Texas high school students will soon have enhanced opportunities for career readiness thanks to the passage of House Bill 20 during the Senate session on May 29, 2025. This legislation establishes the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in industries such as welding, electrical work, and plumbing.

The program allows high school students in their junior and senior years to earn certificates in high-demand fields while still completing their regular education. By enabling students to substitute certain required credits with courses from higher education institutions, the initiative seeks to equip them with valuable skills that can lead to immediate employment after graduation.

Senator Schwartner, the bill's author, emphasized the importance of reinvigorating career and technical education in Texas, noting that this program is a response to the significant labor gap anticipated in the near future. The bill received unanimous support, passing with 31 votes in favor and none against.

In addition to House Bill 20, the Senate also passed House Bill 2594, which updates venue statutes to allow prosecutors greater flexibility in pursuing cybercrimes that cross county lines. This change is designed to ensure that victims of digital theft, including those involving cryptocurrencies and online fraud, receive justice without being hindered by outdated legal limitations.

Both pieces of legislation reflect a proactive approach by the Texas Legislature to enhance workforce development and adapt legal frameworks to modern challenges. As these bills move forward, they promise to create pathways for students and strengthen the state's ability to combat cybercrime effectively.