The bill, S.B. No. 1786, aims to enhance public higher education in Texas by amending various sections of the Education Code. Key changes include expanding eligibility for dual credit courses to students in grades 9 through 12 who were educationally disadvantaged during the current or previous four school years. School districts and charter schools are required to determine student eligibility based on specific criteria and notify the relevant higher education institutions. Additionally, the bill introduces the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, which exempts eligible students from tuition and fees for dual credit courses.

Other amendments include the definition of "public junior college" and provisions allowing the coordinating board to adopt emergency rules for aligning funding formulas with legislative actions. The measurable outcomes for performance tier funding are also updated to include various metrics related to student credentials and transfer rates. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with specific provisions for tuition and fees applicable from the fall semester of 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.003 (Education Code 28, Education Code 61)