Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB757

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the review, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education based on certain performance standards.

Impact

The implementation of SB757 is expected to introduce a performance-based funding model, directly connecting the financial support of higher education institutions to their success in preparing graduates who can achieve economic stability. Programs that demonstrate high levels of student debt relative to earnings could face restrictions, leading to potential consolidation or elimination, thereby impacting the colleges' program offerings. This could steer resources towards more effective programs, thus optimizing public spending in higher education.

Summary

SB757 aims to establish a framework for the review, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education in Texas, contingent upon certain performance standards. Under the provisions of the bill, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with evaluating these programs based on metrics such as student loan debt relative to graduates' earnings. Programs will receive ratings that dictate their funding and operational status, promoting accountability and effectiveness in educational offerings within the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB757 include concerns from various stakeholders regarding the consequences of assigning performance ratings based on financial metrics alone. Critics argue that this approach may disproportionately affect programs that serve underserved populations or those in niche fields that may not have immediate high earning potential. Additionally, some worry that the focus on financial outcomes could undermine academic diversity and reduce opportunities for students pursuing vital but less lucrative degrees.

Additional_notes

SB757 is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, allowing institutions time to adapt to the proposed changes. The board is also required to develop necessary implementation rules, which will be closely monitored and may continue to evolve based on feedback from educational institutions and stakeholders.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: 0512
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB281

Identical Relating to the review, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education based on certain performance standards.

Previously Filed As

TX SB18

Relating to the tenure and employment of faculty members at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1053

Relating to measures to facilitate the successful completion of degree and certificate programs by certain adult learners at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB462

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4005

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX HB8

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

TX SB34

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

TX HB3486

Relating to higher education curricula, including course enrollment and credit and degree and certificate programs.

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.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.