reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter J. Repayment of Certain Physician Education Loans › Section 61.537. Rules

Sec. 61.537.  RULES.  (a)  The coordinating board shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this subchapter.
(b)  The coordinating board shall distribute to each medical unit and professional association copies of the rules adopted under this section and pertinent information in this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 517, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 585, Sec. 2, eff. June 13, 1993;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 349, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 285 (H.B. 2154), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter J. Repayment of Certain Physician Education Loans › Section 61.538. Amount of Repayment Assistance

Sec. 61.538.  AMOUNT OF REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE.  (a)  A physician may receive repayment assistance under this subchapter in the amount determined by board rule, not to exceed the following amounts for each year for which the physician establishes eligibility for the assistance:
(1)  for the first year, $30,000;
(2)  for the second year, $40,000;
(3)  for the third year, $50,000; and
(4)  for the fourth year, $60,000.
(b)  The total amount of repayment assistance distributed by the board may not exceed the total amount of money available in the physician education loan repayment program account.
(c)  The total amount of repayment assistance made under this subchapter to an individual physician may not exceed $180,000.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 585, Sec. 3, eff. June 13, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 285 (H.B. 2154), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1114 (H.B. 2261), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter J. Repayment of Certain Physician Education Loans › Section 61.5391. Physician Education Loan Repayment Program Account

Sec. 61.5391.  PHYSICIAN EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM ACCOUNT.  (a)  The physician education loan repayment program account is an account in the general revenue fund.  The account is composed of:
(1)  gifts and grants contributed to the account;
(2)  earnings on the principal of the account; and
(3)  other amounts deposited to the credit of the account, including:
(A)  money deposited under Section 61.5392;
(B)  legislative appropriations; and
(C)  money deposited under Section 155.2415, Tax Code.
(b)  Money in the account may not be appropriated for any purpose except:
(1)  to provide loan repayment assistance to eligible physicians under this subchapter; or
(2)  to provide loan repayment assistance under Subchapter JJ if reallocated under Section 61.9826.
(c)  Money deposited to the credit of the account under Section 61.5392 may be used only to provide loan repayment assistance to physicians who establish eligibility for the assistance under Section 61.532(a)(4)(A) or (b).
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 285 (H.B. 2154), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 983 (H.B. 2099), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1015 (H.B. 2550), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 448 (H.B. 7), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 21.002(4), eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1245 (H.B. 2396), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter J. Repayment of Certain Physician Education Loans › Section 61.5392. Federal Matching Funds

Sec. 61.5392.  FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS.  (a)  For the purposes of this subchapter, the Health and Human Services Commission shall seek any federal matching funds that are available for the purposes of this section.
(b)  Any amount received under Subsection (a) shall be transferred to the comptroller to be deposited in the physician education loan repayment program account established under Section 61.5391.  Section 403.095, Government Code, does not apply to any amount deposited under this section.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1015 (H.B. 2550), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter J. Repayment of Certain Physician Education Loans › Section 61.540. Loan Repayment Assistance Under Former Law; Saving Provision

Sec. 61.540.  LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE UNDER FORMER LAW;  SAVING PROVISION.  (a)  This subsection applies only to a person who entered into a written agreement to perform service as a physician in exchange for loan repayment assistance under this subchapter before September 1, 2003.  The agreement continues in effect and this subchapter, as it existed when the person entered into the agreement, is continued in effect for purposes of that agreement until the person satisfies all the conditions of the agreement or repays all amounts due under the agreement if the person does not satisfy the conditions of the agreement.
(b)  A person receiving loan repayment assistance under this subchapter immediately before the effective date of the amendments made to this subchapter by the 81st Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, may continue to receive loan repayment assistance under this subchapter, as this subchapter applied to the person immediately before the effective date of those amendments, until the person is no longer eligible for loan repayment assistance under this subchapter, as this subchapter existed on that date, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
(c)  A person to whom this section applies is not eligible to receive repayment assistance under another provision of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 24, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 285 (H.B. 2154), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.601. Definition

Sec. 61.601.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "mental health professional" means:
(1)  a licensed physician who is:
(A)  a graduate of an accredited psychiatric residency training program; or
(B)  certified in psychiatry by:
(i)  the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; or
(ii)  the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry;
(2)  a psychologist, as defined by Section 501.002, Occupations Code;
(3)  a licensed professional counselor, as defined by Section 503.002, Occupations Code;
(4)  an advanced practice registered nurse, as defined by Section 301.152, Occupations Code, who holds a nationally recognized board certification in psychiatric or mental health nursing;
(5)  a licensed clinical social worker, as defined by Section 505.002, Occupations Code;
(6)  a licensed specialist in school psychology, as defined by Section 501.002, Occupations Code;
(7)  a chemical dependency counselor, as defined by Section 504.001, Occupations Code; and
(8)  a licensed marriage and family therapist, as defined by Section 502.002, Occupations Code.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 956, Sec. 8.12, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.738, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1101 (H.B. 3808), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.602. Repayment Authorized

Sec. 61.602.  REPAYMENT AUTHORIZED.  If the legislature appropriates funds for purposes of this subchapter, the board shall establish a program to provide, in accordance with this subchapter and rules of the board, assistance in the repayment of student loans for mental health professionals who apply and qualify for the assistance.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.603. Eligibility

Text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 705 (H.B. 2100), Sec. 1
For text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 3, see other Sec. 61.603.
For text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 2, see other Sec. 61.603.
Sec. 61.603.  ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), to be eligible to receive repayment assistance under this subchapter, a mental health professional must:
(1)  apply to the board;
(2)  have completed one, two, three, four, or five consecutive years of practice in a mental health professional shortage area designated by the Department of State Health Services; and
(3)  provide mental health services in this state to:
(A)  recipients under the medical assistance program authorized by Chapter 32, Human Resources Code;
(B)  enrollees under the child health plan program authorized by Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code; or
(C)  persons committed to a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or persons confined in a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with any division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(b)  A mental health professional may also establish eligibility for the repayment assistance under this subchapter by satisfying the requirements of this subsection.  To establish eligibility under this subsection, the mental health professional must:
(1)  apply to the board;
(2)  provide mental health services to:
(A)  patients in a state hospital, as defined by Section 552.0011, Health and Safety Code; or
(B)  individuals receiving community-based mental health services from a local mental health authority that provides the services in accordance with Subchapter B, Chapter 534, Health and Safety Code; and
(3)  have completed one, two, three, four, or five consecutive years of practice in this state as described by Subdivision (2).
(c)  In addition to satisfying the requirements under Subsection (a) or (b), for a licensed physician to be eligible to receive repayment assistance under this subchapter after the physician's third consecutive year of practice described under Subsection (a)(2) or (b)(3), as applicable, the physician must be certified in psychiatry by:
(1)  the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; or
(2)  the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 705 (H.B. 2100), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.603. Eligibility

Text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 2
For text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 3, see other Sec. 61.603.
For text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 705 (H.B. 2100), Sec. 1, see other Sec. 61.603.
Sec. 61.603.  ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), to be eligible to receive repayment assistance under this subchapter, a mental health professional must:
(1)  apply to the board;
(2)  have completed one, two, or three consecutive years of practice in a mental health professional shortage area designated by the Department of State Health Services; and
(3)  provide mental health services in this state to:
(A)  recipients under the medical assistance program authorized by Chapter 32, Human Resources Code;
(B)  enrollees under the child health plan program authorized by Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code; or
(C)  persons committed to a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or persons confined in a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with any division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(b)  A mental health professional may also establish eligibility for the repayment assistance under this subchapter by satisfying the requirements of this subsection.  To establish eligibility under this subsection, the mental health professional must:
(1)  apply to the board;
(2)  provide mental health services to:
(A)  patients in a state hospital, as defined by Section 552.0011, Health and Safety Code; or
(B)  individuals receiving community-based mental health services from a local mental health authority that provides the services in accordance with Subchapter B, Chapter 534, Health and Safety Code; and
(3)  have completed one, two, or three consecutive years of practice in this state as described by Subdivision (2).
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.603. Eligibility

