SRC-MKV H.B. 1651 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1651 77R4376 JMM-FBy: Edwards (Bernsen) Health & Human Services 5/4/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Under current law, dentists, podiatrists, and physicians may form professional associations, but optometrists are not authorized to do so. H.B. 1651 authorizes optometrists to form professional associations in compliance with the Texas Professional Association Act. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 2(A), Texas Professional Association Act (Article 1528f, V.T.C.S.), to add language to authorize any one or more persons duly licensed to practice a profession, including optometry or therapeutic optometry, to form a professional association. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.