89R734 CXP-F     By: Guillen H.B. No. 1233       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to measures to encourage the earning of credentials of   value at public institutions of higher education.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 61.09093 and 61.09094 to read as   follows:          Sec. 61.09093.  CREDENTIALS OF VALUE. (a) In this section,   "credential of value" means an industry-recognized work-based   learning credential in a high-demand, high-growth industry leading   to quality career opportunities, as determined by the Texas   Workforce Commission.          (b)  The board shall encourage:                (1)  completion of credentials of value in satisfaction   of certain required coursework under degree or certificate programs   offered by institutions of higher education;                (2)  memoranda of understanding between institutions   of higher education that offer credentials of value;                (3)  transferability of course credit, particularly   with regard to course credit leading to a credential of value;                (4)  development of degree and certificate programs   that enable students to earn a degree or certificate by completing   parts of the program at different institutions of higher education;   and                (5)  applicability of grant, scholarship, and other   financial aid money toward costs related to earning credentials of   value.          (c)  The board shall award a successful outcomes distinction   designation to an institution of higher education if at least eight   percent of the institution's graduating class for the academic year   earns a credential of value.           (d)  The board, in coordination with the Texas Workforce   Commission, shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.          Sec. 61.09094.  CREDENTIALS OF VALUE TASK FORCE. (a) In   this section, "credential of value" has the meaning assigned by   Section 61.09093.          (b)  The board shall establish a task force to:                (1)  study and make recommendations related to   promoting students earning credentials of value; and                (2)  develop a model framework to:                      (A)  establish accredited degree and certificate   programs that enable students to earn a degree or certificate by   completing parts of the program at different institutions of higher   education; and                      (B)  enable students to:                            (i)  earn credit toward the completion of   degree and certificate programs described by Paragraph (A) while in   high school;                            (ii)  earn at least two credentials of value   in a baccalaureate degree program described by Paragraph (A); and                            (iii)  graduate with at least two   credentials of value and a baccalaureate degree from a program   described by Paragraph (A) in four years or less after graduating   from high school.          (c)  The task force must include representatives from:                (1)  a school district;                (2)  a recognized accrediting agency;                (3)  a general academic teaching institution;                (4)  a public junior college;                (5)  a public technical institute; and                (6)  the Texas Workforce Commission.          (d)  Not later than March 1, 2026, the task force shall   prepare and submit to the coordinating board, the Texas Education   Agency, and the legislature a preliminary report on the model   framework and any recommendations for legislative or other action.          (e)  Not later than September 1, 2026, the task force shall   submit to the coordinating board, the Texas Education Agency, and   the legislature a final report on the model framework and any   recommendations for legislative or other action.          (f)  The task force is abolished and this section expires   September 1, 2027.          SECTION 2.  Section 61.09093, Education Code, as added by   this Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.          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.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.