The bill, H.B. No. 3296, proposes the establishment of a higher education consortium focused on civic education in Texas, along with a corresponding grant program to support this initiative. The new legal language introduces a "Civic Education Consortium and Grant Program" under Subchapter Q of Chapter 61 of the Education Code. The consortium will consist of colleges and universities that provide civic education at no cost to students, with eligibility criteria including being located in Texas, designated as historically black colleges or universities, and accredited by a recognized agency. The bill outlines the establishment of a grant program to fund these educational efforts, requiring participating institutions to partner with local organizations to deliver civic education through community programs.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of an oversight committee to monitor the consortium's activities and evaluate the effectiveness of the civic education provided. This committee will consist of representatives from various sectors, including higher education, municipalities, and public libraries. The bill also encourages the consortium to seek external funding to support its initiatives and allows the board to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The provisions of this act are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, with immediate effect possible if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

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