S.B. No. 530 amends various sections of the Education Code to update the definition and requirements related to the accreditation of postsecondary educational institutions in Texas. The bill removes specific references to the "Southern Association of Colleges and Schools" and replaces them with the broader term "recognized accrediting agency," which is defined in Section 61.003. This change allows for greater flexibility in recognizing different accrediting bodies that meet the state's standards. Additionally, the bill mandates that institutions must ensure proper accreditation to participate in federal financial aid programs.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, emphasizing its role in promoting quality education and ensuring that institutions do not require students to complete more than the minimum credit hours necessary for degree completion, unless there is a compelling academic reason. Furthermore, it establishes that public junior colleges offering baccalaureate degree programs must meet the accreditation requirements of a recognized accrediting agency, thereby streamlining the accreditation process and enhancing educational standards across the state. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.0515, Education Code 61.05151, Education Code 61.8235, Education Code 107.151, Education Code 107.201, Education Code 130.301, Education Code 130.305, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 130, Education Code 107, Education Code 61)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.0515, Education Code 61.05151, Education Code 61.8235, Education Code 107.151, Education Code 107.201, Education Code 130.301, Education Code 130.305, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 130, Education Code 107, Education Code 61)
Engrossed: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.0515, Education Code 61.05151, Education Code 61.8235, Education Code 107.151, Education Code 107.201, Education Code 130.301, Education Code 130.305, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 130, Education Code 107, Education Code 61)
House Committee Report: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.0515, Education Code 61.05151, Education Code 61.8235, Education Code 107.151, Education Code 107.201, Education Code 130.301, Education Code 130.305, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 130, Education Code 107, Education Code 61)
Enrolled: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.051, Education Code 61.0515, Education Code 61.05151, Education Code 61.8235, Education Code 107.151, Education Code 107.201, Education Code 130.301, Education Code 130.305, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 130, Education Code 107, Education Code 61)