Bill > HB1785

This bill modifies Texas Education Code to expand eligibility for taking the high school equivalency examination by explicitly adding homeless individuals to the list of people who can take the test. Currently, individuals over 17, or 16-year-olds in specific situations like Job Corps programs or under court supervision, can take the examination. The bill now includes people who are homeless in this category and, importantly, prohibits the board from requiring homeless individuals to obtain parental or guardian consent before taking the exam. This change aims to reduce barriers for homeless youth seeking to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, recognizing that traditional consent requirements might be challenging or impossible for young people experiencing homelessness. The bill will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not meet the immediate voting threshold.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1785