The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of awarding bachelor's degrees in Texas by establishing a General Education Curriculum Advisory Committee and modifying the core curriculum requirements for certain degree programs at public institutions of higher education. The newly created advisory committee will be responsible for reviewing general education curriculum requirements and will consist of representatives from both two-year and four-year institutions. The committee is tasked with exploring methods to streamline the number of required general education courses and is required to submit 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 is determined that such approval would expedite student completion of workforce-aligned credentials. This provision aims to align educational programs more closely with workforce needs, thereby facilitating quicker transitions for students into the job market. 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)