Bill

HB 2994

85(R) - 2017
House Higher Education
Senate Higher Education
House Higher Education
Senate Higher Education
Education
Higher Education
Workforce

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Trent Ashby

Co-Author(s)

Cesar Blanco
Travis Clardy
Larry Phillips
Phil Stephenson

Sponsor(s)

Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa

Bill Caption

Relating to workforce continuing education offered by public junior colleges.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2994, As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2019. However, beginning in 2020-21 there would be an estimated negative impact of ($26,077,952). 

Bill Analysis

HB 2994 works to further expand workforce and avocational training opportunities to high school students. Costs of attendance for high school students, incarcerated minors, and those individuals in federal correctional facilities (as directed by the federal government). This bill would amend the Education Code to allow contact hours attributable to the enrollment of a student in a workforce continuing education course to be included in formula funding.

The bill would make changes to eligibility requirements and the types of courses which public junior colleges may offer to high school students. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

It is critical to the state of Texas that a skilled labor force be fostered here and HB 2994 works to achieve this goal by expanding educational opportunities to high school students. These students will gain real world skills, ready to use upon graduation from high school, without saddling the burden of student loan debt that is the future of many of their peers. This bill expands educational opportunities for Texas students therefore we support this bill.