HB2768 - Relating to the development of a state information technology apprenticeship credential offered by public junior colleges or public technical institutes to address shortages in the state information resources workforce.

      H.B. No. 2768         AN ACT   relating to the development of a state information technology   apprenticeship credential offered by public junior colleges or   public technical institutes to address shortages in the state   information resources workforce.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 2054, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 2054.0702 to read as follows:           Sec.   2054.0702.     STATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY   APPRENTICESHIP CREDENTIAL. (a) In this section, "public junior   college"   and "public technical institute" have the meanings   assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.           (b)     A state agency may enter into an agreement with a public   junior college district under Section 130.0081, Education Code, or   a public technical institute under Section 135.06, Education Code,   or other applicable law to offer a program leading to a state   information technology apprenticeship credential to address   shortages in the state information resources workforce.           (c)  A program offered under this section must:                 (1)     be approved by the Texas Higher Education   Coordinating Board in accordance with Section 61.0512, Education   Code;                 (2)     develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a   journey- or senior-level information technology position in a state   agency; and                 (3)  include a one-year apprenticeship with:                       (A)  a relevant state agency;                       (B)     an organization working on a major   information resources project; or                       (C)     a regional network security center   established under Section 2059.202.           (d)     An apprenticeship described by Subsection (c)(3) may   be:                 (1)     an apprenticeship program registered with the   United States Department of Labor; or                 (2)     an industry-recognized apprenticeship program   offered by a public junior college or public technical institute   that:                       (A)     adheres to academic and workforce standards   required by industry; and                       (B)     provides for flexibility in course design and   implementation, including flexibility regarding the:                             (i)     number of hours of classroom   instruction and on-the-job training required;                             (ii)     competencies required for   credentialing; and                             (iii)     goals for the program, as determined   by the employer partner and faculty of the institution.           (e)     The executive director shall update the department's   intra-agency career ladder program to ensure that an associate   degree together with a credential awarded under this section may be   substituted for a four-year baccalaureate degree.           (f)     The classification officer in the office of the state   auditor shall review the state's position classification plan to   determine whether an associate degree together with a credential   awarded under this section may be substituted for a four-year   baccalaureate degree and revise relevant job descriptions   accordingly.           (g)     If a program offered under this section is not fully   funded through tuition and other money available to the public   junior college district or public technical institute for that   purpose, a state agency may:                 (1)     use any money available to the agency for the   purpose of offering the program; and                 (2)     solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations   from any public or private source for the purpose of offering the   program.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 2768 was passed by the House on May 2,   2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 122, Nays 1, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 2768 was passed by the Senate on May   19, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor