TX SB856

Adds the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station as an eligible entity to access the skills development fund for workforce training programs, joining public community and technical colleges, community-based organizations, local workforce development boards, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service

Authorizes the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station to recover customized assessment and training costs when addressing actual or projected labor shortages not met by existing programs, provided wages at job placement equal prevailing local wages

Requires both the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to focus training activities on statewide programs or programs not available from local junior or technical colleges

Mandates the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station to submit biennial reports by October 1 of each even-numbered year reviewing program effectiveness in improving participant wages and identifying workforce training improvement strategies

Failure to submit required reports results in refunding unexpended state funds to the comptroller and prohibition on receiving additional grants until compliance; takes effect September 1, 2025