TX HB433

Establishes the Higher Education and Corrections Council to coordinate and make recommendations to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals

Council consists of 11 members including one state representative, one state senator, employees from the coordinating board, a career school, a higher education institution, TDCJ, Texas Workforce Commission, a criminal justice nonprofit executive, a researcher on prison education, and a formerly incarcerated individual who participated in prison education programs

Council duties include coordinating higher education delivery in correctional facilities, recommending evidence-based practices and technologies, facilitating access to programs aligned with workforce demands, and supporting timely completion of certificates and degrees

Requires the council to explore data collection methods regarding enrollment, completion rates, student aid awarded to incarcerated individuals, program costs, and post-release outcomes including recidivism, employment, and continued education

Council must submit a biennial report to the legislature by November 1 of each even-numbered year detailing activities, recommendations, enrollment numbers, and certificates/degrees awarded to incarcerated individuals