reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter I. Community Development Block Grant Nonentitlement Program › Section 487.354. Financial Assistance for Installation of Street Lights in Colonias

Sec. 487.354.  FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTS IN COLONIAS.  (a)  In this section, "colonia" means an identifiable unincorporated community, or an identifiable community annexed by a municipality and eligible for assistance as described by Section 43.907(b), Local Government Code, that:
(1)  is located within 150 miles of the international border of this state in a county that is eligible to receive financial assistance from the community development block grant colonia fund under this subchapter, as identified by department rule;
(2)  is determined by the department to be a colonia on the basis of objective criteria, including lack of potable water supply, lack of adequate sewage systems, and lack of decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and
(3)  was in existence and generally recognized as a colonia before November 28, 1990.
(b)  The department shall adopt a rule requiring a political subdivision that receives community development block grant program money targeted toward street improvement projects to allocate not less than five percent but not more than 15 percent of the total amount of targeted money to providing financial assistance to colonias within the political subdivision to enable the installation of adequate street lighting in those colonias if street lighting is absent or needed.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1210 (H.B. 775), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 59, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter J. Designating Rural Hospitals › Section 487.401. Administration

Sec. 487.401.  ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The department shall adopt rules that establish a procedure for designating a hospital as a rural hospital in order for the hospital to qualify for federal funds under 42 C.F.R. Part 412.
(b)  At the hospital's request, the department shall designate the hospital as a rural hospital if the hospital meets the requirements for a rural hospital under the department's rules.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 37, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 60, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter K. Community Healthcare Awareness and Mentoring Program for Students › Section 487.451. Definitions

Sec. 487.451.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Health care professional" means:
(A)  an advanced nurse practitioner;
(B)  a dentist;
(C)  a dental hygienist;
(D)  a laboratory technician;
(E)  a licensed vocational nurse;
(F)  a licensed professional counselor;
(G)  a medical radiological technologist;
(H)  an occupational therapist;
(I)  a pharmacist;
(J)  a physical therapist;
(K)  a physician;
(L)  a physician assistant;
(M)  a psychologist;
(N)  a registered nurse;
(O)  a social worker;
(P)  a speech-language pathologist;
(Q)  a veterinarian;
(R)  a chiropractor; and
(S)  another appropriate health care professional identified by the department.
(2)  "Program" means the community healthcare awareness and mentoring program for students established under this subchapter.
(3)  "Underserved urban area" means an urban area of this state with a medically underserved population, as determined in accordance with criteria adopted by the department by rule, considering relevant demographic, geographic, and environmental factors.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 831, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Sec. 106.251 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(c), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 38, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 29, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter K. Community Healthcare Awareness and Mentoring Program for Students › Section 487.452. Community Healthcare Awareness and Mentoring Program for Students

Sec. 487.452.  COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE AWARENESS AND MENTORING PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the department, in collaboration with Area Health Education Center Programs, shall establish a community healthcare awareness and mentoring program for students to:
(1)  identify high school students in rural and underserved urban areas who are interested in serving those areas as health care professionals;
(2)  identify health care professionals in rural and underserved urban areas to act as positive role models, mentors, or reference resources for the interested high school students;
(3)  introduce interested high school students to the spectrum of professional health care careers through activities such as health care camps and shadowing of health care professionals;
(4)  encourage a continued interest in service as health care professionals in rural and underserved urban areas by providing mentors and community resources for students participating in training or educational programs to become health care professionals; and
(5)  provide continuing community-based support for students during the period the students are attending training or educational programs to become health care professionals, including summer job opportunities and opportunities to mentor high school students in the community.
(b)  In connection with the program, the department shall establish and maintain an updated medical resource library that contains information relating to medical careers.  The department shall make the library available to school counselors, students, and parents of students.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 831, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.252 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(c), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 39, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 61, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter K. Community Healthcare Awareness and Mentoring Program for Students › Section 487.453. Administration

Sec. 487.453.  ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The department shall administer or contract for the administration of the program.
(b)  The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations, and contributions to support the program.
(c)  The department may administer the program in cooperation with other public and private entities.
(d)  The department, in consultation with Area Health Education Center Programs, shall coordinate the program with similar programs, including programs relating to workforce development, scholarships for education, and employment of students, that are administered by other agencies, such as the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 831, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.253 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(c), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 62, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter K. Community Healthcare Awareness and Mentoring Program for Students › Section 487.454. Grants; Eligibility

Sec. 487.454.  GRANTS; ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the department shall develop and implement, as a component of the program, a grant program to support employment opportunities in rural and underserved urban areas in this state for students participating in training or educational programs to become health care professionals.
(b)  In awarding grants under the program, the department shall give first priority to grants to training or educational programs that provide internships to students.
(c)  To be eligible to receive a grant under the grant program, a person must:
(1)  apply for the grant on a form adopted by the department;
(2)  be enrolled or intend to be enrolled in a training or educational program to become a health care professional;
(3)  commit to practice or work, after licensure as a health care professional, for at least one year as a health care professional in a rural or underserved urban area in this state; and
(4)  comply fully with any practice or requirements associated with any scholarship, loan, or other similar benefit received by the student.
(d)  As a condition of receiving a grant under the program the student must agree to repay the amount of the grant, plus a penalty in an amount established by rule of the department not to exceed two times the amount of the grant, if the student becomes licensed as a health care professional and fails to practice or work for at least one year as a health care professional in a rural or underserved urban area in this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 831, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.254 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276 Sec. 9.006(c), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 40, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter L. Rural Physician Recruitment Program › Section 487.501. Definitions

Sec. 487.501.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Rural community" means a rural area as defined by the department.
(2)  "Medical school" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.501, Education Code.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1112, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.251 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(d), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 63, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter L. Rural Physician Recruitment Program › Section 487.502. Gifts and Grants

Sec. 487.502.  GIFTS AND GRANTS.  The department may accept gifts, grants, and donations to support the rural physician recruitment program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1112, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.252 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(d), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 64, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter L. Rural Physician Recruitment Program › Section 487.503. Rural Physician Recruitment Program

Sec. 487.503.  RURAL PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT PROGRAM.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a process in consultation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for selecting Texas medical schools to recruit students from rural communities and encourage them to return to rural communities to practice medicine.
(b)  The Texas medical schools selected shall:
(1)  encourage high school and college students from rural communities to pursue a career in medicine;
(2)  develop a screening process to identify rural students most likely to pursue a career in medicine;
(3)  establish a rural medicine curriculum;
(4)  establish a mentoring program for rural students;
(5)  provide rural students with information about financial aid resources available for postsecondary education;  and
(6)  establish a rural practice incentive program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1112, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.253 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(d), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 65, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.551. Definitions

Sec. 487.551.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Health professional" means a person other than a physician who holds a license, certificate, registration, permit, or other form of authorization required by law or a state agency rule that must be obtained by an individual to practice in a health care profession.
(2)  "Medically underserved community" means a community that:
(A)  is located in a county with a population of 50,000 or less;
(B)  has been designated under state or federal law as:
(i)  a health professional shortage area; or
(ii)  a medically underserved area; or
(C)  has been designated as a medically underserved community by the department.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.301 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 66, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.553. Loan Reimbursement Program

Sec. 487.553.  LOAN REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM.  Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a program to assist communities in recruiting health professionals to practice in medically underserved communities by providing loan reimbursement for health professionals who serve in those communities.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.303 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 41, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 68, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 33, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.554. Stipend Program

Sec. 487.554.  STIPEND PROGRAM.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a program to assist communities in recruiting health professionals to practice in medically underserved communities by providing a stipend to health professionals who agree to serve in those communities.
(b)  A stipend awarded under this section may be paid in periodic installments.
(c)  A health professional who participates in the program established under this section must establish an office and residency in the medically underserved area before receiving any portion of the stipend.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.304 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 42, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 69, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 34, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.555. Contract Required

