TITLE: Relating to certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.

SUMMARY: Relating to certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 61.05123 to read as follows: Sec. 61.05123. COURSE CREDIT TOWARD BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM FOR COMPLETION OF CERTAIN WORK-BASED CREDENTIALS OF VALUE. (a) Subject to board approval, a general academic teaching institution may enter into an agreement with a public or private entity to offer as part of a baccalaureate degree program at the institution a work-based learning credential of value in a high demand, high growth industry leading to quality career opportunities that a student may elect to complete in satisfaction of certain required coursework under this degree program. (b) Section 61.0512(g) does not apply to a credential of value offered by a general academic teaching institution under this section. (c) The board in consultation with the Texas Workforce Commission shall adopt rules for the administration of this section, including rules for determining: (1) whether a work-based credential of value qualifies to be offered as a part of a baccalaureate degree program under this section; and (2) the required coursework for which a credential of value offered under this section may be substituted. SECTION 2. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt rules as required by Section 61.05123(c), Education Code, as added by this Act, as soon as practicable following the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.