HB 3260 – Expanded apprenticeship subsidies

HB 3260 allows the Texas Workforce Commission to issue partial, milestone-based reimbursements to employers participating in the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Grant Program. Rather than waiting until a full apprenticeship and a year of post-employment are completed, businesses would get funding earlier as certain steps are completed. The bill also gives TWC new authority to set standards for which jobs and programs qualify. While the goal is to encourage more employers to offer apprenticeships, the bill risks expanding government subsidy programs without strong oversight or fiscal safeguards. Faster and more frequent reimbursements could increase program costs and reduce accountability for whether training results in lasting employment. Shifting certification power to a state agency could also politicize which industries and programs receive taxpayer-funded benefits. From a limited government perspective, the program represents another layer of workforce intervention and spending. Instead, Texas should prioritize private-sector driven training without long-term taxpayer liability.