Relating to the accreditation of automotive technology courses offered by public schools.

SB 1852 requires Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools offering automotive technology courses to obtain accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The bill mandates that school districts apply for ASE accreditation, comply with agency guidelines, and cannot spend state funds on these courses until accredited - though limited one-year extensions may be granted for good-faith efforts. The state education agency must cover costs for required training, equipment upgrades, and application fees, and schools must report compliance annually to lawmakers. This policy affects all public schools providing automotive courses and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.