Bill > SB418

This bill modifies existing Texas law regarding baccalaureate degree programs at public junior colleges by removing previous restrictions on the number of baccalaureate degree programs a junior college can offer and eliminating specific financial requirements for offering such programs. The bill maintains that these degree programs must continue to receive approval from the Texas Coordinating Board (the state's higher education oversight agency). Specifically, the bill removes the previous limitation that a public junior college could offer no more than five baccalaureate degree programs and eliminates the requirement that a junior college district must have a taxable property valuation of at least $6 billion and receive a positive financial health assessment before offering such programs. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote. This change appears aimed at providing more flexibility for public junior colleges to develop and offer four-year degree programs.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB418