Sec. 403.405.  GRANT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.  (a)   A training program funded through a grant awarded under this subchapter must:
(1)  be hosted by a regional partnership that presents a plan to implement training programs that lead trainees to economic self-sufficiency and career pathways and includes at least:
(A)  one university, college, technical school, or other nonprofit workforce training provider;
(B)  one chamber of commerce, local workforce agency, local employer, or other public or private participating entity;
(C)  one economic development authority; and
(D)  one community or faith-based nonprofit organization that works with one or more targeted populations;
(2)  assist an eligible individual in obtaining education, skills training, and labor market information to enhance the individual's employability in green industries; and
(3)  assist in the development of a highly skilled and productive workforce in green industries.
(b)  A training program awarded a grant under this subchapter shall target a population of eligible individuals for training that includes:
(1)  workers in high-demand green industries who are in or are preparing for high-wage occupations;
(2)  workers in declining industries who may be retrained for high-wage occupations in a high-demand green industry;
(3)  agriculture, timber, or energy sector workers who may be retrained for high-wage occupations in a high-demand green industry;
(4)  veterans or past or present members of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces, or a reserve component of the armed forces or the national guard;
(5)  unemployed workers;
(6)  low-income workers, unemployed youth and adults, individuals who did not complete high school, or other underserved sectors of the workforce in high poverty areas; or
(7)  individuals otherwise determined by the comptroller in cooperation with the Texas Workforce Commission to be disadvantaged and in need of training to obtain employment.
(c)  A training program may receive funding under this subchapter for a period not to exceed three years.
(d)  A training program may use grant funds for support services, including basic skills, literacy, GED, English as a second language, and job readiness training, career guidance, and referral services.
(e)  A percentage of the grant, to be determined by the comptroller, must be devoted to administrative costs, costs related to hiring instructors and purchasing equipment, and tuition assistance.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 654 (H.B. 1935), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.