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.