S.B. No. 1786 seeks to improve public higher education in Texas by amending the Education Code to include the Windham School District in the definition of "school district" and adjusting eligibility criteria for dual credit courses. Students in grades 9 through 12 can enroll in these courses at no cost if they meet specific educational disadvantage criteria from the current or previous four school years. The bill requires school districts or charter schools to assess student eligibility based on their records and inform relevant higher education institutions accordingly.

Additionally, the bill empowers the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt rules for administering federal financial aid and grant programs without negotiated rulemaking. It establishes criteria for "credentials of value" based on return on investment and aligns career and technical education grant programs with state workforce development goals. The bill mandates a biennial assessment of regional labor demands, utilizing state and federal labor market data to help align educational programs with workforce needs. The commission is tasked with analyzing workforce needs over a 10-year period and reporting findings to state officials and educational institutions by March 1 of each odd-numbered year. The act will take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003 (Education Code 61, Education Code 28)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003, Labor Code 204.0025 (Labor Code 204, Education Code 61, Education Code 28)
Engrossed: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003, Labor Code 204.0025 (Labor Code 204, Education Code 61, Education Code 28)
House Committee Report: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003, Labor Code 204.0025 (Labor Code 204, Education Code 61, Education Code 28)
Enrolled: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003, Labor Code 204.0025 (Labor Code 204, Education Code 61, Education Code 28)