Overall Vote Recommendation

Yes

Principle Criteria

Free Enterprise

Property Rights

Personal Responsibility

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

Digest

HB 2768 proposes the creation of a state information technology (IT) apprenticeship credential aimed at addressing workforce shortages in Texas state government’s information resources sector. Under the bill, state agencies may form agreements with public junior colleges or technical institutes to establish and offer credentialing programs. These programs would be governed by standards set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and designed to equip participants with the skills necessary for journey- or senior-level IT positions.

A key component of the credentialing program is a one-year apprenticeship, which may take place at a participating state agency, an organization managing a significant information resources project, or a regional network security center. Apprenticeships can either be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or qualify as industry-recognized training programs offered through public colleges or technical institutes. These programs are allowed significant flexibility in course structure, duration, and competency design, and are developed collaboratively with employer partners and faculty.

To ensure institutional recognition of this alternative career pathway, the bill directs the executive director of the Department of Information Resources to update the agency’s career ladder to accept the credential in lieu of a traditional four-year degree. The State Auditor’s Office is likewise tasked with reviewing and revising relevant state job classifications accordingly. Funding for the program may come from tuition, agency funds, or public and private donations.

The originally filed version of HB 2768 and the Committee Substitute are generally aligned in their core objective—to create a state information technology apprenticeship credential program to be administered by public junior colleges or technical institutes in partnership with state agencies. However, the substitute version expands and clarifies several key provisions.

One major difference is the scope and structure of the apprenticeship. The original bill merely requires the inclusion of a one-year apprenticeship with a relevant state entity, such as a state agency, major project organization, or regional security center. The Committee Substitute retains these apprenticeship options but goes further by explicitly allowing the apprenticeship to be part of either a registered U.S. Department of Labor program or an industry-recognized apprenticeship program offered by a public institution. It also introduces flexibility in course design and credentialing criteria, emphasizing collaboration between employer partners and faculty—a provision absent from the introduced version.

Another notable addition in the Committee Substitute is the funding mechanism. The original bill is silent on how such programs would be financed. In contrast, HB 2768 authorizes state agencies to use available funds and to solicit private or public donations to support the program, ensuring a broader base of potential financial support.

Lastly, while both versions direct updates to state career ladder and job classification plans to recognize the new credential as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree, the substitute bill includes more robust implementation language that ensures institutional and employer flexibility in delivering the program. Overall, the substitute provides a clearer, more operationally detailed, and more flexible framework for executing the apprenticeship initiative.

Author (2)

Giovanni Capriglione

Ramon Romero, Jr.

Sponsor (1)

Adam Hinojosa

Co-Sponsor (2)

Juan Hinojosa

Royce West

Contact the Author

Rep. Giovanni Capriglione

Capitol Phone:

(512) 463-0690

Capitol Office:

EXT E1.506

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Visit Official Website

Fiscal Notes

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has determined that HB 2768 would have no significant fiscal implication to the state. The expectation is that any costs incurred in implementing the credentialing program can be absorbed by state agencies and participating public junior colleges or technical institutes using their existing resources.

The fiscal note also clarifies that the anticipated costs associated with developing and operating apprenticeship programs would primarily be supported through tuition and other revenue streams already available to public education institutions. This means the bill does not call for new state appropriations or direct funding allocations to launch or maintain the credentialing initiative.

From a local government perspective, the LBB similarly concluded that there would be no significant fiscal impact. This is likely because participation by local education institutions and employers is optional and reliant on existing infrastructure, funding, and partnerships. Additionally, the bill includes a provision allowing state agencies to solicit public or private donations to fund these programs, further reducing the burden on public coffers. Overall, the bill's financial structure emphasizes resource reallocation and voluntary participation over new spending mandates.

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 2768 merits a "Yes" vote based on its strong alignment with the principles of liberty, economic opportunity, and efficient government. The bill directly addresses a growing workforce gap in state information technology (IT) roles by offering a viable alternative to the traditional four-year degree pathway. Through collaboration with public junior colleges and technical institutes, the legislation promotes hands-on learning and credential-based hiring—a pragmatic and inclusive solution to a talent shortage that disproportionately affects public sector efficiency and service delivery.

The bill is also fiscally responsible. According to the Legislative Budget Board, no significant fiscal impact to the state or local governments is expected. Costs are anticipated to be absorbed through existing agency funds and tuition revenue, and the bill explicitly allows for the solicitation of public and private donations, thereby avoiding the need for new appropriations. The provision for agencies to use currently available resources to support these programs reflects sound budgeting and respects the principle of limited government.

The bill analysis underscores the broader policy rationale, emphasizing the disconnect between the bachelor's degree requirement for many IT jobs and the practical qualifications of workers trained via apprenticeships or associate degrees. By recognizing alternative credentials in the state’s official job classification and promotion systems, the bill fosters upward mobility for nontraditional learners and reinforces the importance of technical education. Overall, HB 2768 is a forward-thinking and liberty-aligned workforce development initiative that deserves full legislative support. Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on HB 2768.

Individual Liberty: The bill expands educational and career pathways for Texans by recognizing nontraditional credentials. It allows people to access well-paying government IT jobs without being forced to obtain a four-year degree. This respects individual freedom by reducing unnecessary barriers to employment based on formal education alone, especially for those who have gained skills through experience or alternative training.
Personal Responsibility: By encouraging participation in structured apprenticeship programs, the bill reinforces the value of self-improvement and skill-building. It rewards individuals who take initiative to develop their technical capabilities through hands-on work and coursework, rather than relying solely on academic credentials.
Free Enterprise: While the bill focuses on public institutions and state jobs, it incorporates industry standards and allows for employer involvement in shaping training programs. It fosters a more competitive, merit-based job market by emphasizing skills over degrees, a move broadly in line with free-market values. It also encourages partnerships between public colleges and private-sector organizations on IT projects.
Private Property Rights: There is no impact—positive or negative—on private property rights. The bill does not regulate, restrict, or alter the use of private property.
Limited Government: The bill avoids creating new bureaucracies or regulatory burdens. Instead, it operates within existing institutions (such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and public colleges) and uses existing funds or voluntary donations to support the program. It promotes smarter government hiring practices by focusing on competency and reducing credential inflation.

View Bill Text and Status