House Bill No. 2110 seeks to enhance public higher education in Texas by amending the Education Code to expand access to dual credit courses for students in grades 9 through 12 who have faced educational disadvantages in recent years. The bill mandates that school districts and charter schools assess student eligibility based on specific criteria and communicate this information to institutions of higher education. Additionally, it introduces a provision allowing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to designate certain credentials as "credentials of value," which will be evaluated based on their return on investment and alignment with workforce needs.

The legislation also focuses on improving career and technical education by coordinating grant programs and enhancing the collection of employment data from employers to better assess labor market demands. It requires the Texas Workforce Commission to conduct a biennial regional labor demand assessment to ensure that higher education institutions align their programs with job market needs. Furthermore, the bill establishes new criteria for associate degrees awarded by public junior colleges, with a phased implementation for other degrees and certificates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with adopting rules for these programs by August 1, 2027. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote; otherwise, it will be effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003 (Education Code 28, Education Code 61)
House Committee Report: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003, Labor Code 204.0025 (Education Code 28, Labor Code 204, Education Code 61)