AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House has given initial approval to two bills aiming to expand career training for students statewide.
Gov. Greg Abbott named this issue one of his seven emergency items for this legislative session during his State of the State Address in February.
House Bill 120 was approved on second reading by a vote of 142-4 in the Texas House on Monday. It expands access to dual credit and career and technical education (CTE) programs, especially for rural and military pathways.
The bill also strengthens college and career advising.
“This is a crucial investment into the Texas students and the future of our state’s workforce,” said Rep. Keith Bell (R-Forney), HB 120’s author.
House Bill 20 was also approved on second reading by a vote of 143-2 in the Texas House on Monday. That bill allows students to work toward graduation and certification in a high-demand field at the same time.
“When this program is fully implemented, students will be able to graduate not only with a diploma but also a credential that qualifies them meaningful work right away,” said Rep. Gary Gates (R-Fort Bend County), HB 20’s author.
“House Bill 120 puts a lot of our best practices in career and education on steroids,” said Mary Lynn Pruneda, Director of Education and Workforce Policy for Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy think tank.
According to Pruneda, 63% of jobs in Texas will require a postsecondary degree, credential, or training by 2036. However, currently, only about 20% of young men and 30% of young women are meeting that mark.
Pruneda believes job training programs must be responsive to what a community needs.
“It’s so regional, and we have to adapt,” Pruneda said. “We should make sure they can take the jobs that are in their hometowns that are gonna lead to enough money to support their families.”
If approved on third reading in the House, both HB 120 and HB 20 will head to the Senate.