Guillen Credentials Bill Creates A Task Force That Expires In 2027

The text as introduced · 604 words

89R734 CXP-F

By: Guillen
H.B. No. 1233

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to measures to encourage the earning of credentials of

value at public institutions of higher education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is

amended by adding Sections 61.09093 and 61.09094 to read as

follows:

Sec. 61.09093. CREDENTIALS OF VALUE. (a) In this section,

"credential of value" means an industry-recognized work-based

learning credential in a high-demand, high-growth industry leading

to quality career opportunities, as determined by the Texas

Workforce Commission.

(b) The board shall encourage:

(1) completion of credentials of value in satisfaction

of certain required coursework under degree or certificate programs

offered by institutions of higher education;

(2) memoranda of understanding between institutions

of higher education that offer credentials of value;

(3) transferability of course credit, particularly

with regard to course credit leading to a credential of value;

(4) development of degree and certificate programs

that enable students to earn a degree or certificate by completing

parts of the program at different institutions of higher education;

and

(5) applicability of grant, scholarship, and other

financial aid money toward costs related to earning credentials of

value.

(c) The board shall award a successful outcomes distinction

designation to an institution of higher education if at least eight

percent of the institution's graduating class for the academic year

earns a credential of value.

(d) The board, in coordination with the Texas Workforce

Commission, shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

Sec. 61.09094. CREDENTIALS OF VALUE TASK FORCE. (a) In

this section, "credential of value" has the meaning assigned by

Section 61.09093.

(b) The board shall establish a task force to:

(1) study and make recommendations related to

promoting students earning credentials of value; and

(2) develop a model framework to:

(A) establish accredited degree and certificate

programs that enable students to earn a degree or certificate by

completing parts of the program at different institutions of higher

education; and

(B) enable students to:

(i) earn credit toward the completion of

degree and certificate programs described by Paragraph (A) while in

high school;

(ii) earn at least two credentials of value

in a baccalaureate degree program described by Paragraph (A); and

(iii) graduate with at least two

credentials of value and a baccalaureate degree from a program

described by Paragraph (A) in four years or less after graduating

from high school.

(c) The task force must include representatives from:

(1) a school district;

(2) a recognized accrediting agency;

(3) a general academic teaching institution;

(4) a public junior college;

(5) a public technical institute; and

(6) the Texas Workforce Commission.

(d) Not later than March 1, 2026, the task force shall

prepare and submit to the coordinating board, the Texas Education

Agency, and the legislature a preliminary report on the model

framework and any recommendations for legislative or other action.

(e) Not later than September 1, 2026, the task force shall

submit to the coordinating board, the Texas Education Agency, and

the legislature a final report on the model framework and any

recommendations for legislative or other action.

(f) The task force is abolished and this section expires

September 1, 2027.

SECTION 2. Section 61.09093, Education Code, as added by

this Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.

SECTION 3. 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.