H.B. No. 120 aims to enhance career and technology education programs in Texas public schools by introducing several new initiatives and amending existing laws. The bill allows high school graduates to enroll at no cost in dual credit courses if they are part of designated P-TECH schools or participating districts. It also establishes the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, while integrating career and technology education into the overall education system. Key provisions include the creation of a Military Pathway Grant Program to support Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs and a high school advising program to assist students in transitioning to college or careers.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Education Code, defining "Approved career and technology education program" and "Approved program of study" to better prepare students for their future careers, including military service. It allows certain school districts to receive increased funding based on enrollment and expands the definition of "New instructional facility" to include renovated spaces for high-cost programs. The funding cap for allotments is raised from $100 million to $150 million, and a new high school advising allotment of $30,000 per full-time equivalent advisor is introduced. The amendments will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with some provisions effective immediately if passed by a two-thirds majority.

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 29, Education Code 48, Education Code 45)
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 39, Education Code 29, Education Code 28, Education Code 45, Education Code 48)