83R13567 MEW-D By: Allen H.B. No. 2058 Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2058: By: Aycock C.S.H.B. No. 2058 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the administration of a high school equivalency examination. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 7.111, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a) The board shall provide for the administration of high school equivalency examinations [, including administration by the adjutant general's department for students described by Subdivision (2)(C)]. (a-1) A person who does not have a high school diploma may take the examination in accordance with rules adopted by the board if the person is: (1) over 17 years of age; (2) 16 years of age or older and: (A) is enrolled in a Job Corps training program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. Section 2801 et seq.), and its subsequent amendments; (B) a public agency providing supervision of the person or having custody of the person under a court order recommends that the person take the examination; or (C) is enrolled in the adjutant general's department's Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps; or (3) required to take the examination under a [justice or municipal] court order [issued under Article 45.054(a)(1)(C), Code of Criminal Procedure]. (c) The board by rule shall develop and deliver high school equivalency examinations and provide for the administration of the examinations online. The rules must [: [(1)] provide a procedure for verifying the identity of the person taking the examination [; and [(2) prohibit a person under 18 years of age from taking the examination online]. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2013.