By: Alvarado, et al. H.B. No. 108         (Senate Sponsor - Taylor of Galveston)          (In the Senate - Received from the House May 12, 2017;   May 12, 2017, read first time and referred to Committee on Natural   Resources & Economic Development; May 21, 2017, reported favorably   by the following vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 1; May 21, 2017, sent to   printer.)Click here to see the committee vote    A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT     relating to the use of the skills development fund to facilitate the   relocation to or expansion in this state of employers offering   complex or high-skilled employment opportunities.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 303, Labor Code, is amended by adding   Section 303.0031 to read as follows:          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.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.     * * * * *