83R1387 JRJ-D
 
  By: Alonzo H.B. No. 173
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to an optometry career program at the University of
  Houston.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 111, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 111.43 to read as follows:
         Sec. 111.43.  OPTOMETRY CAREER PROGRAM. (a) The university
  may 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. The program may include:
               (1)  courses in improvement of study skills and
  Optometry Admission Test preparation courses;
               (2)  a review of selected undergraduate academic
  courses that are prerequisites for admission to advanced degree
  programs in optometry;
               (3)  academic courses that are designed to familiarize
  students with the course work in advanced degree programs in
  optometry;
               (4)  clinical work; and
               (5)  extracurricular activities, including observing
  professionals in the field of optometry.
         (b)  To the extent practicable, and consistent with the
  purposes of the program, the university shall operate the program
  in a manner that may assist students to obtain course credit for the
  program from their respective institutions of higher education.
         (c)  The university shall:
               (1)  recruit eligible undergraduate or
  postbaccalaureate students for admission to the program;
               (2)  establish an application process for admitting
  eligible undergraduate or postbaccalaureate students to the
  program;
               (3)  develop reasonable requirements for admission to
  the program;
               (4)  monitor the implementation of the program; and
               (5)  assist in developing services, including career
  counseling, to support and encourage the pursuit of advanced
  studies and careers in the field of optometry.
         (d)  The university may solicit and accept gifts and grants
  from any public or private source for the purposes of this section.
  The legislature may appropriate money for the purposes of this
  section.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2013.