HB 1705 Texas House · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the accreditation of certain postsecondary educational institutions in this state or of certain programs offered by those institutions.

HB 1705 limits Texas public colleges and universities from requiring students to complete more credit hours than their accredited program’s minimum, unless the institution provides a compelling academic justification. It updates the definition of "recognized accrediting agency" to include any body designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, not just the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The bill also ensures transfer students receive full credit for completed courses in similar programs across public institutions, allowing them to finish degrees with fewer additional credits. These changes directly affect students and public higher education institutions in Texas by standardizing credit requirements and transfer policies.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 14, 2025 Last action Apr 30, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
5
Committee
6
Apr 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
Mar 14, 2025
Committee
Referred to Higher Education
lower
Mar 14, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors