S.B. No. 2647 introduces significant amendments to the Texas Education Code, focusing on the accreditation of postsecondary educational institutions through the establishment of two new subchapters, G-1 and G-2. Subchapter G-1 outlines a quality review framework for accrediting agencies, requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to identify and approve at least three agencies, conduct biennial evaluations, and revoke agency approvals based on performance ratings. Institutions must seek accreditation from these approved agencies, and those accredited by agencies rated unsatisfactory must obtain new accreditation within specified timeframes. Subchapter G-2 establishes the Texas Accreditation Agency as the primary accrediting body, detailing its governance, powers, and the requirement to maintain a publicly accessible database of accredited institutions.

The bill also mandates collaboration between the legal division of the Texas Accreditation Agency and relevant stakeholders to ensure that accreditation standards align with educational and legal practice requirements, particularly for law schools. It introduces a voluntary accreditation process for out-of-state and private institutions, allowing them to apply for accreditation and specifying that the agency may collect fees for its operations. Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions related to recognized accrediting agencies, removing references to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with conducting initial elections for trustees of the Texas Accreditation Agency, with specific terms set to expire in 2027, 2029, and 2031, and the agency must present its accrediting processes by September 1, 2026, with the new provisions taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.0515, Education Code 61.05151, Education Code 61.222, Education Code 61.8235, Education Code 107.151, Education Code 107.201, Education Code 130.301, Education Code 130.305, Education Code 130.307 (Education Code 107, Education Code 61, Education Code 130)