Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB20 establishes the Applied Sciences Pathway program, creating a direct pipeline for high school students to perform work-based learning in 20 specific technical trades (Construction, Energy, Tech, Transportation) beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. While this addresses workforce shortages, it imposes immediate liability, supervision, and insurance obligations on businesses accepting student learners on their job sites.
Rep. Gary Gates·House Bill·Regular Session
Texas Education Agency (TEA) • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-06-20). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
mediumModerate costs expected for implementation.
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JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
The following statutory terms are vague and will be defined by agency rulemaking. Monitor the Texas Register for:
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
Common questions about HB20
HB20 establishes the Applied Sciences Pathway program, creating a direct pipeline for high school students to perform work-based learning in 20 specific technical trades (Construction, Energy, Tech, Transportation) beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. While this addresses workforce shortages, it imposes immediate liability, supervision, and insurance obligations on businesses accepting student learners on their job sites.
HB20 was authored by Texas Representative Gary Gates during the Regular Session.
HB20 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB20 is enforced by Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
The regulatory priority for HB20 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB20 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB20 addresses topics including education, education--higher, education--higher--general, education--nonpublic schools and education--nonpublic schools--vocational/avocational.
Key dates for HB20: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Rulemaking: Adopt rules necessary to administer the program and approve partnerships. (Prior to 2025-2026 School Year (Implied)); Discretionary authority to revise approved industry list based on labor market trends. (Beginning 2027-2028 School Year (Recurring every 5 years)). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB20 primarily affects technology companies and data processors. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
