All Roll Calls
Yes: 159 • No: 7
TexasSB 178689th Legislature Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Relating to public higher education.
Sponsored By: Creighton, Ken King, Stan Kitzman, VanDeaver, Charlene Ward Johnson
Signed by Governor
Education--Higher--FinanceEducation--Higher--State CoordinationEducation--Junior College DistrictsEducation--Primary & Secondary--PrivatePurchasing--StateTECHNICAL EDUCATIONEDUCATION AGENCY, TEXASHIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD, TEXASWORKFORCE COMMISSION, TEXAS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Free college courses for eligible teens
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, eligible Texas students in grades 9–12 can take dual credit courses at no cost. Students must attend a school district or charter school and take the course at a participating college. They must meet the educationally disadvantaged standard during that school year or any of the four previous school years. Districts and charter schools check eligibility at enrollment and notify the college. The state must make needed eligibility data available.
Deadline for public college certificate rules
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must adopt rules for every certificate program offered by a public junior college. The rules must carry out the law's program funding requirements. The board must consult its standing advisory committee and adopt the rules by August 1, 2027. This provision sets a deadline; it does not itself change tuition, student aid, or who can enroll.
New rules for federal college aid
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board can adopt rules to administer federal college aid and grant programs. This includes federal money provided to colleges under Title IV or other federal laws or programs. The board does not have to use negotiated rulemaking, a process for developing rules with affected groups. This provision does not itself change student aid eligibility or award amounts.
Regional job forecasts guide education planning
The Texas Workforce Commission must assess regional job demand every two years using the best available state and federal data. It must review current needs and 10-year projections, identifying industries and jobs paying a self-sufficient wage in each region and county. Results are due by March 1 of each odd-numbered year to state leaders, education agencies, colleges, and public schools. If the commission hires a college to help, the state higher education and school agencies must make data-sharing agreements with it.
More wage reporting details for employers
The Texas Workforce Commission must work with employers to expand routine wage filings. Filings must include wages, industry, job field, full-time or part-time status, county of primary employment, and remote work status. The commission can require other details only when needed for its regional labor demand assessment. Reporting must follow federal law and regulations.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Creighton
Affiliation unavailable
Ken King
House
Stan Kitzman
House
VanDeaver
Affiliation unavailable
Charlene Ward Johnson
House
Cosponsors
César Blanco
Democratic • Senate
Molly Cook
Democratic • Senate
Aicha Davis
House
Lulu Flores
House
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Democratic • Senate
Suleman Lalani
House
John Lujan
House
Vincent Perez
House
Mihaela Plesa
House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/12/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 4/23/2025
Record vote
Yes: 139 • No: 7
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Education K-16
Yes: 11 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Higher Education
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
See remarks for effective date
5/27/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
5/27/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/15/2025HouseSigned in the House
5/15/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/14/2025SenateReported enrolled
5/12/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
5/12/2025HouseRecord vote
5/12/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)
5/12/2025SenateRead
5/12/2025SenateHouse amendment(s) laid before the Senate
5/12/2025SenateHouse passage as amended reported
4/23/2025SenateStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
4/23/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#369)
4/23/2025HousePassed
4/23/2025HouseRead 3rd time
4/23/2025HousePassed to 3rd reading
4/22/2025HouseRead 2nd time
4/22/2025HouseLaid out in lieu of companion (CSHB 2110)
4/22/2025HouseCommittee report sent to Calendars
4/22/2025HouseCommittee report distributed
4/21/2025HouseComte report filed with Committee Coordinator
4/21/2025HouseReported favorably as substituted
4/17/2025HouseCommittee substitute considered in committee
4/17/2025HouseConsidered in formal meeting
4/17/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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