TX
Texas House Bill HB4047

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4047

Caption

Relating to measures to facilitate the award of postsecondary course credit leading to workforce credentialing based on military experience, education, and training.

Impact

The bill amends the Education Code, mandating higher education institutions to evaluate military training records presented by students for possible course credit. Given that many veterans possess skills and knowledge that align with various fields of study, this legislation is designed to recognize and validate that experience, potentially improving job readiness for veterans and increasing enrollment in educational programs as more service members see their military training as valuable in academia.

Summary

House Bill 4047 focuses on facilitating the award of postsecondary course credit for military experience, education, and training, thereby enhancing educational outcomes for veterans. This bill allows institutions of higher education in Texas to consider military training as a valid criterion for granting course credit towards degrees or certifications. It emphasizes the alignment of military skills with academic programs, aiming to streamline the transition for service members into civilian education and workforce opportunities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 4047 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for veteran affairs and educational reform. Supporters argue that this bill is a crucial step towards recognizing the unique contributions of military service members and ensuring that they receive appropriate academic credit for their training. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of existing frameworks to evaluate the alignment of military training with academic standards, although the overall response to the bill is expected to be supportive of its intent.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed favorably, discussions may arise around the specifics of implementation—particularly in how institutions are tasked with evaluating military training and which standards will be used to determine alignment with course criteria. There could also be potential contention over resources needed to adequately support the administrative process involved in this evaluation, as well as the necessity of ensuring that academic integrity is maintained while extending credit for military experience.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2615

Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

TX SB2539

Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1755

Relating to the creation of the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX HB2168

Relating to measures to prepare students to teach bilingual education, English as a second language, or Spanish.

TX HB651

Relating to the inclusion of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Leadership Officer Training Corps programs as public school career and technology education programs and the indicator of achievement for military readiness under the public school accountability system.

TX SB1895

Relating to the inclusion of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Leadership Officer Training Corps programs as public school career and technology education programs and the indicator of achievement for military readiness under the public school accountability system.

TX HB2920

Relating to the distribution, posting, or provision of information regarding postsecondary education and career opportunities and to the confidentiality of certain information relating to persons provided assistance in accessing postsecondary education.

Similar Bills

CA SB614

California Military Department Support Fund activities.

CA AB481

Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

TX HB3841

Relating to military duty of a conservator of a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

CA AB361

Military Department: support programs.

NJ AJR198

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR106

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR74

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR109

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.