TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
PART 20. TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 804. JOBS AND EDUCATION FOR TEXANS (JET) GRANT PROGRAM
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) adopts amendments to the following sections of Chapter 804, relating to the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program:
Subchapter A. Definitions, §804.1
Subchapter B. Advisory Board Composition, Meeting Guidelines, §804.12 and §804.13
Subchapter C. Grant Program, §804.21 and §804.24
Subchapter D. Grants to Educational Institutions for Career and Technical Education Programs, §804.41
TWC adopts the following new section to Chapter 804, relating to the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program:
Subchapter B. Advisory Board Composition, Meeting Guidelines, §804.14
Amended §§804.1, 804.12, 804.13, 804.21, 804.24, and 804.41, and new 804.14 are adopted without changes to the proposal, as published in the May 1, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 2889), and, therefore, the adopted rule text will not be published.
PART I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND AUTHORITY
The purpose of the Chapter 804 rule change is to implement Senate Bill 1728, enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, by including the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments as eligible applicants for the Jobs and Education for Texans grant program.
The rule change also adds a new section to reference a concurrent proposed new rule in 40 TAC Chapter 800, Subchapter E, establishing an abolishment date for the JET Advisory Council.
PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS
(Note: Minor editorial changes are made that do not change the meaning of the rules and, therefore, are not discussed in the Explanation of Individual Provisions.)
SUBCHAPTER A. DEFINITIONS
TWC adopts the following amendments to Subchapter A:
§804.1. Definitions
Section 804.1 is amended to add definitions for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments.
SUBCHAPTER B. ADVISORY BOARD COMPOSITION, MEETING GUIDELINES
TWC adopts the following amendments to Subchapter B:
The subchapter's title is changed to "Subchapter B. Advisory Board's General Provisions."
§804.12. Meetings Required
Section 804.12 is amended to add the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments as entities from which the advisory board may receive and review applications.
§804.13. General Advisory Board Responsibilities
Section 804.13 is amended to add the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments as entities that the advisory board shall provide advice to and recommend the manner in which they apply for JET grants.
§804.14. Duration of Advisory Board
New §804.14 is added to provide a reference to 40 TAC Chapter 800, Subchapter E, which establishes an abolishment date for the JET Advisory Board, as allowed under Texas Government Code, §2110.008.
SUBCHAPTER C. GRANT PROGRAM
TWC adopts the following amendments to Subchapter C:
§804.21. General Statement of Purpose
Section 804.21 is amended to add the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments as eligible entities to apply for JET grants.
§804.24. Reporting Requirements
Section 804.24 is amended to include the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments as entities that must comply with all reporting requirements should they receive a grant under Chapter 804.
SUBCHAPTER D. GRANTS TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
TWC adopts the following amendments to Subchapter D:
§804.41. Grants for Career and Technical Education Programs
Section 804.41 is amended to include the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments as entities under Chapter 804, Subchapter D.
PART III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The comment period ended on June 1, 2026. No comments were received.
SUBCHAPTER
A.
PART IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The rule is adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Education Code, §134.008, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the administration of the JET grant program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rule relates to Texas Education Code, Chapter 134.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603149
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: May 1, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The rules are adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Education Code, §134.008, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the administration of the JET grant program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rules relate to Texas Education Code, Chapter 134.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603150
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: May 1, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The rules are adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Education Code, §134.008, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the administration of the JET grant program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rules relate to Texas Education Code, Chapter 134.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603151
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: May 1, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
SUBCHAPTER
D.
The rule is adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Education Code, §134.008, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the administration of the JET grant program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rule relates to Texas Education Code, Chapter 134.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603152
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: May 1, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
CHAPTER 812. RURAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) adopts new Chapter 812, relating to the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program, comprising the following subchapters:
Subchapter A. General Provisions, §§812.1 - 812.3
Subchapter B. Program Administration, §§812.11 - 812.15
New §§812.1 - 812.3 and 812.11 - 812.15 are adopted without changes to the proposal, as published in the March 20, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1802), and, therefore, the adopted rule text will not be published.
PART I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND AUTHORITY
The purpose of the new Chapter 812 is to establish the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program and set forth TWC's procedures for administering the new grant program.
Senate Bill 2448 (SB 2448), 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, amended Texas Labor Code, Chapter 302, by adding Subchapter J relating to the creation of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
The Rural Workforce Development Grant Program allows TWC to award grants to one or more nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and support to institutions of higher education and school districts located in rural areas of the state in aligning and delivering workforce training and higher education programs to address skills gaps to meet urgent workforce demands of rural areas.
SB 2448 requires TWC, in consultation with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to establish and administer the program. SB 2448 also requires TWC to adopt rules necessary to administer the program and to periodically verify that grant money awarded to a nonprofit organization under the program is being used appropriately. In addition to any money appropriated for the program, TWC may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for the program.
PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
TWC adopts new Subchapter A, General Provisions, as follows:
§812.1. Purpose and Goal
New §812.1(a) sets forth the purpose of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
New §812.1(b) sets forth the goals of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
§812.2. Definitions
New §812.2 defines terms used in this chapter.
§812.3. Program Funding
New §812.3 allows TWC to solicit and accept funding for the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program in addition to any money appropriated.
SUBCHAPTER B. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
TWC adopts new Subchapter B, Program Administration as follows:
§812.11. Grant Eligibility
New §812.11 establishes the eligibility requirements for potential grant applicants.
§812.12. Grant Application
New §812.12 establishes the application requirements for eligible applicants.
§812.13. Grant Requirements
New §812.13 establishes the grant requirements for the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
§812.14. Review and Reporting Requirements
New §812.14 sets forth the requirements for rules and grant recipient award review.
§812.15. Annual Report
New §812.15 sets forth TWC's reporting requirements.
PART III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The comment period ended on April 20, 2026.
TWC received a comment from The Scaffold Initiative.
COMMENT: The Scaffold Initiative, a national 501(c)(4) dedicated to expanding AI and digital workforce readiness for displaced workers, expressed its support for establishing the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program. To address unique rural workforce challenges, Scaffold Initiative recommends integration of AI and digital literacy into grant priorities for §812.1(b). According to the commenter, this is crucial because rural sectors like agriculture, health care, and energy are rapidly adopting AI-driven technologies, requiring workers to develop AI competency to operate augmented tools effectively. Without this, the organization says rural communities risk falling behind. They suggested TWC include a preference for proposals that incorporate AI and digital skills into workforce training. Additionally, to ensure accessibility for nationally operating nonprofits, the Initiative recommended flexibly interpreting §812.11 to allow applicants to demonstrate equivalent rural workforce development experience from comparable settings outside Texas, thereby broadening the pool of qualified organizations. The Initiative also offered to provide data on the positive impact of AI and digital skills in workforce programs.
RESPONSE: TWC appreciates the comment and appreciates the recommendation and offer to provide supporting data on program impact. TWC also appreciates the Scaffold Initiative's expertise and commitment to workforce development. No changes were made in response to this comment; however, these valuable suggestions will be considered as we move forward with implementation of the program.
SUBCHAPTER
A.
PART IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The new rules are adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Labor Code, §302.306(1), as added by SB 2448, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the administration of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rules implement Title 4, Texas Labor Code, Chapter 302, Subchapter J.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603153
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 20, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The new rules are adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Labor Code, §302.306(1), as added by SB 2448, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the administration of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rules implement Title 4, Texas Labor Code, Chapter 302, Subchapter J.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603154
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 20, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
CHAPTER 814. ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) adopts new Chapter 814, relating to Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program, comprising the following subchapters:
Subchapter A. General Provisions, §814.1
Subchapter B. Program Administration, §§814.11 - 814.13
New §§814.1 and 814.11 - 814.13 are adopted without changes to the proposal, as published in the March 20, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1805), and, therefore, the adopted rule text will not be published.
PART I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND AUTHORITY
The purpose of the new Chapter 814 rules is to establish and administer the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program.
Senate Bill 1535 (SB 1535), 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, amended Texas Labor Code, Chapter 302, Subchapter A, by adding §302.0081 relating to the creation of the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program.
SB 1535 tasks TWC, in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and in consultation with representatives designated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), to establish and administer the program. TWC will also work with the newly established Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, which is responsible for overall planning, coordinating, promoting, and providing other supports to develop the nuclear energy industry in Texas.
SB 1535 also requires TWC to adopt rules as necessary to administer the program for the purpose of addressing urgent skilled labor demands in the advanced nuclear energy industry in Texas. The program will involve creating a strategic plan that meets SB 1535 requirements and developing curriculum requirements in collaboration with TEA and THECB.
PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
TWC adopts new Subchapter A, General Provisions, as follows:
§814.1. Purpose and Goal
New §814.1 states the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program's purpose and goal.
SUBCHAPTER B. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
TWC adopts new Subchapter B, Program Administration, as follows:
§814.11. Strategic Plan
New §814.11 details the requirements for the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program's strategic plan.
§814.12. Curriculum Development
New §814.12 outlines the requirements for curriculum development.
§814.13. Annual Report
New §814.13 details reporting requirements for TWC in consultation with TEA and THECB.
TWC hereby certifies that the new rules have been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within TWC's legal authority to adopt.
PART III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The comment period ended on April 20, 2026.
TWC received comments from the following:
--Gulf Coast Workforce Board
--Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast
--The Scaffold Initiative
COMMENT: The Gulf Coast Workforce Board and Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast jointly expressed their support for the proposed rules for the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program. Highlighting the Gulf Coast region's existing groundwork in industry-aligned workforce models and its experience in deploying successful training programs in technical fields, the commenters provided recommendations on how to strengthen program implementation by leveraging the existing workforce system, aligning curriculum with employer demand, incorporating work-based learning, and using outcome-based reporting for continuous improvement.
RESPONSE: The Commission appreciates the comment and support for the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program. TWC and the Texas Workforce Solutions network remain committed to the program's successful implementation and ongoing administration. No changes were made in response to the comment.
COMMENT: The Scaffold Initiative expressed its support for the Advanced Nuclear Energy Program and submitted the following recommendations: integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and automation competencies into existing curricula, which is vital for worker effectiveness in the AI-reliant nuclear sector; expand curriculum consultation to include community-based workforce organizations, thereby leveraging their expertise in adult learning; and establish coordination between the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program and the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program (Chapter 812) to ensure integrated support for rural communities near planned nuclear sites.
RESPONSE: The Commission appreciates the support and recommendations for the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program, as well as the organization's insights regarding the integration of AI and digital literacy into training programs. No changes were made in response to this comment; however, these valuable suggestions will be considered as we move forward with implementation of the program.
SUBCHAPTER
A.
PART IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The new rule is adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Labor Code, §302.0081(b), as added by SB 1535, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the establishment and administration of the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rule relates to Title 4, Texas Labor Code, Chapter 302, Subchapter A.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603155
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 20, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The new rules are adopted under the authority of:
--Texas Labor Code, §302.0081(b), as added by SB 1535, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, which requires TWC to adopt rules for the establishment and administration of the Advanced Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Program.
--Texas Labor Code, §301.0015(6) and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rules relate to Title 4, Texas Labor Code, Chapter 302, Subchapter A.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 27, 2026.
TRD-202603156
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 16, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 20, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662
CHAPTER 815. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) adopts amendments to the following sections of Chapter 815, relating to Unemployment Insurance:
Subchapter B. Benefits, Claims, and Appeals, §815.20 and §815.28
Amended §815.20 and §815.28 are adopted without changes to the proposal, as published in the May 1, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 2893), and, therefore, the adopted rule text will not be published.
PART I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND AUTHORITY
The purpose of the Chapter 815 rule change is to implement the provisions of House Bill 3698 (HB 3698), enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, relating to participation in reemployment services as a condition of eligibility for unemployment benefits.
HB 3698 amended Texas Labor Code, §207.021(a), to expand participation in reemployment services under the federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) Program. HB 3698 revised the conditions under which such participation is required for unemployment compensation eligibility.
Additionally, the rule amendments will:
--increase the minimum number of required weekly work search contacts from three to five;
--add a requirement for claimants to verify their identity;
--add additional groups of individuals who are exempt from the work registration and work search requirements; and
--correct outdated references.
PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS
(Note: Minor editorial changes are made that do not change the meaning of the rules and, therefore, are not discussed in the Explanation of Individual Provisions.)
SUBCHAPTER B. BENEFITS, CLAIMS, AND APPEALS
TWC adopts the following amendments to Subchapter B:
Section 815.20. Claim for Benefits
Section 815.20(7) is amended to conform with Texas Labor Code, §207.021(a), as amended by HB 3698, relating to the expansion of participation in reemployment services, and to correct a Texas Labor Code reference.
Section 815.20(8) is amended to add two new categories of unemployment benefits claimants who are exempt from the requirement to register for work. This change is necessary to align §815.28 with §815.28, as amended.
Additionally, new §815.20(11) formalizes TWC's existing identity verification requirements to provide clarity and increase understanding by parties to a claim. These requirements are critical to protect the integrity of the unemployment compensation system from identity fraud. This amendment is based on TWC's existing authority under Texas Labor Code, §207.021(a)(1) and does not expand that authority or create new requirements for claimants.
Section 815.28. Work Search Requirements
Section 815.28 is amended to increase a claimant's TWC-required minimum number of weekly work search contacts from three to five. This adjustment reflects the efficiency of modern online job searching and the abundance of job opportunities in the thriving Texas economy. The increased requirement encourages active engagement in the labor market and facilitates quicker reemployment. This establishes a statewide minimum while preserving the Local Workforce Development Boards' authority, as approved by the Commission, to recommend higher requirements based on regional labor market conditions.
Section 815.28 is also amended to add limited exemptions to the work search requirement for certain individuals in areas affected by a disaster and certain federal employees in temporary layoff status due to a government furlough or shutdown. This amendment is made in response to a recommendation from the US Department of Labor.
PART III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The comment period ended on June 1, 2026. No comments were received.
PART IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The rules are adopted under Texas Labor Code, §301.0015 and §302.002(d), which provide TWC with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of TWC services and activities.
The adopted rules relate to Texas Labor Code, Title 4.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 21, 2026
TRD-202602961
Les Trobman
General Counsel
Texas Workforce Commission
Effective date: August 10, 2026
Proposal publication date: May 1, 2026
For further information, please call: (737) 301-9662