By: Huffman, Eckhardt S.B. No. 1998 (In the Senate - Filed March 6, 2025; March 17, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on Education K-16; April 16, 2025, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 0; April 16, 2025, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a preceptorship program in a pediatric subspecialty for medical students in this state. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 58, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 58.011 to read as follows: Sec. 58.011. STATEWIDE PEDIATRIC SUBSPECIALTY PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM. (a) In this section: (1) "Medical school" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.501(1), except that the term also includes the school of osteopathic medicine at the University of the Incarnate Word. (2) "Pediatric subspecialty" means a pediatric medical subspecialty certification offered by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties or American Osteopathic Association. (b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may contract with one or more organizations to operate a statewide pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program for medical students enrolled in Texas medical schools. (c) An organization eligible to receive funds under this section must: (1) qualify for exemption from federal income tax under Section 501, Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Section 501); or (2) be operated by a state accredited medical school. (d) Students eligible to participate in the preceptorship program under this section must indicate an interest in a career in a pediatric subspecialty. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025. * * * * *