Texas Senate Bill SB145

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 11/8/10
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Refer: 5/2/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11

Caption

Relating to student loan repayment assistance for nurses employed as faculty members at certain institutions of higher education.

Impact

Under SB145, eligible nurses must have been employed full-time for at least one year in a faculty position that requires an advanced nursing degree. Loan repayment assistance is capped at $5,000 per year, with a maximum limit of five years of assistance. This initiative not only helps to alleviate the financial burden on nursing faculty but also supports the overall goal of enhancing the workforce in nursing education, which is vital for addressing nursing shortages in the state.

Summary

SB145, introduced by Senator Hinojosa, aims to provide student loan repayment assistance specifically for nurses employed as faculty members at designated institutions of higher education. This bill establishes a structured program within Chapter 61 of the Education Code, known as the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program. The bill addresses the growing need for qualified nursing faculty, recognizing that many nursing professionals face significant student loan debt, which can hinder their ability to pursue and maintain careers in education.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for the funding sources for this loan repayment assistance, allowing for the reallocation of funds from existing programs if necessary. This aspect may raise questions regarding the appropriateness of using funds originally designated for physician education repayment for nursing faculty. Furthermore, the bill's effectiveness will depend on the level of interest from eligible faculty and the capacity of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to manage the program effectively, leading to discussions about the sustainability and efficacy of such assistance programs.