The bill amends the Education Code to modify the regulations surrounding baccalaureate degree programs offered by public junior colleges in Texas. It introduces a requirement for "continuing approval by the coordinating board," which ensures that these programs maintain compliance with state standards. Additionally, the previous limitation that restricted public junior colleges from offering more than five baccalaureate degree programs at any time has been removed.

Furthermore, the bill revises the criteria for public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs. It eliminates the previous requirement that a junior college district must have a taxable property valuation of at least $6 billion and a positive financial health assessment from the coordinating board. This change aims to broaden access to baccalaureate programs by allowing more junior colleges to participate without the previously stringent financial criteria. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 130.306, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 130)