H.B. No. 2850 introduces a new financial incentive program aimed at public school teachers who commit to teaching dual credit courses. The bill amends the Education Code by adding Subchapter QQ, which establishes a program that provides tuition assistance for teachers pursuing a master's degree necessary for teaching these courses. To qualify for this assistance, teachers must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being enrolled in a master's program, holding a valid teaching certificate, and having been employed full-time at a public school for at least one year. Additionally, they must enter into a written agreement with the board to obtain their degree and teach dual credit courses for five consecutive school years.

The bill outlines the administration of the program, including the establishment of rules by the board to determine the amount of tuition assistance awarded and the process for delivering this assistance directly to educational institutions. It also includes provisions for reimbursement if participants fail to meet the program's requirements, with a grace period allowed for hardship cases. Furthermore, the board is authorized to solicit gifts, grants, and donations to support the program, and it is mandated to adopt necessary rules for its administration promptly after the bill's enactment.

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