Subscribe to receive our Floor Reports covering all the action on the Texas House and Senate floor!
Summary: Under current law, the State Medical Education Board (SMEB) exists with the purpose to administer the funds awarded to medical students in the form of loans, grants, or scholarships to attend a medical school for a maximum of four years through the State Medical Education Fund (SMEF). The intention is to financially support medical students who would serve an underserved population within rural areas. According to the Bill Analysis, "No new loans have been made by the board in more than 25 years, and the board currently has no appointees and receives no program funding." HB 1061 eliminates the Board.
Analysis: HB 1061 reduces the scope of government by eliminating a board and associated fund that are neither currently used nor have met the benchmarks necessary to be considered successful. This legislation seeks to eliminate obsolete government programs in which the state no longer has a specific public interest. HB 1061 is enabling legislation for HJR 79, which will allow the voters to determine whether to discontinue the SMEB and SMEF. We encourage the Legislature to vote for HB 1061.
Read Bill & Check Bill Status