Redistricting fights in Texas, the opening salvos in the FY26 appropriations process, and new debates over federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are grabbing headlines this week. But while Washington, D.C. is once again the center of national coverage, states continue to move the ball on higher education policy in ways that deserve equal attention. 

Here’s what we’re watching:

Accreditation and Distance Ed in California
  • California lawmakers are advancing S.B. 744, a measure to extend recognition of accrediting agencies through 2029, provided they operate in the same manner as they do today. The move comes amid national questions about the future of accreditation and federal oversight. By setting its own timelines, California is signaling its intent to provide stability for institutions and students alike, even as Washington wrestles with broader accountability debates.
  • Another California bill, S.B. 790, would authorize the governor to enter into an interstate reciprocity agreement for distance education. Out-of-state public and nonprofit institutions would need to register with the state by 2028 unless covered by such an agreement.

Texas Targets DEI in Accreditation 
  • Texas H.B. 118 revives earlier attempts to remove DEI-related provisions from the state’s higher ed code. Specifically, it would prohibit institutions from submitting statements on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as part of accreditation reports. The bill underscores how culture-war issues remain central to state policymaking, even as Texas lawmakers simultaneously navigate redistricting battles and a new round of special sessions.

We’re also keeping an eye on:

  • Illinois: Bills filed to prohibit undocumented students from accessing in-state tuition and to align state scholarship programs with federal tax credit provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
  • Oregon: A special session on road funding begins August 29—higher ed isn’t directly on the agenda, but budget trade-offs could have downstream impacts.

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