service

Sec. 307.001.  EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.  The commission is the agency of this state designated to cooperate with the United States Employment Service as necessary to perform the duties of this state under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. Section 49 et seq.) required to establish and maintain free public employment offices.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Labor Code Sec. 202.081 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 11.07, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.