Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1330

Filed
11/14/24  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to significantly impact the admissions process for Texas public colleges and universities. By allowing institutions the flexibility to exclude older academic records, it could encourage non-traditional students or those who may have faced difficulties in their earlier education to reapply and pursue a higher education. The policy mandates that each institution adopt a clear policy related to these admissions criteria, which will need to be publicly accessible and communicated to prospective students.

Summary

House Bill 1330 aims to amend the Texas Education Code to provide a framework for an academic fresh start for applicants seeking admission to public institutions of higher education. The essence of the bill is to allow institutions to disregard academic course credits or grades earned more than ten years prior to the enrollment date. However, this disregard does not extend to credits or grades earned in the five years leading up to the application, maintaining a balance between giving students a fresh start while recognizing recent academic performance.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1330 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among educational institutions and advocacy groups that promote access to higher education. Supporters argue that the bill offers an essential opportunity for individuals to reset their academic records and reintegrate into the educational system. There may, however, be some concerns regarding how institutions will implement these policies and ensure fairness in admissions decisions, particularly for traditional students who do not benefit from such provisions.

Contention

Despite the broad support, potential points of contention may arise regarding the execution of these policies. Questions remain about the variability in how different institutions might adopt and publicize their policies and how this could impact enrollments. Furthermore, there may be debates about the implications for institutional funding tied to performance metrics that rely on historical credit hours, particularly in the transition phase when these changes are enacted.

Companion Bills

TX SB365

Identical Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

Previously Filed As

TX SB365

Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.

TX HB3027

Relating to the admission of nonresident undergraduate and graduate students to public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3068

Relating to the consideration of an alternative assessment instrument score in undergraduate admissions at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3452

Relating to inquiries into the criminal and disciplinary history of an applicant for undergraduate admission to a public institution of higher education.

TX A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

TX SB2314

Relating to the creation of an electronic platform and submission portal, known as My Texas Future, to facilitate public high school students' awareness of and application to institutions of higher education using the electronic common admission application form.

TX S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

TX HB4909

Relating to the creation of the My Texas Future portal and a requirement to submit academic information through that portal to determine acceptance for admission at a public institution of higher education as a condition of high school graduation for public school students.

TX SF244

A bill for an act providing for general education requirements for undergraduate students at regents institutions and including applicability provisions.

TX S603

Establishes program to provide guaranteed admission to public institutions of higher education for certain public school students.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.