H.B. No. 3041 is designed to improve the enrollment of students with nontraditional secondary education backgrounds in Texas public higher education institutions, particularly regarding their eligibility for financial assistance. The bill amends the Education Code, specifically Sections 51.803 and 51.9241, to introduce new admission criteria that allow The University of Texas at Austin to consider standardized test scores instead of high school class rank for applicants from nontraditional backgrounds. Additionally, it requires institutions to inform school districts about the admission criteria and benchmark test scores relevant to these students. The bill also aims to ensure equal access to dual credit courses for all high school students and mandates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to provide information on available financial assistance.

Moreover, H.B. No. 3041 modifies eligibility requirements for TEXAS grants and scholarships to include graduates from nontraditional secondary education, thereby expanding financial support options. It establishes that first-time freshman students must enroll within 16 months of high school graduation, be Texas residents, and have received a TEXAS grant for the same academic term. The bill also clarifies how class rank for nontraditional students will be calculated, aligning it with existing regulations. These changes will take effect for admissions starting in the fall semester of 2026, with a provision for prior admissions and financial assistance to remain under previous laws. The bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.9241, Education Code 56.013, Education Code 56.304, Education Code 56.3041, Education Code 56.308, Education Code 56.484 (Education Code 56, Education Code 51)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.9241, Education Code 56.013, Education Code 56.304, Education Code 56.3041, Education Code 56.308, Education Code 56.484 (Education Code 56, Education Code 51)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.9241, Education Code 56.013, Education Code 56.304, Education Code 56.3041, Education Code 56.308, Education Code 56.484 (Education Code 56, Education Code 51)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 51.9241, Education Code 56.013, Education Code 56.304, Education Code 56.3041, Education Code 56.308, Education Code 56.484 (Education Code 56, Education Code 51)
Enrolled: Education Code 51.9241, Education Code 56.013, Education Code 56.304, Education Code 56.3041, Education Code 56.308, Education Code 56.484 (Education Code 56, Education Code 51)