TX
Texas House Bill HB5265

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5265

Filed
3/14/25  
Out of House Committee
4/21/25  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the Texas Health Care Workforce Education Fund.

Impact

The bill has the potential to significantly impact state legislation regarding education and healthcare. By creating this fund, it facilitates the allocation of resources specifically tailored for health care workforce education, which may also result in legislative amendments to existing funding structures within the Texas education system. Such a dedicated approach can streamline financial support for healthcare-related academic programs, helping institutions adapt curriculum and faculty resources to align more closely with the evolving needs of the state's healthcare infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 5265 establishes the Texas Health Care Workforce Education Fund aimed at addressing the state's healthcare workforce needs by allocating dedicated funding to assist general academic teaching institutions in increasing the production of health care professional degrees. The Fund is designed to provide independent and equitable financial support, enabling institutions to enhance their degree offerings and thus respond to the sector's demands for qualified health professionals. The bill emphasizes addressing long-term workforce shortages in the healthcare sector, particularly in underserved areas across Texas.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 5265 appears supportive, particularly among stakeholders focused on education and healthcare. Advocates argue that the bill is essential for fostering a robust pipeline of healthcare professionals which is vital for community health and economic stability. However, there may be concerns regarding the effective administration of the fund and whether institutions will utilize the funds equitably across various programs, especially in relation to emerging health professions that may require different training focus and resource allocation.

Contention

While the overarching goal of the bill to enhance the healthcare workforce is widely accepted, there may be points of contention surrounding its fiscal implications and administrative details. Some opposition could stem from apprehensions about the fund's capacity to meet the diverse needs of different health care professions and the necessity for clear guidelines on how funds are distributed. Moreover, the requirement that the bill's effectiveness is contingent on voter approval of a proposed constitutional amendment adds a layer of uncertainty to its potential implementation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 62. Constitutional And Statutory Funds To Support Institutions Of Higher Education
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    • Section: New Section
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Companion Bills

TX SB1701

Same As Relating to the health care professional education fund.

TX HJR203

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Health Care Workforce Education Fund to provide funding to eligible institutions of higher education to address Texas' health care workforce needs and drive the state economy.

Similar Bills

TX SB1701

Relating to the health care professional education fund.

IA SF647

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents, and including contingent effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1231.) Effective Date: Conditional, 07/01/2025.

IA HF1045

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents, and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 337.)

IA SSB1222

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents.

TX SB1797

Relating to the creation of the Texas Future Scholars Pilot Program and the Workforce Shortage Education Loan Repayment Program and to the elimination of certain other student financial assistance programs.

IA SSB1163

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 575, SF 618.)

IA HSB191

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 754, HF 972.)

TX HB4181

Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain professionals employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.