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SB2448

Regular Session

Relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

Texas Workforce Commission

SB2448
Moderate
Relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
Moderate Compliance Urgency
Requires near-term attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Texas Workforce Commission
Primary Author: Sen. Kevin Sparks
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: Q1/Q2 2026 (Projected). While the law is effective in 2025, the Request for Applications (RFA) will not open until TWC rules are finalized. You must have partnerships formed before the RFA release.
  • Agency Rulemaking: The TWC is required to adopt rules "as soon as practicable" after September 1, 2025. Expect a Regulatory Gray Zone between Sept 2025 and Jan 2026 where eligibility criteria (specifically the definition of "rural") are debated and finalized.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Audit Geography: Determine if your facility falls within likely "rural" definitions (e.g., counties with population < 50,000).
  • Formalize Partnerships: Nonprofits and employers must draft Letters of Intent with local community colleges or ISDs now; do not wait for the RFA.
  • Quantify the Gap: HR Directors must prepare a report detailing specific technical skills lacking in the current local applicant pool.
  • Monitor the Docket: Assign Government Affairs staff to watch the TWC rulemaking docket starting September 1, 2025, to comment on the definition of "Rural Area."

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): Nonprofits must execute formal MOUs with rural school districts or higher education institutions immediately. These agreements must explicitly outline the scope of "technical assistance" to be provided.
  • Grant Agreements: Successful applicants will sign binding contracts with the TWC. Legal counsel must review these for clawback provisions (Sec. 302.304) which allow the state to recover funds if specific performance metrics regarding workforce alignment are not met.

Hiring/Training

  • HR Data Aggregation: Rural employers must shift HR focus from simple recruiting to demand forecasting. You must quantify specific skill deficiencies (e.g., "PLC programming," "Level II Welding") to provide the evidentiary basis for the nonprofit's grant application.
  • Grant Administration: Nonprofits acting as the prime recipient must designate a compliance officer responsible for tracking TWC reporting standards.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Financial Segregation: Grant funds must be tracked separately from general operating funds to facilitate state audits.
  • Outcome Metrics: Recipients must document that the technical assistance provided resulted in a tangible increase in aligned training programs. Retain all records for 7 years to satisfy standard TWC audit windows.

Fees & Costs

  • No New Fees: There are no statutory fees to apply.
  • Administrative Overhead: Organizations should budget for legal review of TWC contracts and the administrative time required to aggregate workforce data.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

The statute leaves three critical definitions to TWC rulemaking. Your ability to access funds depends on how these are defined during the public comment period:

  • 1. "Rural Area": The bill does not define this. TWC could use USDA definitions, Office of Rural Health definitions, or population density. If you are on the exurban fringe, you are at risk of exclusion.
  • 2. "Urgent Workforce Demands": It is unclear if this prioritizes high-volume shortages (e.g., general labor) or high-skill shortages (e.g., specialized technicians).
  • 3. Appropriation Risk: The Fiscal Note uses an illustrative $10 million/year, but the program is subject to legislative appropriation. The law creates the *structure*, but the *funding* is not guaranteed until the budget is certified.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 13, 2025
Passed Senate
May 1, 2025
Passed House
May 20, 2025
Signed
May 30, 2025
TopicsLaborLabor--workforce DevelopmentLabor--workforce Development--ruralState FinancesState Finances--management & ControlEducation Agency, TexasHigher Education Coordinating Board, TexasWorkforce Commission, TexasCharitable & Nonprofit Organizations
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Kevin SparksRepublican · Primary Author

House Sponsors

Rep. Trent AshbyRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Joint Sponsors

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Kevin Sparks

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB2448

Q

What does Texas SB2448 do?

SB2448 mandates the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to establish a grant program funding nonprofits to align rural educational curricula with specific industry labor demands. While the law targets nonprofits as the direct payees, rural employers must actively collaborate to define the "skills gap" to access this subsidized workforce development pipeline. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: Q1/Q2 2026 (Projected).

Q

Who authored SB2448?

SB2448 was authored by Texas Senator Kevin Sparks during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB2448 signed into law?

SB2448 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 30, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB2448?

SB2448 is enforced by Texas Workforce Commission.

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB2448?

The compliance urgency for SB2448 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB2448?

The cost impact of SB2448 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB2448 address?

SB2448 addresses topics including labor, labor--workforce development, labor--workforce development--rural, state finances and state finances--management & control.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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