Texas House Bill HB526

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to requiring coursework in economics for an associate or baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.

Impact

The legislation specifies that the new requirement will apply to students enrolling in degree programs from January 1, 2026, onward. This change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of economic literacy in higher education and aims to ensure that graduates possess essential knowledge that can benefit both their personal financial decision-making and their professional capabilities. By integrating economics into degree programs, the state hopes to produce a workforce that is more informed about economic principles, potentially leading to better economic outcomes for individuals and the broader community.

Summary

House Bill 526 mandates that students obtaining an associate or baccalaureate degree from public institutions of higher education in Texas must complete at least three semester credit hours in economics. This requirement must cover both macroeconomics and microeconomics, emphasizing a balanced approach to economic education. The bill aims to enhance the foundational knowledge of economics among graduates, preparing them for the increasingly complex economic landscape in which they will operate post-graduation.

Contention

While the bill aims at improving education standards, it may encounter contention from various stakeholders. Some educators might argue that adding an economics requirement could limit student choices or increase the duration needed to complete degrees. Additionally, there could be debates about how effectively economics can be taught within current curriculum constraints, especially in institutions already challenged by fulfilling existing degree requirements. Ultimately, the passage of HB526 could spur discussions on curriculum design and the role of economics in higher education.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
  • Section: New Section