The bill amends the Education Code to allow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to authorize certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs. Specifically, it stipulates that a public junior college may be authorized to offer such programs if it provides a degree in applied science (with an emphasis on early childhood education, applied technology, or nursing) or in the field of education, and demonstrates a workforce need for the program. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum number of baccalaureate degree programs a public junior college can offer from five to eight.

The changes outlined in the bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 130.303, Education Code 130.306 (Education Code 130)