TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1786

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1786

Filed
2/28/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/7/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/10/25  
Out of House Committee
4/21/25  
Voted on by House
4/23/25  
Governor Action
5/27/25  

Caption

Relating to public higher education.

Impact

The enactment of SB1786 is expected to significantly influence the landscape of public higher education by broadening access to dual credit courses and ensuring that educational programs effectively meet state labor market demands. Schools and colleges will need to adapt their curricula to focus on qualifications that provide a 'credential of value,' which signifies a positive return on investment for students. Furthermore, this could lead to increased enrollment in junior colleges and a more skilled workforce aligned with regional economic needs.

Summary

SB1786 addresses various facets of public higher education in Texas, primarily focusing on enhancing dual credit programs and streamlining administrative processes for educational institutions. The bill modifies the Education Code to include provisions that ensure students, particularly those who are educationally disadvantaged, can enroll in dual credit courses at no cost. Additionally, it mandates that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) evaluates economic factors and student outcomes to align educational programs with workforce needs, particularly in high-demand occupations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1786 among legislative members has been largely positive, with support for its progressive provisions aimed at enhancing student access and improving the relevance of educational programs. However, some concerns were voiced regarding the adequacy of funding and resource allocation for these initiatives. The discussion highlighted a shared goal of advancing higher education without compromising on the quality and integrity of educational offerings.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolved around the funding implications of the proposed reforms, particularly related to dual credit programs and technical education grants. Stakeholders expressed concern that the financial burden of expanding these programs might fall disproportionately on certain institutions or require reallocating funds from other critical areas. Moreover, the bill necessitates a biennial assessment of regional labor demands, a process that raises questions about the state's capacity to manage and implement such assessments consistently.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 54. Tuition And Fees
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 130. Junior College Districts
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
    • Section: 0095
    • Section: 0095
    • Section: 0095
    • Section: 0095
  • Chapter 56. Student Financial Assistance
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 2308. Workforce Investment Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Labor Code

  • Chapter 204. Contributions
    • Section: 0025
    • Section: 0025
    • Section: 0025
    • Section: 0025
    • Section: 0025
    • Section: 0025
  • Chapter 302. Division Of Workforce Development
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Latest SB1786 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB2110

Identical Relating to public higher education.

Previously Filed As

TX HB8

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

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 HB4508

Relating to bilingual education in public schools.

TX HB4330

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4448

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX SB35

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX HB2407

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1887

Relating to the requirements for the early college education program and the transfer of course credit among public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

CA AB320

Teacher preparation programs: regionally accredited institutions.

CA AB681

Teacher credentialing: teacher preparation outside of the United States: temporary certificates.

CA AB2541

Teacher preparation programs: regionally accredited institutions.

CA AB525

Teacher credentialing.

CA SB577

Public postsecondary education: California Community College Teacher Credentialing Partnership Pilot Program.

CA AB1087

Teacher credentialing: services credential with a specialization in occupational therapy or physical therapy services.

CA AB1982

Teacher credentialing: basic skills proficiency test: exemption.