(The Center Square) – Four bills have been sent to the governor to strengthen military service programs at Texas higher education institutions, including the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. One of the bills includes expanded funding for career and technical education programs identified as a legislative emergency priority by Gov. Greg Abbott.
The bills were filed by Republicans and passed the legislature with bipartisan support with multiple cosponsors. They were filed to strengthen opportunities for students pursuing military service, including allowing students enrolled in them with priority registration access, providing them with in-state tuition, expanding financial support for the programs, among other provisions.
The legislative package sends “a clear message that Texas honors and supports those who answer the call to serve,” said state Sen. Kelly Hancock, Chairman of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee, who sponsored two of the bills. “By investing in students from the very beginning of their journey, from high school preparation to college ROTC programs, we are building up the next generation of military leaders with the resources and recognition they deserve.”
HB 120, filed by state Rep. Keith Bell and state Sen. Charles Schwartner, expands college, career and military readiness in public schools, including investing in career and technology education programs.
“The Texas economy has become increasingly dependent on skilled and knowledgeable workers. By 2030, more than 60 percent of jobs in Texas will require education or training beyond a high school diploma. However, fewer than 50 percent of Texans earn a postsecondary credential. To address this deficit and prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers in a modern economy, Texas must make continued investments in career and technical education,” the bill analysis says.
The bill expands career training opportunities in high schools including career and technology education, expands funds for new instructional facility allotment and career and technology education, the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program and Pathways in Technology Early College High School programs. It also establishes a high school advising program and military pathway grant program. Once signed into law, it becomes effective Sept. 1.
HB 102, filed by state Rep. Terry Wilson and Hancock, allows students in military-related programs to register early for classes in public institutions or higher education institutions. It applies to students enrolled in ROTC, corps of cadets, or maritime academies at Texas public colleges and universities. Once signed into law, it takes effect Sept. 1 and would apply to classes beginning in Spring 2026.
HB 300, filed by Wilson and Hancock, doubles the annual scholarship cap for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program. It increases it from $15,000 to more than $30,000 or an amount equal to the average cost of attendance at a public institution of higher education. The scholarship is awarded to students committed to joining the armed forces through ROTC or other commissioning programs like the U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class.
It also provides further clarification in existing law to allow students to serve in the Texas State Guard and its officer training school. It also creates more clarifications for financial aid offices and allows students a process to be reinstated if they were removed erroneously from the program. It has specific requirements related to financial assistance for tuition, fees, housing and supplies, according to the bill analysis. Once signed into law, it becomes effective Sept. 1 and applies to the 2025-2026 academic year.
HB 5646, filed by Wilson and state Sen. Bob Hall, creates a new statute guaranteeing in-state tuition to students enrolled in ROTC, a corps of cadets, or corps of midshipmen at Texas public institutions. It requires admissions offices to consider a student’s expressed intent to join military service programs during the application process, recognizing military preparation as a core element of leadership development. Once signed into law, it becomes effective Sept. 1 and applies to the fall 2025 semester.
The combined legislative changes “mark one of the most comprehensive efforts in recent years to support ROTC and military-affiliated students in Texas, reflecting the state’s longstanding commitment to national defense and service,” the Texas Senate said in a statement.
