BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2533 89R16300 CXP-D By: Middleton State Affairs 4/8/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring that law schools meet educational standards and that their graduates are eligible to sit for the bar exam. Currently, the American Bar Association (ABA) is the only national accreditor recognized for this purpose. However, the ABA has come under federal scrutiny due to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements, particularly Standard 206. The U.S. Department of Justice, under the current administration, has threatened punitive action against the ABA unless it repeals the DEI standard, raising concerns about the future of its accreditation authority. In response to the uncertainty surrounding the ABA's status and its controversial diversity policies, S.B. 2533 proposes an alternative framework for accrediting law schools in Texas. As proposed, S.B. 2533 amends current law relating to the accreditation of law schools in this state. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.984, as follows: Sec. 51.984. LAW SCHOOL ACCREDITATION. (a) Defines "institution of higher education" and "private or independent institution of higher education." (b) Requires a law school at an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education to be accredited by an accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education for the purposes of institutional accreditation of law schools. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2533
89R16300 CXP-D By: Middleton
State Affairs
4/8/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2533
89R16300 CXP-D
By: Middleton
State Affairs
4/8/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring that law schools meet educational standards and that their graduates are eligible to sit for the bar exam. Currently, the American Bar Association (ABA) is the only national accreditor recognized for this purpose. However, the ABA has come under federal scrutiny due to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements, particularly Standard 206. The U.S. Department of Justice, under the current administration, has threatened punitive action against the ABA unless it repeals the DEI standard, raising concerns about the future of its accreditation authority.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding the ABA's status and its controversial diversity policies, S.B. 2533 proposes an alternative framework for accrediting law schools in Texas.
As proposed, S.B. 2533 amends current law relating to the accreditation of law schools in this state.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.984, as follows:
Sec. 51.984. LAW SCHOOL ACCREDITATION. (a) Defines "institution of higher education" and "private or independent institution of higher education."
(b) Requires a law school at an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education to be accredited by an accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education for the purposes of institutional accreditation of law schools.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.