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
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joanne Shofner
RRepublican
Co
A.J. Louderback
RRepublican
Co
Andy Hopper
RRepublican
Co
Caroline Harris Davila
RRepublican
Co
Cody Vasut
RRepublican
Co
Ellen Troxclair
RRepublican
Co
Helen Kerwin
RRepublican
Co
Janis Holt
RRepublican
Co
Mike Olcott
RRepublican
Co
Richard Hayes
RRepublican
Co
Trey Wharton
RRepublican
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