TITLE: Relating to requiring that competency-based baccalaureate degree programs be offered at certain public institutions of higher education.

SUMMARY: Relating to requiring that competency-based baccalaureate degree programs be offered at certain public institutions of higher education.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to requiring that competency-based baccalaureate degree programs be offered at certain public institutions of higher education. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.3535 to read as follows: Sec. 51.3535. RESPONSIBILITY OF SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION REGARDING COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION. (a) In this section: (1) "Competency-based baccalaureate degree program" has the meaning assigned by Section 56.521. (2) "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (b) Subject to coordinating board approval under Section 61.0512, the system administration of each system shall ensure that one or more institutions of higher education in the system offer competency-based baccalaureate degree programs in each field of study in high demand, as determined by coordinating board rule. (c) Subject to adjustment under Subsection (d), a competency-based baccalaureate degree program offered under this section may not exceed a total cost to an enrolled student of an amount equal to one-half of the average cost of attendance at an institution of higher education, as determined by coordinating board rule. (d) Beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the coordinating board shall annually adjust the limit described by Subsection (c) for the preceding academic year by the rate of inflation for the preceding academic year, as determined on the basis of changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. (e) The coordinating board may adopt rules as necessary to administer this section. SECTION 2. Section 51.3535, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.