FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : April 20, 2017 : Contact: Anne Drescher : Capitol Office 512-463-057
Austin, TX – Representative R.D. “Bobby” Guerra passed House Bill 728, which will allow more computer science options for high school students. This legislation directs the State Board of Education to develop and implement a rigorous computer science program that high school students can take that will count as an advanced math or science credit towards graduation.
Representative Guerra has been working on ways to better prepare Texas students for the growing technology workforce demands. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 37.5% growth in the field of computer systems design from 2012 to 2022, which further illustrates the need for students to have greater access to advanced computer science courses.
The bill, which passed unanimously out of the House Public Education Committee earlier last month, will allow students the ability to establish a foundation in computer science and utilize their knowledge to pursue higher education or enter into the workforce with a strong technological skill set.
With House Bill 728 passing 144-0 out of the Texas House of Representatives, it will be sent over to the Senate chamber for consideration. Representative Guerra stated, “As members of the Texas Legislature, it is imperative that we are providing adequate resources to our students to ensure that upon graduation, they are college ready or prepared to enter the workforce. This legislation will be one more tool that we have to provide Texas students with the opportunity to be successful in working jobs that will shape our future. I am proud of the careful consideration of my colleagues in passing this important piece of legislation.”
State Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra is a Democrat who has represented District 41 since 2012. He currently serves on the House Committees on Public Health and Energy Resources. He represents the cities of McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Palmhurst, Palmview, Alton and Pharr.
