The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the College’s priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature.
ACC Community & Government Affairs Vice Chancellor Chris Cervini previewed the upcoming legislative session and presented ACC’s policy priorities at the January regular board meeting.
Most legislative priorities were adopted from the 2025 Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC)/Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT) Policy Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature. These priorities include:
- Supplemental Appropriations Request: Adjust FY24-25 budget to fully cover House Bill 8 (HB 8) awards based on performance.
- Formula Funding for FY26-27: Reinforce outcomes-based funding established by HB 8 to help more students earn credentials of value.
- Inclusion of Private Institutions in the Performance Tier: Ensure formula funding reflects and recognizes multiple student success pathways.
One priority not on TACC’s agenda but of importance to the College is Dual Credit Grade Point Average (GPA) Parity with Advanced Placement. Awarding GPA weights equally across all forms of advanced academics will encourage students to earn college hours directly through dual credit classes and still receive the same GPA benefits associated with AP coursework.
The 89th Texas legislative session runs from January 14 through June 2.
Federal priorities are still being finalized by the Association of Community College Trustees and the American Association of Community Colleges.
Community College Day at the Capitol
ACC will once again participate in Community College Day at the Texas Capitol. ACC students, faculty, and staff will join their peers on Monday, February 3, to meet with members of the Central Texas legislative delegation. ACC students will get an opportunity to engage with State Senators and local Representatives directly. Students will also hear from higher education leaders and learn how to effectively advocate for education.