83R1480 JRJ-D By: Bell H.B. No. 842 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to requiring public school districts to provide certain opportunities to career and technical students under the college credit program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 28.009, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a-1) A program implemented under this section must provide a career and technical student the opportunity to earn the credit necessary to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate or an associate degree concurrently with the student's high school diploma. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016 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.