CTE STUDENT ADVOCACY QUICK REFERENCE PAGE8 SkillsUSA Texas Student Leaders | Updated September 15, 2026 8 COMING MONTHS CTE DOCKET Confirmed Dates + Active Decisions This watchlist separates confirmed dates from issues that are still developing. Check the linked agency or legislative page before every visit because agendas, bill language, funding levels, and implementation dates can change. Timing What is on the Docket What SkillsUSA Students Can Do September and October 2026 Congress is still working on fiscal year 2027 appropriations. The House Appropriations Committee advanced H R 9260 in June. Final Perkins funding and federal agency responsibilities remain decisions to watch. Ask Texas members of Congress to protect or increase Perkins funding, preserve CTSO support, and prevent disruption to schools during any administrative transition. Fall 2026 Workforce Pell implementation is moving from federal rules to program approvals. States and institutions must identify programs that meet federal quality, earnings, completion, and job placement requirements. Ask which Texas programs are seeking approval, when students can enroll, and how students will see tuition, outcomes, transfer, and credential information before using aid. November 2026 Texas bill prefiling for the 90th Legislature is expected after the November 3 general election. Under legislative rules, prefiling begins on the first Monday after the election, which is November 9 in 2026. Confirm the opening date when the Legislature posts its calendar. Watch for bills on CTE funding, credentials, dual credit, work-based learning, teacher certification, transportation, student data, and CTSO support. Ask legislators to file or sponsor clear CTSO funding language. November 15 - 16, 2026 SkillsUSA Texas Legislative Day in Austin is scheduled for student leaders to receive advocacy training and meet representatives. Registration closes October 30 according to the event page. Prepare one SkillsUSA story, one local fact, and one funding request. Request a follow up meeting after bills and budget proposals are filed. November 16 - 20, 2026 The State Board of Education has a scheduled meeting. The final agenda will identify rule, standards, instructional materials, and other items open for testimony or action. Review the posted agenda for CTE TEKS, instructional materials, graduation rules, and Perkins planning. Submit comments or testimony when a CTE item affects students. December 3 - 4, 2026 The State Board for Educator Certification has a scheduled meeting. Its agenda is usually posted shortly before the meeting. Watch for trade and industrial education certificates, educator preparation, industry experience requirements, and policies that affect the CTE teacher pipeline. January 12, 2027 The 90th Texas Legislature begins. Early months will include state budget proposals and committee hearings; the regular session ends May 31, 2027. Ask for recurring CTSO funding, strong CTE weighted funding, equipment and transportation support, paid work-based learning, teacher recruitment, and equitable rural access. February 1 – 5, 2027 SkillsUSA Week includes recognition, service, partner engagement, advocacy, and chapter activities. Use the week to invite officials and employers to a CTE lab, publish student stories, and report progress on commitments made during Legislative Day.