Text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 3
For text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 705 (H.B. 2100), Sec. 1, see other Sec. 61.603.
For text of section as amended by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 2, see other Sec. 61.603.
Sec. 61.603.  ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), to be eligible to receive repayment assistance under this subchapter, a mental health professional must:
(1)  apply to the board;
(2)  have completed one, two, three, four, or five consecutive years of practice in a mental health professional shortage area designated by the Department of State Health Services; and
(3)  provide mental health services in this state to:
(A)  recipients under the medical assistance program authorized by Chapter 32, Human Resources Code;
(B)  enrollees under the child health plan program authorized by Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code; or
(C)  persons committed to a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or persons confined in a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with any division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(b)  To be eligible to receive repayment assistance under this subchapter, a mental health professional described by Section 61.601(6) must:
(1)  apply to the board;
(2)  be employed by:
(A)  a school district all or part of which is located in a federally designated mental health care health professional shortage area;
(B)  an open-enrollment charter school that is located in a shortage area described by Paragraph (A); or
(C)  a public school that receives federal funding under Title I, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section 6301 et seq.);
(3)  provide mental health services to students enrolled in that district or school, as applicable; and
(4)  have completed one, two, three, four, or five consecutive years of practice in this state as described by Subdivisions (2) and (3).
(c)  In addition to satisfying the requirements under Subsection (a), for a licensed physician to be eligible to receive repayment assistance under this subchapter after the physician's third consecutive year of practice described under Subsection (a)(2), the physician must be certified in psychiatry by:
(1)  the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; or
(2)  the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.604. Limitations

Sec. 61.604.  LIMITATIONS.  (a)  A mental health professional may receive repayment assistance under this subchapter for not more than three years.
(b)  Not more than 10 percent of the number of repayment assistance grants paid under this subchapter each year may be awarded to mental health professionals providing mental health services described by Section 61.603(a)(3)(C).
(c)  Not more than 30 percent of the number of repayment assistance grants paid under this subchapter each year may be awarded to mental health professionals in any one of the professions listed in Section 61.601.
(d)  The board may award a grant under this subchapter to a mental health professional described by Section 61.601(8) only in accordance with Subsection (e).
(e)  If in a state fiscal year there are funds available for purposes of the program after funding grants to all eligible mental health professionals described by Sections 61.601(1)-(7), the board may allocate any unused funds to award repayment assistance grants to mental health professionals in any of the professions listed in Section 61.601 except that priority must be given to awarding grants to mental health professionals described by Sections 61.601(1)-(7). The limitations prescribed by Subsections (b) and (c) do not apply to grants awarded under this subsection.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1101 (H.B. 3808), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 6(1), eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.605. Eligible Loans

Sec. 61.605.  ELIGIBLE LOANS.  (a)  The board may provide repayment assistance under this subchapter for the repayment of any student loan for education at an institution of higher education, a private or independent institution of higher education, or a public or private out-of-state institution of higher education accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, including loans for undergraduate education, received by an eligible person through any lender.
(b)  The board may not provide repayment assistance for a student loan that is in default at the time of the person's application.
(c)  In each state fiscal biennium, the board shall attempt to allocate all funds appropriated to the board for the purpose of providing loan repayment assistance under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.606. Repayment

Sec. 61.606.  REPAYMENT.  (a)  The board shall deliver any repayment under this subchapter in a lump sum payable:
(1)  to both the lender or other holder of the loan and the mental health professional; or
(2)  directly to the lender or other holder of the loan on the mental health professional's behalf.
(b)  A repayment under this subchapter may be applied to any amount due in connection with the loan.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.607. Amount of Repayment Assistance

Sec. 61.607.  AMOUNT OF REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE.
(a)  A mental health professional may receive repayment assistance under this subchapter for each year the mental health professional establishes eligibility for the assistance in an amount determined by applying the following applicable percentage to the maximum total amount of assistance allowed for the mental health professional under Subsection (b):
(1)  for the first year, 33.33 percent;
(2)  for the second year, 33.33 percent; and
(3)  for the third year, 33.33 percent.
(b)  The total amount of repayment assistance received by a mental health professional under this subchapter may not exceed:
(1)  $160,000, for assistance from the state received by a licensed physician;
(2)  $80,000, for assistance from the state received by:
(A)  a psychologist;
(B)  a licensed clinical social worker, if the social worker has received a doctoral degree related to social work;
(C)  a licensed professional counselor, if the counselor has received a doctoral degree related to counseling; or
(D)  a licensed marriage and family therapist, if the marriage and family therapist has received a doctoral degree related to marriage and family therapy;
(3)  $60,000, for assistance from the state received by an advanced practice registered nurse;
(4)  $40,000, for assistance from the state received by:
(A)  a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a licensed professional counselor who is not described by Subdivision (2); or
(B)  a licensed specialist in school psychology; and
(5)  $10,000, for assistance from the state received by a licensed chemical dependency counselor, if the chemical dependency counselor has received an associate degree related to chemical dependency counseling or behavioral science.
(c)  The total amount of repayment assistance provided under this subchapter may not exceed the sum of:
(1)  the total amount of gifts and grants accepted by the board for the repayment assistance;
(2)  legislative appropriations for the repayment assistance; and
(3)  other funds available to the board for the repayment assistance.
(d)  The board may adjust in an equitable manner the distribution amounts that mental health professionals would otherwise receive under Subsection (a) for a year as necessary to comply with Subsection (c).
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1101 (H.B. 3808), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 5.030, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.608. Rules; Administration

Sec. 61.608.  RULES; ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The board shall adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter.
(b)  The board shall distribute to each institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and to any appropriate state agency and professional association copies of the rules adopted under this section and other pertinent information relating to this subchapter.
(c)  The board shall adopt rules establishing a process for allocating any unused funds under the program in a state fiscal year in accordance with Section 61.604(e).
(d)  The board shall administer the program under this subchapter in a manner that maximizes any matching funds available through the state loan repayment program under the National Health Service Corps program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.
(e)  The board shall administer the program under this subchapter in a manner that, as program openings occur, allows for the continuous:
(1)  approval or disapproval of applications;
(2)  determination of applicant eligibility; and
(3)  acceptance of eligible applicants into the program.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1101 (H.B. 3808), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 6(2), eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter K. Repayment of Certain Mental Health Professional Education Loans › Section 61.609. Solicitation and Acceptance of Funds

Sec. 61.609.  SOLICITATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS.  (a) The board may solicit and accept gifts and grants from any public or private source for the purposes of this subchapter.
(b)  The board annually shall seek the maximum amount of funds available through the state loan repayment program under the National Health Service Corps program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.651. Definitions

Sec. 61.651.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Professional nursing student" means a student enrolled in a course of study leading to an initial or an advanced degree in professional nursing at:
(A)  an institution of higher education;
(B)  a private or independent institution of higher education; or
(C)  a nonprofit, tax-exempt, regionally accredited college or university operating in accordance with a memorandum of understanding with this state under an executive order issued by the governor.
(2)  "Vocational nursing student" means a student enrolled in a nonprofit school or program that is preparing the student for licensure as a licensed vocational nurse.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1489, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 25), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.652. Scholarship Program

Sec. 61.652.  SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall establish and administer, using funds appropriated for that purpose and in accordance with this subchapter and board rules, a scholarship program for professional nursing students and vocational nursing students.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.654. Loan Repayment Program

Sec. 61.654.  LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.  The board shall establish and administer, using funds appropriated for that purpose and in accordance with this subchapter and board rules, an educational loan repayment program for registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.655. Purpose; Eligibility

