All Roll Calls
Yes: 359 • No: 3
TexasHB 304189th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Relating to measures to support the enrollment of students with a nontraditional secondary education at public institutions of higher education, including eligibility for certain student financial assistance programs.
Sponsored By: Terri Leo Wilson, Mayes Middleton (Republican), Dennis Paul
Signed by Governor
Education--Higher--Admission & AttendanceEducation--Higher--Student Financial AidEDUCATION--HIGHER--ASSESSMENT & TESTINGHIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD, TEXAS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More grant access for nontraditional graduates
Beginning with fall 2026 awards, nontraditional graduates can use high-school academic paths to qualify for an initial TEXAS Grant. One path requires top-third class rank or a GPA of at least 3.0, plus qualifying advanced coursework. That coursework includes math after Algebra II or an advanced career-and-technical or technology applications course. Applicants must meet Texas residency and financial-need rules, apply for available aid, and enter an eligible degree or certificate program. Entering students generally must enroll at least three-fourths time within 16 months after graduation; military entrants have 12 months after discharge. Applicants must show successful completion of their schooling and provide a transcript or diploma with the required information. This provision sets no grant amount.
Scholarship access expands for nontraditional graduates
Beginning with fall 2026 awards, proof of completed nontraditional schooling satisfies this scholarship's high-school graduation requirement. Students still need top-10% rank or valedictorian status and the recommended or advanced high-school curriculum, or its equivalent. Class rank follows the law's calculation method. Applicants must be Texas residents and receive a TEXAS Grant for the same term. They must have applied as first-time freshmen for 2010–11 or later and enroll within 16 months after graduation. This provision sets no scholarship amount.
Test-based admission for nontraditional Austin applicants
Beginning with fall 2026 admissions, UT Austin uses a test-score pathway for qualifying applicants with nontraditional schooling. This applies when automatic admission is limited to 75% of designated capacity for first-time Texas-resident undergraduates. Instead of class rank, these applicants must meet a standardized college-entrance test benchmark. UT Austin bases that benchmark on scores of nontraditional applicants offered admission two academic years earlier. It sets the benchmark to match the admission percentage for traditionally schooled applicants. Applicants must also qualify for automatic admission; a test score alone does not establish eligibility.
Equal dual-credit access across school types
Beginning in fall 2025, colleges must use the same dual-credit admission and enrollment rules across school types. This covers students from public, private, parochial, and home schools. Students at schools not formally organized as high schools count as attending high school at age 16 or older. Students must still meet the college's admission and enrollment standards; the law does not guarantee a seat.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Terri Leo Wilson
House
Mayes Middleton
Republican • Senate
Dennis Paul
House
Cosponsors
Adam Hinojosa
Republican • Senate
Lois Kolkhorst
Republican • Senate
Penny Morales Shaw
House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/19/2025
Record vote
Yes: 30 • No: 1
Senate vote • 5/19/2025
Record vote
Yes: 30 • No: 1
House vote • 5/1/2025
Record vote
Yes: 139 • No: 0
House vote • 4/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 139 • No: 1
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Higher Education
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Education K-16
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective immediately
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/22/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/21/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/21/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/20/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/20/2025HouseRecord vote
5/19/2025SenatePassed
5/19/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/19/2025SenateRecord vote
5/19/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/19/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/19/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/19/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/19/2025SenateRules suspended-Regular order of business
5/19/2025SenatePlaced on intent calendar
5/19/2025SenateCo-sponsor authorized
5/19/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/16/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/16/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/16/2025SenateVote taken in committee
5/13/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/13/2025SenateReferred to Education K-16
5/5/2025SenateRead first time
5/5/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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