HB 2893
AN ACT relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Allows public junior colleges in Texas to offer more baccalaureate degree programs in specific fields like applied science, early childhood education, applied technology, nursing, and education. Colleges must demonstrate a clear workforce need for these programs and are now permitted to offer up to eight baccalaureate degree programs (increased from five), with implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. The change aims to provide more local, accessible higher education options that directly connect to regional job market demands.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degree programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 130.303(b), Education Code, is amended (b) The coordinating board may authorize baccalaureate degree programs at one or more public junior colleges if the public (1) offers [that offer] a degree program in one of the (A) the field of applied science, including a degree program in the field of applied science with an emphasis in early childhood education, applied technology, or nursing; or (B) the field of education; and (2) demonstrates [have demonstrated] a workforce need SECTION 2. Section 130.306(a), Education Code, is amended (a) A public junior college offering a baccalaureate degree program under this subchapter may not offer more than eight [five] baccalaureate degree programs at any time. SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education
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