BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 505

By: Rodriguez, Eddie

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Interested parties note that dual credit courses, in which students can earn credit toward a high school diploma and postsecondary academic requirements, have long been recognized as effective preparation for college and the workforce and as a way for students and families preparing for college to save money. The parties further note that while students attending an early college high school may take an unlimited number of dual credit courses, students at a traditional high school may only take a limited number per semester.

 

H.B. 505 seeks to allow students to better prepare themselves for college and their careers.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 505 amends the Education Code to prohibit a rule adopted by the commissioner of education or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board concerning the college credit program from limiting the number of dual credit courses or hours in which a student may enroll while in high school or the number of dual credit courses or hours in which a student may enroll each semester or academic year, beginning with the 2015–2016 school year.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.