89R22071 KJE-D
By: Metcalf H.B. No. 3204
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3204:
By: Wilson C.S.H.B. No. 3204
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State
University, including the college's eligibility to participate in
certain programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 96.63, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 96.63. POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE [JOSEY SCHOOL OF VOCATIONAL
EDUCATION]. (a) The Polytechnic College [Josey School of
Vocational Education] is a division of Sam Houston State University
and is under the direction and control of the board of regents of
the Texas State University System [Board of Regents, State Senior
Colleges].
(b) The administration of the college [school] is under the
direction of the president of Sam Houston State University.
(c) The college [school] shall provide career and technical
education [vocational training] for individuals [over the age of 18
who cannot qualify scholastically for college entrance and for
other persons] who desire to avail themselves of short intensive
courses in career and technical education [vocational education in
the following fields: agriculture, home management, distributive
education, photography, plumbing, sheet metal work, machine shop,
auto mechanics, furniture, electrical appliances, air conditioning
and refrigeration, printing, radio, garment making, interior
decorating, light construction contracting, photoengraving,
watchmaking, and other trades of like nature]. The education
[training in these subjects] shall be designed to lead to career and
technical education certificates, as defined by the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board [organized so that the courses may be
completed in from 9 to 24 months. Courses may also be offered in
English and mathematics and other subjects which will contribute to
the vocational training of the student. Vocational courses in
government, designed to prepare workers in various county, city,
and state offices, may also be offered].
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, the college shall be
funded in the same manner as a public state college, as defined by
Section 61.003 [The rate of tuition charged students shall be the
actual cost of teaching service, not to exceed $500 per scholastic
year of nine months. Scholarships may be awarded by the board to
worthy indigent students who might greatly benefit from the
training offered. The amount of the scholarships may vary
according to the needs of the individuals, but in no case may it
reduce the tuition payment by the student to a point less than the
tuition fee regularly charged students at the state senior
colleges].
SECTION 2. Section 56.401(2), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(2) "Eligible institution" means:
(A) a public junior college;
(B) a public technical institute; [or]
(C) a public state college; or
(D) the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State
University.
SECTION 3. Section 61.09092(a), Education Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) In this section, "lower-division institution of higher
education" means a public junior college, public state college, or
public technical institute and the Polytechnic College at Sam
Houston State University.
SECTION 4. Section 61.881(2), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(2) "Lower-division institution of higher education"
means a public junior college, public state college, or public
technical institute and the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston
State University.
SECTION 5. The change in law made by this Act to Section
56.401(2), Education Code, applies beginning with grants awarded
under the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program for the 2026
fall semester. Grants awarded under the Texas Educational
Opportunity Grant Program for an academic term before that semester
are governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective
date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that
purpose.
SECTION 6. The change in law made by this Act to Section
61.881(2), Education Code, applies beginning with grants awarded
under the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE)
Program for the 2025 fall semester.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.