Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1570

Filed

2/24/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Impact

If enacted, SB1570 will amend the Texas Education Code to formally recognize the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a medical school. This change is significant as it increases the state’s capacity to train osteopathic physicians, thereby potentially alleviating physician shortages. The bill allows the university to offer tailored programs consistent with the rigors expected of first-class medical colleges, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical education throughout Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 1570 proposes the establishment of the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, aiming to enhance medical education in Texas. This new college, governed by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, is designated to offer degrees under the authority of Tarleton State University. The legislation underscores the necessity of expanding medical training opportunities within the state to address the growing healthcare needs of the populace, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Contention

While the bill is expected to pass due to the support of educational and healthcare stakeholders, there may be points of contention surrounding funding, curriculum standards, and the operational integration of the new college within the existing framework of Texas medical education. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding resource allocation, the recruitment of qualified faculty, and the feasibility of establishing a teaching hospital linked to the college, which could influence the college's competitiveness and effectiveness in training future physicians.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

Chapter 1. General Provisions
- Section: New Section

Chapter 87. Other Academic Institutions In The Texas A & M University System
- Section: New Section

Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Section: 501

Companion Bills

TX HB3197

Same As Relating to the creation of the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

TX HB125

Identical Relating to the creation of the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2639

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX SB1055

TX SJR26

Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.

TX HB4315

Relating to the participation of the medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in the Joint Admission Medical Program.

TX SB2123

Relating to the participation of the medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in the Joint Admission Medical Program.

TX HB3976

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Women's Health Care Consortium.

TX SB1563

Relating to the eligibility of Sam Houston State University to receive formula funding for the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

TX HB881

Relating to the eligibility of Sam Houston State University to receive formula funding for the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

TX SB850

Relating to the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.

TX HB15

Relating to the creation of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas.