Texas Senate Bill SB1736

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/21/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the College Credit for Heroes program.

Impact

The College Credit for Heroes program represents a significant effort to enhance the educational opportunities available to veterans and military servicemembers in Texas. By allowing these individuals to receive credit for their military training, the bill potentially increases their employability and facilitates their reintegration into society. This could lead to positive economic outcomes both for the veterans themselves and the state as a whole, as a more educated workforce may stimulate various sectors of the economy.

Summary

Senate Bill 1736 aims to establish the College Credit for Heroes program, which seeks to streamline the process for veterans and military servicemembers to receive academic or workforce education credits for the training and experience they gained during their military service. This initiative is designed to expedite their transition into the civilian workforce by recognizing the value of their military education and training. The program will collaborate with various state agencies and educational institutions to promote best practices and maximize credit awards for eligible individuals.

Contention

Although the bill underscores the importance of supporting veterans, there are notable discussions around the adequacy of the program's funding and the administrative capacity of the commission to effectively implement such initiatives. Concerns have been raised regarding whether institutions of higher education will fully embrace the program and consistently apply the credit transferability standards. Additionally, questions about the long-term sustainability of the program and accountability for the awarded grants remain points of contention within legislative debates.