81R10410 KSD-F By: West S.B. No. 1728 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the administration of and eligibility for the Joint Admissions Medical Program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 51.826(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) To be eligible for admission to the program or for selection as a program alternate, an undergraduate student must: (1) [have enrolled at an institution of higher education not later than the first fall semester following the student's graduation from high school; [(2)] be enrolled at a general academic teaching institution or a private or independent institution of higher education at the time of application to the program; (2) [(3)] be a Texas resident for purposes of tuition under Subchapter B, Chapter 54; (3) [(4)] except as provided by Subsection (c), successfully complete at least 27 semester credit hours during the student's freshman year; (4) [(5)] apply for admission to the program not later than a date, as designated by the council, that occurs during the fall semester of the student's sophomore year at the general academic teaching institution or the private or independent institution of higher education; and (5) [(6)] meet criteria established by the council regarding: (A) minimum high school and undergraduate grade point averages; (B) financial need and any other indication of economic disadvantage; and (C) any other matter the council considers appropriate. SECTION 2. The following laws are repealed: (1) Section 51.823(b), Education Code; and (2) Section 51.8265(c), Education Code. SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act to Sections 51.826 and 51.8265, Education Code, apply beginning with applicants for admission to the Joint Admissions Medical Program for the 2009 fall semester. SECTION 4. 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, 2009.