HB3204 - Relating to the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, including the college's eligibility to participate in certain programs.

      H.B. No. 3204         AN ACT   relating to the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State   University, including the college's eligibility to participate in   certain programs.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 96.63, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 96.63.   POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE  [ JOSEY SCHOOL OF VOCATIONAL   EDUCATION ].  (a)  The Polytechnic College [ Josey School of   Vocational Education ] is a division of Sam Houston State University   and is under the direction and control of the board of regents of   the Texas State University System  [ Board of Regents, State Senior   Colleges ].          (b)  The administration of the college [ school ] is under the   direction of the president of Sam Houston State University.          (c)  The college [ school ] shall provide career and technical   education [ vocational training ] for individuals [ over the age of 18   who cannot qualify scholastically for college entrance and for   other persons ] who desire to avail themselves of short intensive   courses in career and technical education [ vocational education in   the following fields:     agriculture, home management, distributive   education, photography, plumbing, sheet metal work, machine shop,   auto mechanics, furniture, electrical appliances, air conditioning   and refrigeration, printing, radio, garment making, interior   decorating, light construction contracting, photoengraving,   watchmaking, and other trades of like nature ].  The education     [ training in these subjects ] shall be designed to lead to career and   technical education certificates, as defined by the Texas Higher   Education Coordinating Board [ organized so that the courses may be   completed in from 9 to 24 months.   Courses may also be offered in   English and mathematics and other subjects which will contribute to   the vocational training of the student.   Vocational courses in   government, designed to prepare workers in various county, city,   and state offices, may also be offered ].          (d)   Notwithstanding any other law, the college shall be   funded in the same manner as a public state college, as defined by   Section 61.003   [ The rate of tuition charged students shall be the   actual cost of teaching service, not to exceed $500 per scholastic   year of nine months.   Scholarships may be awarded by the board to   worthy indigent students who might greatly benefit from the   training offered.   The amount of the scholarships may vary   according to the needs of the individuals, but in no case may it   reduce the tuition payment by the student to a point less than the   tuition fee regularly charged students at the state senior   colleges ].          SECTION 2.  Section 56.401(2), Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:                (2)  "Eligible institution" means:                      (A)  a public junior college;                      (B)  a public technical institute; [ or ]                      (C)  a public state college ; or                       (D)     the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State   University .          SECTION 3.  Section 61.09092(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  In this section, "lower-division institution of higher   education" means a public junior college, public state college, or   public technical institute and the Polytechnic College at Sam   Houston State University .          SECTION 4.  Section 61.881(2), Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:                (2)  "Lower-division institution of higher education"   means a public junior college, public state college, or public   technical institute and the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston   State University .          SECTION 5.  The change in law made by this Act to Section   56.401(2), Education Code, applies beginning with grants awarded   under the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program for the 2026   fall semester.  Grants awarded under the Texas Educational   Opportunity Grant Program for an academic term before that semester   are governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective   date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that   purpose.          SECTION 6.  The change in law made by this Act to Section   61.881(2), Education Code, applies beginning with grants awarded   under the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE)   Program for the 2025 fall semester.          SECTION 7.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 3204 was passed by the House on April   23, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 137, Nays 7, 3 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 3204 was passed by the Senate on May   12, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor