BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1919
By: Watson
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There have been various proposals in recent years to establish new medical schools in Texas. The study mandated by this legislation would determine and recommend the method for determining the need for and cost of establishing a medical school and the criteria for establishing where a new medical school should be located.
As proposed, S.B. 1919 establishes a commission to conduct a study of the allocation of state resources for medical education, including the geographic distribution of those resources.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.4023, as follows:
Sec. 51.4023. COMMISSION TO STUDY AND REPORT ON ALLOCATION OF STATE RESOURCES FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION. (a) Establishes a commission to conduct a study of the allocation of state resources for medical education, including the geographic distribution of those resources (commission).
(b) Requires the commission to be composed of six members representing certain entities and three appointed members with certain medical education expertise.
(c) Authorizes the commission to request assistance and information, other than confidential information relating to an identifiable individual, from any public institution of higher education, other state agency, or institution receiving appropriated funds for educational purposes. Requires an institution or other agency to provide the assistance and information requested to the extent practicable.
(d) Requires the expenses of the commission to be paid in equal amounts from the contingent expense accounts of the senate and house of representatives, or as otherwise agreed to by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. Provides that members of the commission serve without compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out the commission's duties.
(e) Requires the commission to study certain topics related to medical education in Texas.
(f) Requires the commission to prepare a report based on the study required by this section. Requires the commission to submit the report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board not later than September 1, 2008.
(g) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.