The bill proposes measures to expedite the awarding of bachelor's degrees in Texas by establishing a General Education Curriculum Advisory Committee and modifying the core curriculum requirements for certain bachelor's degree programs at public institutions of higher education. The new advisory committee will be tasked with reviewing general education curriculum requirements and considering methods to streamline the number of required courses. The committee will consist of representatives from both two-year and four-year institutions, and it is required to produce a report with findings and recommendations by November 1, 2026. The committee will be dissolved, and the section will expire on September 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill allows the board to approve a core curriculum of fewer than 42 semester credit hours for bachelor's degree programs if it determines that such approval would help accelerate student completion of workforce-aligned credentials. This change aims to enhance the efficiency of degree completion and better align educational programs with workforce needs. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.822 (Education Code 61)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 61.822 (Education Code 61)
Engrossed: Education Code 61.822 (Education Code 61)
House Committee Report: Education Code 61.822 (Education Code 61)