Sec. 61.655.  PURPOSE;  ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  A scholarship program or loan repayment program established under this subchapter shall be established and administered in a manner that the board determines best promotes the health care and educational needs of this state.
(b)  The board may establish multiple categories of persons to receive scholarships and loan repayments.  The board may include faculty from professional nursing programs with master's degrees or doctorates among the categories of persons authorized to receive loan repayments.
(c)  Each year funds are available, the board shall establish the categories of persons eligible to receive scholarships and loan repayments and the criteria for selecting persons to be assisted under each category.  The criteria:
(1)  must include that the person be enrolled in, or have outstanding student loans for education received at, as applicable to the program:
(A)  an institution of higher education;
(B)  a private or independent institution of higher education; or
(C)  a nonprofit college or university described by Section 61.651(1)(C); and
(2)  may include:
(A)  scholastic ability and performance;
(B)  financial need;
(C)  the geographical area in which the person is likely to practice;
(D)  whether the person receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or participates in another public welfare program;
(E)  employment by a state agency;
(F)  employment on a nursing school faculty or a person's intention to seek employment on a nursing school faculty;
(G)  whether the person is practicing in a geographical area, a practice setting, or an area of practice with an acute nursing shortage or is likely to practice in such an area;
(H)  the type of certificate or academic degree held or pursued; or
(I)  any additional factors the board considers relevant to promoting the health care and educational needs of the state.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1489, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 25), Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.656. Rules

Sec. 61.656.  RULES.  (a)  The board shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this subchapter.
(b)  The board shall adopt rules relating to the establishment of the scholarship program under Section 61.652 of this code, including rules providing eligibility criteria and the maximum amount of any scholarship, and rules relating to the establishment and administration of the loan repayment program under Section 61.654 of this code, including rules providing eligibility criteria and the maximum amount of loan repayment available.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 25), Sec. 9(2), eff. June 18, 2023.
(d)  The board shall distribute information about the scholarship program and loan repayment program established under this subchapter to:
(1)  employers of registered nurses or licensed vocational nurses;
(2)  associations of employers;
(3)  schools and educational programs for registered nurses or licensed vocational nurses; and
(4)  professional associations of registered nurses or licensed vocational nurses.
(e)  The rules adopted under this section must provide that not more than 10 percent of the total amount of scholarships or repayment assistance awarded under a program established under this subchapter in a year may be awarded to persons enrolled in, or for the repayment of student loans for education received at, as applicable to the program, a nonprofit college or university described by Section 61.651(1)(C).
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1489, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 25), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 25), Sec. 9(2), eff. June 18, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.658. Funding

Sec. 61.658.  FUNDING.  (a)  In addition to funds appropriated by the legislature, the board may accept gifts, grants, and donations of real or personal property from any individual, group, association, or corporation or the United States, subject to limitations or conditions set by law, for the purposes of this subchapter.
(b)  The board may structure the scholarship program and the loan repayment program established under this subchapter to secure funds available under federal matching programs.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1262, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1489, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 25), Sec. 4, eff. June 18, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter L. Financial Aid for Professional Nursing Students and Vocational Nursing Students and Loan Repayment Program for Certain Nurses › Section 61.659. Administrative Costs

Sec. 61.659.  ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.  A reasonable amount, not to exceed 10 percent, of the funds appropriated by the legislature to fund the programs established under this subchapter, may be used by the board to pay administrative costs of operating the programs.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1489, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.701. Repayment Authorized

Sec. 61.701.  REPAYMENT AUTHORIZED.  The board may provide, in accordance with this subchapter and board rules, assistance in the repayment of student loans for persons who apply and qualify for the assistance.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 627, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.702. Eligibility for Classroom Teacher Repayment Assistance

Sec. 61.702.  ELIGIBILITY FOR CLASSROOM TEACHER REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE.  (a)  To be eligible to receive repayment assistance for classroom teachers, a person must apply to the board and must:
(1)  have completed at least one year of employment as a full-time classroom teacher at the preschool, primary, or secondary level in a public school in this state in an area or field of acute teacher shortage as designated by the commissioner of education;  and
(2)  be employed as a full-time classroom teacher at the preschool, primary, or secondary level in a public school in this state in an area or field described by Subdivision (1).
(b)  A person is not eligible for repayment assistance for classroom teachers under this subchapter if the person has received a Teach for Texas grant or other financial assistance under Subchapter O, Chapter 56, or under former Section 56.309.
(c)  The board shall give priority in granting repayment assistance for classroom teachers to a person who received repayment assistance for classroom teachers for the preceding school year.  The priority terminates if the person does not apply for or is not eligible for that assistance.  In extraordinary circumstances, the board may allow a person to maintain the priority after one or more years in which the person is unable to teach as a classroom teacher.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 8, eff. June 15, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.7021. Eligibility for Border Institution Faculty Repayment Assistance

