The bill, H.B. No. 2689, proposes the establishment of an intensive workforce readiness adult education pilot program in Texas. It amends Section 12.255 of the Education Code to allow the commissioner to grant charters for this program, overriding the previous limit of 10 charters. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (e) that mandates the commissioner to grant a charter to eligible entities that apply to provide the intensive workforce readiness adult education program, as outlined in the newly added Section 12.266.

Section 12.266 establishes the framework for the pilot program, which aims to help individuals complete a high school diploma or equivalency certificate and obtain career and technology courses leading to industry certifications or licenses in high-demand occupations identified by local workforce development boards. The Texas Education Agency is tasked with implementing this pilot program by September 1, 2026, and will require applicants to specify the local workforce board and the certifications available upon successful program completion. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.255 (Education Code 12)