By: Nelson  S.B. No. 138
         (In the Senate - Filed December 5, 2006; January 29, 2007,
  read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human
  Services; February 13, 2007, reported adversely, with favorable
  Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 0;
  February 13, 2007, sent to printer.)
 
  COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 138 By:  Nelson
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to promoting the retention and graduation of students
  enrolled in professional nursing programs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 61.0901 to read as follows:
         Sec. 61.0901.  INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE RETENTION AND
  GRADUATION OF NURSING STUDENTS.  (a)  In this section,
  "professional nursing program" has the meaning assigned by Section
  61.9621.
         (b)  The board shall consider and develop methods to promote
  the retention and graduation of students enrolled in a professional
  nursing program and shall adopt rules to implement those methods
  the board considers feasible, including recommendations on
  financial aid.
         (c)  The board by rule shall establish a program to recognize
  a professional nursing program that achieves a graduation rate of
  85 percent or more.
         SECTION 2.  Not later than December 1, 2007, the Texas Higher
  Education Coordinating Board shall adopt the rules required by
  Subsection (c), Section 61.0901, Education Code, as added by this
  Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
 
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