H.B. No. 120 aims to improve college, career, and military readiness in Texas public schools by amending various sections of the Education Code. The bill establishes new goals for public education, ensuring that high school graduates have the skills and credentials necessary for immediate workforce entry or further education without remediation. It requires the posting of de-identified data on postsecondary outcomes for both graduates and non-graduates, disaggregated by school district and campus, covering metrics such as enrollment, completion rates, and employment status. Additionally, the bill mandates school districts to adopt readiness plans with annual goals for student growth and credential completion, while also integrating career and technology education into the overall education system.

The legislation introduces a new subsection (c-1) to Section 29.912, allowing school districts involved in a specific program to continue participation regardless of current attendance, with a cap of $5 million on grants awarded for planning and development. It expands school counselors' responsibilities to provide comprehensive postsecondary education information and mandates annual online training for them. The bill also amends the Labor Code to enhance career and technology education programs, increasing the maximum appropriated amount for allotments under Section 48.152 from $100 million to $150 million, and establishes reimbursement guidelines for certification examinations. Furthermore, it requires the development of an inventory of industry-recognized certifications aligned with workforce needs and enhances employer reporting on employment and earnings data. The provisions are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with some sections contingent on related legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.182, Education Code 29.912, Education Code 45.105, Education Code 48.106, Education Code 48.118, Education Code 48.152 (Education Code 48, Education Code 45, Education Code 29)
House Committee Report: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 29.182, Education Code 29.912, Education Code 39.0261, Education Code 45.105, Education Code 48.003, Education Code 48.106, Education Code 48.118, Education Code 48.152, Education Code 48.155, Education Code 48.156 (Education Code 48, Education Code 39, Education Code 28, Education Code 45, Education Code 29)
Engrossed: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 29.182, Education Code 29.912, Education Code 39.0261, Education Code 45.105, Education Code 48.003, Education Code 48.106, Education Code 48.118, Education Code 48.152, Education Code 48.155, Education Code 48.156 (Education Code 48, Education Code 39, Education Code 28, Education Code 45, Education Code 29)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 4.002, Education Code 11.186, Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 29.182, Education Code 29.912, Education Code 33.007, Education Code 39.0261, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 45.105, Education Code 48.106, Education Code 48.118, Education Code 48.152, Education Code 48.155, Education Code 48.156, Labor Code 204.0025, Labor Code 312.003 (Labor Code 204, Education Code 48, Education Code 4, Education Code 39, Education Code 28, Education Code 33, Labor Code 312, Education Code 45, Education Code 29, Education Code 11)
Enrolled: Education Code 4.002, Education Code 11.186, Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 29.182, Education Code 29.912, Education Code 33.007, Education Code 39.0261, Education Code 45.105, Education Code 48.003, Education Code 48.106, Education Code 48.118, Education Code 48.152, Education Code 48.155, Education Code 48.156, Labor Code 204.0025, Labor Code 312.003 (Labor Code 204, Education Code 48, Education Code 4, Education Code 39, Education Code 28, Education Code 33, Labor Code 312, Education Code 45, Education Code 29, Education Code 11)