Relating to performance tier funding under the public junior college state finance program.

SB 685 amends Texas law to change how public junior colleges receive state funding based on student outcomes. It directs the state education agency to measure performance using three key metrics: (1) the number of valuable credentials awarded (with extra weight for high-demand jobs), (2) student transfers to four-year colleges, and (3) completion of dual-enrollment courses that count toward college credit. These metrics will determine funding tiers for junior college districts starting September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects Texas public junior colleges by tying their state funding to these specific student achievement benchmarks.