87R7173 KJE-D
By: Raymond H.B. No. 1624
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on best practices in STEM programs at
minority-serving public institutions of higher education and to a
grant program to implement those practices.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.081 to read as follows:
Sec. 61.081. STEM PROGRAMS AT MINORITY-SERVING
INSTITUTIONS: STUDY AND GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:
(1) "Minority-serving institution" means an
institution of higher education designated by the United States
Department of Education as a minority-serving institution.
(2) "STEM program" means a science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics program at a minority-serving
institution.
(b) Not later than January 1, 2022, the board shall conduct
a study on best practices in STEM programs offered by
minority-serving institutions. The study must identify best
practices in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of members
of racial and ethnic minority groups in STEM programs.
(c) For the 2022-2023 academic year, from funds
appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the board
shall award grants to minority-serving institutions to implement
the best practices identified by the study conducted under
Subsection (b). The board shall develop a competitive application
process to award the grants.
(d) This section expires September 1, 2023.
SECTION 2. 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, 2021.