BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1534 89R8511 CMO-D By: Zaffirini; Parker Economic Development 4/4/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Current law allows state agencies to conduct studies and training related to radiation control and waste management, but it does not address workforce development in nuclear energy and radiological safety. As the nuclear industry expands, Texas faces a shortage of skilled professionals in health physics, a field related to protecting persons and the environment from radiation exposure via risk assessments, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. Health physicists play a critical role in reactor operations, medical radiation applications, and environmental monitoring. S.B. 1534 would direct the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the availability and capacity of health physics programs, assess specific shortages in nuclear safety training, and develop targeted strategies to expand specialized education in radiation protection and regulatory compliance. By establishing this study, Texas can create a roadmap for strengthening its nuclear workforce, preventing workforce shortages from slowing industry growth while maintaining high safety and regulatory standards. As proposed, S.B. 1534 amends current law relating to a study and report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding health physics education in this state. 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. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.06696, as follows: Sec. 61.06696. STUDY AND REPORT ON HEALTH PHYSICS EDUCATION. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), in collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission, to conduct a study on health physics education in this state. (b) Requires that the study identify gaps in health physics training programs provided by institutions of higher education and assess workforce needs in the nuclear energy and radiological safety sectors. (c) Requires THECB, not later than December 1, 2026, to prepare and submit to each standing committee of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over higher education or workforce development a written report that summarizes the results of the study conducted under this section and includes recommendations for legislative or other action based on the results of the study. (d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2027. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1534
89R8511 CMO-D By: Zaffirini; Parker
Economic Development
4/4/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1534
89R8511 CMO-D
By: Zaffirini; Parker
Economic Development
4/4/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law allows state agencies to conduct studies and training related to radiation control and waste management, but it does not address workforce development in nuclear energy and radiological safety. As the nuclear industry expands, Texas faces a shortage of skilled professionals in health physics, a field related to protecting persons and the environment from radiation exposure via risk assessments, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. Health physicists play a critical role in reactor operations, medical radiation applications, and environmental monitoring.
S.B. 1534 would direct the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the availability and capacity of health physics programs, assess specific shortages in nuclear safety training, and develop targeted strategies to expand specialized education in radiation protection and regulatory compliance. By establishing this study, Texas can create a roadmap for strengthening its nuclear workforce, preventing workforce shortages from slowing industry growth while maintaining high safety and regulatory standards.
As proposed, S.B. 1534 amends current law relating to a study and report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding health physics education in this state.
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. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.06696, as follows:
Sec. 61.06696. STUDY AND REPORT ON HEALTH PHYSICS EDUCATION. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), in collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission, to conduct a study on health physics education in this state.
(b) Requires that the study identify gaps in health physics training programs provided by institutions of higher education and assess workforce needs in the nuclear energy and radiological safety sectors.
(c) Requires THECB, not later than December 1, 2026, to prepare and submit to each standing committee of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over higher education or workforce development a written report that summarizes the results of the study conducted under this section and includes recommendations for legislative or other action based on the results of the study.
(d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.