Austin – Saturday, the Legislature gave final approval to legislation that improves student access to college-level coursework in Harris County. Late in the afternoon, the Senate concurred with House amendments and sent SB 1004 to Governor Abbott for his signature.

SB 1004 allows public school students in Harris County to take dual credit courses with the four community colleges inside Harris County: Houston Community College, Lone Star, San Jacinto and Lee College. After Senate concurrence, Senator Bettencourt emphasized how important this bill was for students’ choice.

“Research shows students perform better in high school, and in college after taking dual credit coursework. SB 1004 addresses this, and gives high school students the option to choose the community college that works for them,” stated Senator Paul Bettencourt.

SB 1004 allows Harris County school districts to partner with more than one community college, lifting both the three-course limit on dual credit courses as well as removing the requirement that a local college approve another college’s dual credit programs within a district.

“Let’s let Harris County parents and students pick the dual credit courses and community colleges they want to attend to accelerate their education,” Senator Bettencourt added.

This bill, as amended by the House, only affects Harris County. SB 1004 is a significant step forward to ensure more kids have access to dual credit before entering college.