Overall Vote Recommendation

Yes

Principle Criteria

Free Enterprise

Property Rights

Personal Responsibility

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

Digest

SB 1241 amends Texas Education Code provisions related to college entrance examination requirements for undergraduate admission to general academic teaching institutions. Under the current system, students are required to meet fixed ACT or SAT benchmarks to qualify for admission if they do not automatically qualify under the top 10 percent rule. SB 1241 modifies these criteria by allowing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to establish the specific college entrance examinations and scores required for admissions, rather than relying solely on standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT.

Additionally, the bill mandates THECB, in collaboration with higher education institutions, to conduct a detailed study on college entrance examinations. This study will identify exams of sufficient rigor and reliability, and establish performance standards suitable for admission purposes. THECB is required to submit a report, including recommendations for legislative or other actions, to the governor, lieutenant governor, the speaker of the House, and relevant legislative committees by August 1, 2026.

The changes outlined in SB 1241 take effect for admissions starting with the fall semester of 2026, and the study provisions expire on September 1, 2027.

The originally filed version of SB 1241 and the committee substitute version have some notable differences. Both versions amend the Education Code to delegate authority to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to set admissions standards based on designated college entrance exams, removing fixed benchmarks on the ACT and SAT exams.

However, the Committee Substitute notably adds a new provision not found in the originally filed bill: it mandates a comprehensive study by the THECB, in collaboration with institutions of higher education, to determine which college entrance examinations should be designated and to establish appropriate score thresholds. The Committee Substitute also requires the THECB to submit a detailed report on this study, including recommendations for legislative or other actions, by August 1, 2026. Furthermore, the substitute explicitly sets an expiration date for this study provision (September 1, 2027).

In contrast, the originally filed version contains no such study requirement, reporting obligations, or associated expiration date provisions.

Author

Mayes Middleton

Co-Author

Brent Hagenbuch

Adam Hinojosa

Sponsor

Terri Leo-Wilson

Matthew Shaheen

Joanne Shofner

Contact the Author

Sen. Mayes Middleton

Capitol Phone:

(512) 463-0111

Capitol Office:

EXT E1.706

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Visit Official Website

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 1241 has no significant fiscal implications for the state. Any costs arising from the implementation of the bill, including the mandated study conducted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, could be managed within existing resources without requiring additional funding.

Similarly, the bill is anticipated to have no significant financial impact on local government entities. This indicates that neither state nor local budgets will require adjustments or additional appropriations specifically to accommodate the provisions of SB 1241.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 1241. The bill effectively addresses concerns about relying exclusively on SAT and ACT exams by broadening acceptable college entrance exams, thus increasing flexibility and educational choice for Texas students. This allows for the inclusion of alternative assessments, such as the Classic Learning Test (CLT), better reflecting diverse educational philosophies and approaches valued by many Texans.

Though the bill modestly increases government responsibilities through additional rulemaking authority granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Legislative Budget Board has indicated no significant fiscal impacts or increased burdens on taxpayers. Additionally, the bill does not add regulatory obligations for individuals or businesses; instead, it potentially reduces regulatory constraints on students by offering more choices in admissions criteria.

Balancing these considerations, the bill aligns positively with promoting competition, educational flexibility, and responsiveness to student and institutional needs, without substantial fiscal or regulatory downsides.

Individual Liberty: By expanding the range of acceptable college entrance exams, the bill increases student choice, allowing individuals greater freedom to select assessments aligned with their educational values or strengths. This move respects diversity in educational philosophies and personal preferences, enhancing personal autonomy.
Personal Responsibility: While the bill doesn't directly alter an individual's responsibility for their educational outcomes, it indirectly supports personal responsibility by allowing students greater choice in selecting exams that best showcase their personal effort, educational background, and preparedness for higher education. This increased choice reinforces a student's ability to responsibly manage their academic trajectory.
Free Enterprise: The bill introduces more competition into the college entrance exam marketplace by removing statutory preferences for specific tests like the SAT or ACT. Opening the market to alternatives such as the Classic Learning Test (CLT) encourages competition, which can lead to innovation, improved service, and potentially lower costs for students.
Private Property Rights: The bill does not directly affect private property rights, as it pertains strictly to public college admissions criteria and the scope of acceptable entrance exams. There is no evident expansion or reduction of rights related to private property ownership, usage, or control.
Limited Government: While the bill modestly expands governmental responsibilities by giving the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) rulemaking authority and the duty to conduct a study, this growth in governmental scope is limited and temporary. Importantly, the bill does not significantly increase taxpayer burdens or impose additional regulatory obligations on businesses or individuals beyond the minimal administrative functions assigned to THECB.

View Bill Text and Status