ESTABLISHMENT; ADMINISTRATION; PURPOSE.

(a) The Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program is established to strengthen the Texas workforce and build a stronger Texas economy.

(b) The board shall administer the program in accordance with this subchapter and rules adopted under this subchapter.

(c) Under the program, using funds appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the board shall award grants to eligible entities for creating, redesigning, or expanding workforce training programs and delivering education and workforce training that:

(1) lead to postsecondary industry certifications or other workforce credentials required for high-demand occupations;

(2) are developed and provided in consultation with employers who are hiring in high-demand occupations; and

(3) create pathways to employment for students and learners.

(d) In awarding grants under this subchapter, the board:

(1) shall, to the greatest extent practicable:

(A) award grants to at least one eligible entity in each region of the state; and

(B) ensure that each training program:

(i) matches regional workforce needs;

(ii) is supported by a labor market analysis of job postings and employers hiring roles with the skills developed by the program; and

(iii) does not duplicate existing program offerings except as necessary to accommodate regional demand; and

(2) may give preference to applicants that:

(A) represent a consortium of lower-division institutions of higher education;

(B) prioritize training to displaced workers;

(C) offer affordable training programs to students; or

(D) partner with employers, local chambers of commerce, trade associations, economic development corporations, and local workforce boards to analyze job postings and identify employers hiring roles with the skills developed by the training programs.