Texas House Bill HB3296

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/25/25

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a higher education consortium for civic education and a grant program for that consortium.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3296 has significant implications for state education policy, especially in fostering a collaborative educational environment across higher education institutions. By requiring colleges in the consortium to utilize grant funds for faculty development, infrastructure, and technological improvements, the bill aims to enhance the quality of civic education provided. It seeks to allocate resources evenly across both urban and rural communities, ensuring that civic education is accessible to a diverse student population, which could potentially lead to increased civic participation in underrepresented areas.

Summary

House Bill 3296 seeks to establish a consortium of colleges and universities in Texas aimed at enhancing civic education through a structured grant program. This legislation is designed to provide civic education at no cost to students, focusing particularly on historically black colleges and universities, and integrating various community organizations, municipalities, and libraries in the educational process. The bill proposes that participating institutions will partner with local entities to implement community-oriented educational initiatives and voter registration drives, thus promoting civic engagement among residents.

Contention

While supporters of HB 3296 argue that it addresses a critical gap in civic education and promotes local community engagement, there may be concerns regarding the reliance on grants and partnerships for the successful implementation of the educational programs. Additionally, the bill’s provisions for oversight and evaluation by an independent committee may raise questions about the adequacy of resources and support for institutions involved in the consortium. Stakeholders might express varying opinions on how effectively the bill addresses the specific civic education needs within different communities, highlighting the need for tailored educational frameworks.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
  • Section: New Section