H.B. No. 120 is designed to improve career and technology education programs in Texas public schools by ensuring access for all secondary and postsecondary students. The bill introduces a Military Pathway Grant Program to fund Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs, providing $50,000 per grant with a total cap of $2 million per school year. It also establishes a high school advising program that requires partnerships with public higher education institutions and local workforce boards to enhance college and career advising supports. Additionally, the bill modifies funding mechanisms under the Foundation School Program, allowing districts to allocate funds for advising support and educational programs for graduates, and expands the definition of new instructional facilities to include renovated spaces for high-cost career and technology education programs.

The bill further amends the Education Code by adding Section 48.162, which creates a High School Advising Allotment program, allowing districts to receive $50,000 for each full-time equivalent advisor employed, with funding capped based on student enrollment in grades 11 and 12. It also includes a provision for a 20% funding reduction starting in the fifth year unless districts meet specific performance criteria. Additionally, the bill repeals certain sections of the Education Code, indicating a shift in educational funding and performance metrics. The new provisions are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with some amendments beginning in 2027, aiming to enhance advising resources while ensuring accountability for student outcomes.

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 45, Education Code 48, Education Code 29)