TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1849

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1849

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.

Impact

The implementation of SB1849 will modify existing laws within the Texas Education Code to create structured repayment assistance for graduates in mental health professions. Eligible professionals must provide services to recipients under government programs and have completed three years of work in specified shortage areas. By enhancing financial support for mental health professionals who agree to serve in these critical regions, the state aims to address the imbalance in mental health service availability, thereby positively impacting community mental health outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill 1849 pertains to the adjustments made in the repayment of educational loans for mental health professionals in Texas. The bill aims to incentivize professionals in this field to work in designated mental health shortage areas by offering substantial loan repayment assistance. It expands the eligibility criteria to include a wider variety of mental health professionals, such as licensed counselors, social workers, and marriage therapists, who provide services to individuals in need, especially in vulnerable populations such as youth and those in correctional facilities.

Contention

Despite the support for SB1849, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of the funding required for such repayment assistance. Critics argue that the bill places a significant burden on the state’s education budget and may not sufficiently address the underlying issues of recruiting and retaining mental health professionals in underserved areas. Furthermore, discussions center around the need for effective accountability measures to ensure that the allocated funds lead to tangible improvements in mental health services across Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: 601
    • Section: 603
    • Section: 604
    • Section: 607

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2049

Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.

TX HB1211

Relating to financial assistance, including repayment of loans, for certain students attending postsecondary educational institutions.

TX HB1551

Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.

TX SB532

Relating to providing mental health services information to certain higher education students and to the repayment of certain higher education loans.

TX SB2048

Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.

TX HB2100

Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.

TX SB804

Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.

TX HB4154

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.

TX SB1282

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.

TX SB25

Relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education, including scholarships to nursing students, loan repayment assistance to nurses and nursing faculty, and grants to nursing education programs.

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