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Bill

Bill

SB 2786

Relating to the exemption from the assessment requirements of the Texas Success Initiative for certain students who are public officers or employees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brandon Creighton and 3 co-sponsors

SB 2786 exempts Texas public officers and employees from mandatory TSI college readiness assessments, removing a testing barrier for working government personnel seeking higher education.

Effective immediately
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Bill Summary · SB 2786

Legislative bill overview

SB 2786 exempts certain public officers and employees in Texas from taking the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment—a standardized test required for college readiness in areas like reading, writing, and math. The bill specifically targets individuals who are actively serving as public employees or elected officials, allowing them to bypass this prerequisite testing requirement.

Why is this important

The TSI assessment can delay college enrollment or placement into higher-level courses, particularly affecting working professionals seeking to advance their education. This exemption removes a potential barrier for public servants balancing employment with educational goals, though it raises questions about whether academic preparedness is being adequately measured for this population.

Potential points of contention

  • Academic standards concern: Exempting students from placement assessments may place unprepared students in advanced courses, potentially affecting completion rates and course quality for all students
  • Equity questions: The exemption applies narrowly to public employees/officers—creating a special carve-out that other working students (retail, healthcare, private sector) do not receive
  • Accountability gap: Colleges lose standardized data on incoming students' readiness levels, making it harder to identify who needs support services

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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