87R7173 KJE-D
 
  By: Raymond H.B. No. 1624
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study on best practices in STEM programs at
  minority-serving public institutions of higher education and to a
  grant program to implement those practices.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 61.081 to read as follows:
         Sec. 61.081.  STEM PROGRAMS AT MINORITY-SERVING
  INSTITUTIONS: STUDY AND GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:
               (1)  "Minority-serving institution" means an
  institution of higher education designated by the United States
  Department of Education as a minority-serving institution.
               (2)  "STEM program" means a science, technology,
  engineering, or mathematics program at a minority-serving
  institution.
         (b)  Not later than January 1, 2022, the board shall conduct
  a study on best practices in STEM programs offered by
  minority-serving institutions. The study must identify best
  practices in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of members
  of racial and ethnic minority groups in STEM programs.
         (c)  For the 2022-2023 academic year, from funds
  appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the board
  shall award grants to minority-serving institutions to implement
  the best practices identified by the study conducted under
  Subsection (b). The board shall develop a competitive application
  process to award the grants.
         (d)  This section expires September 1, 2023.
         SECTION 2.  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, 2021.