Texas is a global powerhouse, and Houston is the welcoming committee for many companies looking to settle in the Lone Star State. The strength of our workforce is one key issue that continues to drive economic growth.

Lawmakers are looking to increase the pool of homegrown talent through House Bill 120 (HB 120). This comprehensive reform bill will increase funding for career advising, strengthen programs that prepare graduating seniors for careers, and boost funding for facilities that expand career educational programs in public schools.

The Partnership is supporting HB 120 this session. Here’s a look at the bill and key areas of interest in workforce development:

High School Advising Program

• Establishes a program for districts and charter schools to provide college and career advising.
• Requires partnerships with institutions of higher education or workforce organizations.
• Limits advisors to a caseload of 200 students, prioritizing grades 11 and 12.
• Introduces a funding allotment of $50,000 per full-time equivalent advisor.
• Gradually reduces funding after five years unless districts meet performance benchmarks.

Funding Changes for Career Programs

• Allows funding to support high school graduates for up to two years in postsecondary education or vocational training.
• Increases funding for students in P-TECH and New Tech Network schools from $50 to $150 per student.
• Provides additional funding for students enrolled in dual credit programs post-graduation.

New Facilities Funding

• Expands definition to include facilities renovated for high-cost, undersubscribed career and technical education programs.
• Increases funding cap from $100 million to $150 million.

Expands Eligibility for Rural Programs

• Allows districts to continue participation regardless of enrollment size.
• Expands retirement system eligibility for employees of coordinating entities.
• Modifies grant funding allocation and eligibility for performance agreements.
• Requires R-PEP partnerships to offer specific career pathways, including computer programming and skilled trades.

Military Pathway Grant Program

• Establishes a grant program for school districts to implement JROTC programs.
• Requires districts to administer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test annually.
• Provides career counseling based on ASVAB results.
• Grants are set at $50,000 per district, with a total funding cap of $2 million annually.

Because of the variety of programs and funding changes, lawmakers are proposing a phased-in approach to gradually implement these programs through 2027. Contingency funding will be included in the budget proposals that have yet to receive a floor vote in either chamber. Both HB 120 and the General Appropriations Act (Senate Bill 1) must pass for these reforms to be fully implemented.

The Partnership is also supporting Senate Bill 1826 by Sen. Charles Schwertner, which is also designed to strengthen Career and Technical Education programs in Texas.

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