Sec. 61.7021.  ELIGIBILITY FOR BORDER INSTITUTION FACULTY REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE.  To be eligible to receive repayment assistance for border institution faculty, a person must apply to the board and must:
(1)  have received a doctoral degree not earlier than September 1, 1994, from a public or private institution of higher education accredited as required by the board;  and
(2)  be employed as a full-time faculty member with instructional duties in an institution of higher education located in a county that borders the United Mexican States.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 8, eff. June 15, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.703. Limitation

Sec. 61.703.  LIMITATION.  A person may not receive repayment assistance grants for more than 10 years.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.704. Eligible Loans

Sec. 61.704.  ELIGIBLE LOANS.  (a)  The board may provide repayment assistance for the repayment of any student loan for education at a public or private institution of higher education, including loans for undergraduate and graduate education, received by a person through any lender.
(b)  The board may not provide repayment assistance for a student loan that is in default at the time of the person's application.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.705. Repayment

Sec. 61.705.  REPAYMENT.  (a)  The board shall deliver any repayment made under this subchapter in a lump sum payable to the lender and the person, in accordance with federal law.
(b)  A repayment made under this subchapter may be applied to the principal amount of the loan and to interest that accrues.
(c)  The minimum amount of repayment assistance that may be awarded in one year to a person who qualifies for the assistance under Section 61.702 is the lesser of:
(1)  $1,000;  or
(2)  the amount of principal and accrued interest that is due on eligible loans in that year.
(d)  A person may not receive repayment assistance for classroom teachers under this subchapter in a total amount that exceeds $5,000, and may not receive that repayment assistance for more than five years.
(e)  The minimum amount of repayment assistance that may be awarded in one year to a person who qualifies for the assistance under Section 61.7021 is 50 percent of the amount of principal and accrued interest that is due on eligible loans that year.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 627, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 9, eff. June 15, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.706. Advisory Committees

Sec. 61.706.  ADVISORY COMMITTEES.  The board may appoint advisory committees from outside the board's membership to assist the board in performing its duties under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.707. Acceptance of Funds

Sec. 61.707.  ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS.  The board may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations for the purposes of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter M. Repayment of Certain Teacher and Faculty Education Loans › Section 61.708. Rules

Sec. 61.708.  RULES.  (a)  The board shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this subchapter, including a rule that sets a maximum amount of repayment assistance that may be received in one year by a person who qualifies for the assistance under Section 61.7021.
(b)  The board shall distribute a copy of the rules adopted under this section and pertinent information in this subchapter to:
(1)  each institution of higher education that offers a teacher education program;
(2)  the personnel office at each institution of higher education located in a county that borders the United Mexican States;
(3)  any other appropriate state agency;  and
(4)  any appropriate professional association.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 10, eff. June 19, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 10, eff. June 15, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter O. Contracts With Texas Chiropractic College and Parker College of Chiropractic › Section 61.771. Definitions

Sec. 61.771.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Texas resident" means a person entitled to pay resident tuition under Subchapter B, Chapter 54, of this code.
(2)  "Undergraduate chiropractic student" means a person enrolled at an institution of higher education for a regular schedule of courses in pursuit of a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 146, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter O. Contracts With Texas Chiropractic College and Parker College of Chiropractic › Section 61.772. Contracts With Texas Chiropractic College and Parker College of Chiropractic

Sec. 61.772.  CONTRACTS WITH TEXAS CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE AND PARKER COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC.  The board may contract with Texas Chiropractic College and Parker College of Chiropractic for the preparation or instruction of Texas resident undergraduate chiropractic students as doctors of chiropractic.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 146, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 86, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 3 - Higher Education › Subtitle B - State Coordination of Higher Education › Chapter 61 - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board › Subchapter O. Contracts With Texas Chiropractic College and Parker College of Chiropractic › Section 61.773. Adoption and Distribution of Rules

Sec. 61.773.  ADOPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RULES.  (a)  The board may adopt rules to administer this subchapter.
(b)  The board shall distribute to each state medical school copies of all rules adopted under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 146, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.