Governor Greg Abbott has signed two new laws aimed at increasing career and technical education options for students in Texas. At a ceremony, Abbott formalized House Bill 20 and House Bill 120, both of which are intended to broaden access to training programs that prepare students for the workforce.
“Career training is a game-changer for our students, for our state, and for our employers,” said Governor Abbott. “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. In just the past two years, the State of Texas has invested more than $7 billion in career training programs across Texas. Career training and technical education is bigger and better than it has ever been with the signing of these two laws.”
Abbott described Texas as setting an example for economic growth nationwide, referencing continued investment in workforce development through initiatives such as the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program, Jobs & Education for Texans Grant Program, and adult high school charter programs. He highlighted efforts to update the state’s workforce by focusing on career and technical education opportunities. The governor also stated that investments in career training are leading to improved job prospects and higher wages across Texas.
In his 2025 State of the State Address, Abbott identified expansion of career training as an emergency priority during the 89th Regular Legislative Session to help ensure that Texas can meet future labor market demands.
Several state officials attended the bill signing event, including Senator Bob Hall, Representative Gary Gates, Representative Keith Bell, Forney Independent School District (ISD) School Board President Greg Pharris, Forney ISD Electrical Technology graduate Tyler Rivas, along with other local leaders.
House Bill 20 creates the Applied Sciences Pathway Program. This program allows high school juniors and seniors to work toward diplomas while completing certificate programs through partnerships with institutions of higher education. Students may use credits from career and technical education courses as substitutes for traditional graduation requirements.
House Bill 120 expands college, career, and military readiness initiatives within public schools by improving access to quality CTE programs. The legislation also updates counseling practices by requiring counselors to use current workforce data and provides additional funding for military training opportunities.
