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TexasHB 208189th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the establishment of the Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational skills training opportunities and support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at public and private institutions of higher education.

Sponsored By: Trent Ashby, Greg Bonnen, John H. Bucy lll, Donna Howard, Stan Kitzman, José Menéndez (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Disabilities, Persons withEducation--Higher--Admission & AttendanceEducation--Higher--Institutions & ProgramsEducation--Higher--Private SchoolsEducation--Higher--Student Financial AidLabor--Workforce DevelopmentState Finances--Management & ControlHIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD, TEXAS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

New training support for students with disabilities

The law creates Building Better Futures for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at public and private colleges. It supports education, job skills training, and related services in inclusive settings suited to students' ages. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board runs the program and can award money to eligible colleges. Funding can include available state revenue, legislative funding, and public or private gifts, grants, and donations; no amount is set. The act takes effect immediately with two-thirds support in each legislative house, or otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Disability training access favors Texas residents

Applicants must apply to an eligible college's comprehensive transition and postsecondary program, including one awaiting federal approval. They must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; permanent residents must submit a copy of their residency form. Texas residency follows state college residency rules. Otherwise eligible nonresidents can join only when space remains after all eligible Texas residents are admitted. Applicants need an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis from a doctor, psychologist, or another legally qualified professional. They must be able and willing to learn and participate in inclusive classroom and work settings. The accepting college must find that they are not a danger to themselves or others. Colleges can request residency proof, including federal student aid information, a Texas driver's license, property tax records, current vehicle or voter registration, or other documents allowed by state law.

Students cannot transfer training credits toward degrees

Semester credit hours, or equivalent coursework, earned through Building Better Futures cannot transfer to an associate or bachelor's degree program.

Colleges face standards for disability training

Participating colleges must have or be awaiting U.S. Department of Education approval for their comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs. Colleges awaiting approval must obtain it within three years after the Texas board first selects them. Colleges must use selective admissions and give each student a certificate after successful completion. Program courses and programs are exempt from Texas Education Code Sections 61.0512 and 61.822. The board must set approval criteria and adopt program rules as soon as practicable after the act takes effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Trent Ashby

    House

  • Greg Bonnen

    House

  • John H. Bucy lll

    House

  • Donna Howard

    House

  • Stan Kitzman

    House

  • José Menéndez

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • César Blanco

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lulu Flores

    House

  • Phil King

    Republican • Senate

  • Penny Morales Shaw

    House

  • Mihaela Plesa

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 310 • No: 47

Senate vote • 5/13/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/13/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 1

House vote • 5/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 106 • No: 27

House vote • 5/1/2025

Record vote

Yes: 124 • No: 17

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Education K-16

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Higher Education

Yes: 9 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective immediately

    5/26/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    5/26/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/14/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/14/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/14/2025House

  6. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/14/2025Senate

  7. Reported enrolled

    5/13/2025House

  8. Senate passage reported

    5/13/2025House

  9. Record vote

    5/13/2025Senate

  10. Passed

    5/13/2025Senate

  11. Read 3rd time

    5/13/2025Senate

  12. Record vote

    5/13/2025Senate

  13. Three day rule suspended

    5/13/2025Senate

  14. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/13/2025Senate

  15. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/13/2025Senate

  16. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/13/2025Senate

  17. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    5/13/2025Senate

  18. Co-sponsor authorized

    5/13/2025Senate

  19. Placed on intent calendar

    5/12/2025Senate

  20. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/8/2025Senate

  21. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/8/2025Senate

  22. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/8/2025Senate

  23. Vote taken in committee

    5/6/2025Senate

  24. Considered in public hearing

    5/6/2025Senate

  25. Referred to Education K-16

    5/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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