SECTION 803.4. Use of Funds to Encourage Employer Expansion and Recruitment

(a) Pursuant to Texas Labor Code §303.0031, the Skills Development Fund may be used to provide an intensive and rapid response to, and support services for, employers expanding in or relocating their operations to Texas, with a focus on recruiting employers that will provide complex or high-skilled employment opportunities in the state.

(b) Grant funds under this section may be used to:

(1) provide leadership and direction to, and connections among, out-of-state employers, economic development organizations, Boards, public community and technical colleges to support employers' recruitment and hiring for complex or high-skilled employment positions as necessary to facilitate the employers' relocation to or expansion of operations in Texas; and

(2) award grants to public community or technical colleges that provide workforce training and related support services to employers that commit to establishing a place of business in Texas.

(c) Grant funds under this section may be used only to develop:

(1) customized workforce training programs for an employer's specific business needs;

(2) fast-track curriculum;

(3) workforce training--related support services for employers; and

(4) instructor certification necessary to provide workforce training.

(d) Notwithstanding the use of funds restrictions in §803.3(d)(2), grant funds may also be used to acquire training equipment necessary for instructor certification and employment.

(e) As a condition of receiving grant funds under this section, grant recipients shall agree to repay the amount received and any related interest if the Agency determines that the grant recipients did not use the funds for the purposes for which the funds were awarded.

Source Note: The provisions of this §803.4 adopted to be effective January 25, 2021, 46 TexReg 580