HB 5293 establishes a pilot program to create forensic analyst apprenticeships in Texas, aiming to increase the state's forensic science workforce capacity. The Texas Forensic Science Commission will set eligibility rules for applicants and accredited crime laboratories that can sponsor apprentices, prioritizing long-term retention of analysts. The program partners with specific universities - University of North Texas Health Science Center (DNA training), Sam Houston State University (drug chemistry), and Texas A&M (firearms analysis) - to develop standardized training curricula. This initiative directly affects new apprentices, crime laboratories, and forensic science training institutions, with the pilot set to expire after a designated period.
HB 2768 creates a state-recognized information technology apprenticeship credential through public junior colleges and technical institutes to address shortages in Texas state IT workforce positions. The program requires curriculum approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, develops skills for senior-level IT roles in state agencies, and mandates a one-year apprenticeship with state agencies, major IT projects, or regional security centers. It allows an associate degree combined with this credential to substitute for a bachelor's degree in state career ladder programs. The bill, signed into law on May 29, 2025, takes effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting public colleges offering the credential and state IT workers seeking career advancement.
SB 1620 creates a state-funded forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program to increase Texas' forensic science workforce. The program establishes contracts between the state office, accredited crime laboratories, and academic institutions offering relevant training. It prioritizes long-term retention of forensic analysts by setting eligibility rules for apprentices and sponsoring labs through the Texas Forensic Science Commission. The pilot program, effective September 1, 2025, expires on September 1, 2030, and directly affects forensic analysts in training, crime labs, and participating educational institutions.
SB 1593 creates a grant program to fund Texas industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. It establishes that eligible programs must meet specific criteria, such as involving hands-on training in recognized occupations and requiring related instruction. The Texas Workforce Commission will distribute partial reimbursements to participants as they meet on-the-job training and employment milestones. The law applies only to new grants awarded on or after September 1, 2025, and requires programs to align with federal apprenticeship standards. This directly affects training programs and participants seeking industry-recognized apprenticeships in Texas.
SB 2182 creates a $5,000 franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that employ qualifying apprentices in broadband infrastructure jobs (defined as roles in NAICS code 237130). To qualify, businesses must employ apprentices for at least three months in certified or registered apprenticeship programs, provide specific training (e.g., pole climbing, fiber splicing), and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Texas Workforce Commission. The credit is limited to $10 million annually across all businesses, with unused credits potentially carried forward for up to five years. This policy directly affects taxable entities in broadband utility engineering and construction, incentivizing them to hire and train apprentices in these roles.
HB 3605 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that hire apprentices in broadband utility engineering or construction jobs. To qualify, businesses must employ at least one apprentice for three months in a certified apprenticeship program, provide specific training in skills like pole climbing or fiber splicing, and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Texas Workforce Commission. The credit directly benefits taxable entities (businesses) in the broadband sector by reducing their franchise tax liability. It applies to apprentices working in roles classified under 2022 NAICS code 237130, requiring programs to meet U.S. Department of Labor standards or be registered under Texas Education Code Chapter 133. The bill is currently pending in committee after being favorably reported with a committee substitute.
HB 3799 establishes the Apprenticeship Training Program Sponsorship Fund within the Texas Workforce Commission to support entities that sponsor apprenticeship programs. The fund provides one-time grants to eligible sponsors - recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor - to help develop and administer apprenticeship training programs in Texas. Money for the fund comes from legislative appropriations, interest earnings, and donations, and grants are awarded based on recommendations from an advisory board of workforce stakeholders. This bill directly affects workforce development organizations and employers seeking to create or expand registered apprenticeship programs.
HB 2800 amends Texas Education Code sections to strengthen apprenticeship pathways in adult career and technology education. It requires career programs to align with college readiness standards, offer multiple entry/exit points with portable credentials (like industry certifications), and culminate in specific outcomes such as registered apprenticeships, Texas Workforce Commission-certified programs, or postsecondary degrees. The bill directly affects career education institutions, adult learners, and employers by standardizing apprenticeship requirements and ensuring training leads to recognized credentials. Key provisions include mandating written apprenticeship agreements, requiring programs to be registered with the Office of Apprenticeship or certified by the Workforce Commission, and linking curriculum to industry-specific skills. These changes aim to create clearer, more accessible career pathways for students entering the workforce.
HB 2545 establishes the Rural Workforce Training Grant Program to provide targeted funding for job-specific training in Texas rural counties (population under 200,000). The Texas Workforce Commission will award grants to public, private, or nonprofit entities - including businesses, educational institutions, and workforce boards - that offer on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or workforce education courses in qualifying areas. Grant funds can cover training materials, instructor fees, participant support services, and related costs, but not general operations. Recipients must report on fund usage and participant outcomes annually, with the Commission submitting program effectiveness reports to the legislature each December.
HB 3260 creates a Texas grant program to support industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. It provides partial reimbursement to participants for on-the-job training milestones as they complete training and secure employment. The law requires the Texas Workforce Commission to establish rules defining eligible occupations, certification standards for programs, and performance metrics like completion rates. Grant recipients must report this data annually, with aggregated results made publicly available. The program directly affects apprenticeship providers and trainees in Texas occupations requiring structured on-the-job training.
