BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 622

By: Gervin-Hawkins

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is currently a shortage of technical skill educators in Texas, which has resulted in a shortage of trained workers in technical professions such as marketing and health science technology. However, it has been noted that a large number of skilled employees are becoming eligible for retirement, creating a pool of potential teachers for their respective fields. H.B. 622 seeks to address this issue by creating abbreviated educator preparation programs for a candidate seeking certification to teach courses in marketing or health science technology.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the State Board for Educator Certification in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 622 amends the Education Code to require the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to propose rules to create abbreviated educator preparation programs for a candidate seeking a certification to teach courses in marketing and for a candidate seeking a certification to teach courses in health science technology. The bill requires the SBEC, in proposing rules for the programs, to ensure that each program requires at least 200 hours of coursework or training. The bill requires the SBEC to propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and renewal of approval of the programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.