78R4139 KKA-D


By:  Dukes                                                        H.B. No. 1206


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a Higher Education Is In Your Future week in certain public schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 29.908 to read as follows: Sec. 29.908. HIGHER EDUCATION IS IN YOUR FUTURE WEEK. (a) Each middle, junior, or high school and each open-enrollment charter school offering any of those grades shall designate one week during the school year as Higher Education Is In Your Future Week. (b) During the week designated under this section, a school shall promote the importance of higher education and provide students with comprehensive, grade-appropriate information regarding pursuit of higher education. The information must address: (1) available higher education options; (2) requirements for admission to institutions of higher education, including requirements relating to completed curriculum, high school grades, and performance on required admissions tests and other relevant tests; and (3) availability of financial aid and requirements for obtaining that aid. (c) A school shall also invite guest speakers to make presentations to students during the week designated under this section regarding career options that require higher education. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 school 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, 2003.