Relating to requiring the consideration of standardized test scores as a factor in nonautomatic admissions decisions at certain public institutions of higher education.

HB 4702 requires Texas public general academic teaching institutions (like universities) to consider standardized test scores as a required factor when making non-automatic admissions decisions for first-time freshmen. The bill amends the Education Code to mandate that institutions evaluate applicants' standardized test performance alongside other factors, such as academic records, socioeconomic background, and whether they are first-generation college students. It specifically lists test scores as a required consideration (item 1) and also requires comparing scores to peers from similar backgrounds (item 11). This policy directly affects prospective students applying to these public universities and changes how admissions committees evaluate applicants. The bill does not eliminate holistic review but adds standardized tests to the list of mandatory factors for admission decisions.