S.B. No. 530 amends various sections of the Education Code to update the definition and requirements for 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 and ensures that institutions meet the necessary accreditation standards to participate in federal financial aid programs.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in promoting quality education and ensuring that institutions are properly accredited. It specifies that institutions cannot require students to complete more than the minimum number of credit hours for degrees as determined by their recognized accrediting agency, unless there is a compelling academic reason. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following its passage in both the Senate and House.

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 61, Education Code 107)
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 61, Education Code 107)
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 61, Education Code 107)
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 61, Education Code 107)
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 61, Education Code 107)