HB4848 - Relating to requiring that competency-based baccalaureate degree programs be offered at certain public institutions of higher education.

      H.B. No. 4848         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.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 4848 was passed by the House on May   16, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 118, Nays 7, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 4848 was passed by the Senate on May   28, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor