The bill, S.B. No. 1424, amends the Education Code to allow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to authorize certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs. The amendments specify that a public junior college may offer these 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 changes the maximum number of baccalaureate degree programs a public junior college can offer from five to eight.

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

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