| TO: | Honorable Geanie Morrison, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1427 by Alonzo (Relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston.), As Introduced |
The bill would allow the University of Houston to operate a summer program that prepares highly qualified, economically disadvantaged junior-level, senior-level, and postbaccalaureate students from any public or private institution of higher education for advanced studies and a career in the field
of optometry.
Under provisions of the bill, the university would recruit eligible students, establish an application process for admitting the students, develop reasonable requirements for admission, monitor the implementation of the program; and assist in developing services, including career counseling, to support and encourage the pursuit of advanced studies and careers in the field of optometry.
The university indicates it currently operates a career program similar to that outlined in the bill and that the annual cost for the program is absorbed by the university. Should the state fund the program as permitted in the bill, the university estimates the annual cost to the state would be $100,000.
| Source Agencies: | 781 Higher Education Coordinating Board, 783 University of Houston System Administration
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, MN, RT, SSh
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