89R734 CXP-F
By: Guillen H.B. No. 1233
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to measures to encourage the earning of credentials of
value at public institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Sections 61.09093 and 61.09094 to read as
follows:
Sec. 61.09093. CREDENTIALS OF VALUE. (a) In this section,
"credential of value" means an industry-recognized work-based
learning credential in a high-demand, high-growth industry leading
to quality career opportunities, as determined by the Texas
Workforce Commission.
(b) The board shall encourage:
(1) completion of credentials of value in satisfaction
of certain required coursework under degree or certificate programs
offered by institutions of higher education;
(2) memoranda of understanding between institutions
of higher education that offer credentials of value;
(3) transferability of course credit, particularly
with regard to course credit leading to a credential of value;
(4) development of degree and certificate programs
that enable students to earn a degree or certificate by completing
parts of the program at different institutions of higher education;
and
(5) applicability of grant, scholarship, and other
financial aid money toward costs related to earning credentials of
value.
(c) The board shall award a successful outcomes distinction
designation to an institution of higher education if at least eight
percent of the institution's graduating class for the academic year
earns a credential of value.
(d) The board, in coordination with the Texas Workforce
Commission, shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
Sec. 61.09094. CREDENTIALS OF VALUE TASK FORCE. (a) In
this section, "credential of value" has the meaning assigned by
Section 61.09093.
(b) The board shall establish a task force to:
(1) study and make recommendations related to
promoting students earning credentials of value; and
(2) develop a model framework to:
(A) establish accredited degree and certificate
programs that enable students to earn a degree or certificate by
completing parts of the program at different institutions of higher
education; and
(B) enable students to:
(i) earn credit toward the completion of
degree and certificate programs described by Paragraph (A) while in
high school;
(ii) earn at least two credentials of value
in a baccalaureate degree program described by Paragraph (A); and
(iii) graduate with at least two
credentials of value and a baccalaureate degree from a program
described by Paragraph (A) in four years or less after graduating
from high school.
(c) The task force must include representatives from:
(1) a school district;
(2) a recognized accrediting agency;
(3) a general academic teaching institution;
(4) a public junior college;
(5) a public technical institute; and
(6) the Texas Workforce Commission.
(d) Not later than March 1, 2026, the task force shall
prepare and submit to the coordinating board, the Texas Education
Agency, and the legislature a preliminary report on the model
framework and any recommendations for legislative or other action.
(e) Not later than September 1, 2026, the task force shall
submit to the coordinating board, the Texas Education Agency, and
the legislature a final report on the model framework and any
recommendations for legislative or other action.
(f) The task force is abolished and this section expires
September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. Section 61.09093, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 academic 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, 2025.