BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 695
88R9750 KSD-D	By: Hughes
	Subcommittee on Higher Education
	4/4/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The University of Texas at Tyler-Fisch College of Pharmacy (Fisch College) was founded in 2013 in response to a regional need for pharmacists. University and community leaders decided to open the Fisch College even though state formula funding would not be available, in part due to the state's fiscal situation at the time. The Fisch College has operated on a "private school model," relying on tuition and philanthropy to funds its operations. Enrollment increased from 2015 to 2019 but has fallen since then, primarily due to higher tuition costs. 

The Fisch College continues to be the only school of pharmacy at a Texas public institution of higher education that does not receive state formula funding. This disparity needs to be remedied for the Fisch College to operate in a more sustainable way. S.B. 695 would make such funding available and allow the Fisch College to continue to meet critical health care needs in East Texas.

As proposed, S.B. 695 amends current law relating to funding for The University of Texas at Tyler's school of pharmacy.

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. Repealer: Section 76.026(c) (relating to requiring the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System to provide for the operations and capital expenses of the pharmacy school to be paid from certain sources and providing that the school is not eligible for certain formula funding), Education Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.