Governor Abbott Signs Laws To Expand Texas’ Career Training Programs

September 17, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday ceremonially signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law, expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for Texas students. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abbott emphasized that while a four-year degree can be valuable, career training often offers a more direct pathway to good-paying jobs.

“Career training is a game-changer for our students, our state, and our employers,” Abbott said. “With these two laws, Texas is making career and technical education bigger and better than ever before.” He highlighted that over the past two years, the state has invested more than $7 billion into career training initiatives.

House Bill 20 creates the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, enabling 11th and 12th graders to earn high school diplomas while completing industry-recognized certificates through partnerships with colleges. House Bill 120 enhances readiness by expanding access to high-quality CTE programs, modernizing career counseling with workforce data, and supporting military training opportunities.

Abbott noted that Texas is setting the national standard for workforce development, pointing to programs like the Jobs & Education for Texans Grant Program and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership. By broadening CTE access, the state aims to strengthen its diverse workforce and solidify its position as a global economic leader.