BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1563
	By: Creighton
	Education
	5/29/2023
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) was established in 2019. SHSU-COM opened to help expand healthcare availability to small rural communities and address the shortage of primary care physicians in Texas. SHSU-COM is already one of the most competitive DO schools in the United States with matriculant metrics (MCAT scores and GPA) higher than the national average. Currently, the average in-state tuition and fees at a public medical school in Texas costs about $23,800. In-state tuition and fees at SHSU-COM is $59,100.

S.B. 1563 would make SHSU-COM eligible for the funding granted through the health-related institution and operation formula. This proposal would begin to eliminate disparities that exist between SHSU-COM tuition costs and tuition costs of all other Texas public medical schools and private schools. 

S.B. 1563 amends current law relating to the eligibility of Sam Houston State University to receive formula funding for the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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 99.66(h) (relating to providing that Sam Houston State University is not entitled to receive any formula funding for the college), Education Code.

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