The bill, S.B. No. 757, aims to enhance the review, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education in Texas by establishing specific performance standards. It amends existing provisions in the Education Code to require the board to review the number of degrees or certificates awarded every five years, rather than at the board's discretion. Additionally, it mandates that the board review each program at least every five years after its establishment, and it restricts the board from ordering the consolidation or elimination of programs, although it can recommend such actions. If a governing board does not accept these recommendations, the institution must disclose the programs suggested for consolidation or elimination in their next legislative appropriations request.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new performance standards for evaluating degree and certificate programs based on median student loan debt relative to median annual earnings of graduates. Programs will be assigned performance ratings of "reward," "monitor," "sanction," or "sunset," which will influence funding eligibility and enrollment practices. Specifically, programs rated "sanction" or "sunset" will face restrictions on funding and enrollment, with the latter requiring consolidation or elimination after current students graduate or leave. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that core curriculum courses are not adversely affected by these requirements. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.0512, Education Code 61.054 (Education Code 61)