83R13567 MEW-D
 
  By: Allen H.B. No. 2058
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the administration of a high school equivalency
  examination.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 7.111, Education Code, is amended by
  amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The board shall provide for the administration of high
  school equivalency examinations [, including administration by the
  adjutant general's department for students described by
  Subdivision (2)(C)].
         (a-1)  A person who does not have a high school diploma may
  take the examination in accordance with rules adopted by the board
  if the person is:
               (1)  over 17 years of age;
               (2)  16 years of age or older and:
                     (A)  is enrolled in a Job Corps training program
  under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. Section 2801
  et seq.), and its subsequent amendments;
                     (B)  a public agency providing supervision of the
  person or having custody of the person under a court order
  recommends that the person take the examination; or
                     (C)  is enrolled in the adjutant general's
  department's Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps; or
               (3)  required to take the examination under a [justice
  or municipal] court order [issued under Article 45.054(a)(1)(C),
  Code of Criminal Procedure].
         (c)  The board by rule shall develop and deliver high school
  equivalency examinations and provide for the administration of the
  examinations online. The rules must [:
               [(1)]  provide a procedure for verifying the identity
  of the person taking the examination [; and
               [(2)     prohibit a person under 18 years of age from
  taking the examination online].
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014
  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, 2013.