Governor Greg Abbott (R) has signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law, expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students across Texas. The new laws aim to strengthen workforce readiness by offering more flexible pathways outside of traditional four-year college degrees.
"Career training is a game-changer for our students, for our state, and for our employers," Abbott said in a statement. "A four-year college degree is not the right pathway for every student. It may be a smarter pathway for a student to get career training."
Abbott noted that Texas has invested more than $7 billion in career training programs over the last two years.
House Bill 20 establishes the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, enabling 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn diplomas while completing certificate programs in partnership with higher education institutions. Students will be able to substitute certain graduation requirements with CTE coursework, directly aligning high school education with career pathways.
House Bill 120 expands access to CTE programs and strengthens college, career, and military readiness. It also requires counselors to use current workforce data in advising students and providing funding for military training programs.
Abbott emphasized that Texas' continued investment in CTE is key to maintaining the state's role as a natonal economic leader.
The bill signing was attended by Senator Bob Hall (R), Representatives Gary Gates (R) and Keith Bell (R), Forney ISD leaders, and students who have benefited from CTE programs.