Sec. 487.555.  CONTRACT REQUIRED.  (a)  A health professional may receive assistance under this subchapter only if the health professional signs a contract agreeing to provide health care services in a medically underserved community.
(b)  A student in a degree program preparing to become a health professional may contract with the department for the loan reimbursement program under Section 487.553 before obtaining the license required to become a health professional.
(c)  The department may contract with a health professional for part-time services under the stipend program established under Section 487.554.
(d)  A health professional who participates in any loan reimbursement program is not eligible for a stipend under Section 487.554.
(e)  A contract under this section must provide that a health professional who does not provide the required services to the community or provides those services for less than the required time is personally liable to the state for:
(1)  the total amount of assistance the health professional received from the department and the medically underserved community;
(2)  interest on the amount under Subdivision (1) at a rate set by the department;
(3)  the state's reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining payment, including reasonable attorney's fees; and
(4)  a penalty as established by the department by rule to help ensure compliance with the contract.
(f)  Amounts recovered under Subsection (e) shall be deposited in the permanent endowment fund for the rural communities health care investment program under Section 487.558.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.305 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 43, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 70, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.556. Powers and Duties of Department

Sec. 487.556.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT.  (a)  The department shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this subchapter, including guidelines for:
(1)  developing contracts under which loan reimbursement or stipend recipients provide services to qualifying communities;
(2)  identifying the duties of the state, state agency, loan reimbursement or stipend recipient, and medically underserved community under the loan reimbursement or stipend contract;
(3)  determining a rate of interest to be charged under Section 487.555(e)(2);
(4)  ensuring that a loan reimbursement or stipend recipient provides access to health services to participants in government-funded health benefits programs in qualifying communities;
(5)  encouraging the use of telecommunications or telemedicine, as appropriate;
(6)  prioritizing the provision of loan reimbursements and stipends to health professionals who are not eligible for any other state loan forgiveness, loan repayment, or stipend program;
(7)  prioritizing the provision of loan reimbursements and stipends to health professionals who are graduates of health professional degree programs in this state;
(8)  encouraging a medically underserved community served by a loan reimbursement or stipend recipient to contribute to the cost of the loan reimbursement or stipend when making a contribution is feasible; and
(9)  requiring a medically underserved community served by a loan reimbursement or stipend recipient to assist the department in contracting with the loan reimbursement or stipend recipient who will serve that community.
(b)  The department by rule may designate areas of the state as medically underserved communities.
(c)  The department shall make reasonable efforts to contract with health professionals from a variety of different health professions.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.306 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 44, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 72, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.557. Use of Telecommunication and Telemedicine

Sec. 487.557.  USE OF TELECOMMUNICATION AND TELEMEDICINE.  A health professional who participates in a program under this subchapter may not use telecommunication technology, including telemedicine, as the sole or primary method of providing services and may not use telecommunication technology as a substitute for providing health care services in person.  A health professional who participates in a program under this subchapter may use telecommunication technology only to supplement or enhance the health care services provided by the health professional.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.307 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.558. Permanent Endowment Fund

Sec. 487.558.  PERMANENT ENDOWMENT FUND.  (a)  The permanent endowment fund for the rural communities health care investment program is a special fund in the treasury outside the general revenue fund.
(b)  The fund is composed of:
(1)  money transferred to the fund at the direction of the legislature;
(2)  gifts and grants contributed to the fund;
(3)  the returns received from investment of money in the fund;  and
(4)  amounts recovered under Section 487.555(e).
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.308 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.559. Administration and Use of Fund

Sec. 487.559.  ADMINISTRATION AND USE OF FUND.  (a)  The department may administer the permanent endowment fund for the rural communities health care investment program.  If the department elects not to administer the fund, the comptroller shall administer the fund.
(b)  The administrator of the fund shall invest the fund in a manner intended to preserve the purchasing power of the fund's assets and the fund's annual distributions.  The administrator may acquire, exchange, sell, supervise, manage, or retain, through procedures and subject to restrictions the administrator considers appropriate, any kind of investment of the fund's assets that prudent investors, exercising reasonable care, skill, and caution, would acquire or retain in light of the purposes, terms, distribution requirements, and other circumstances of the fund then prevailing, taking into consideration the investment of all the assets of the fund rather than a single investment.
(c)  The comptroller or the department may solicit and accept gifts and grants to the fund.
(d)  Annual distributions for the fund shall be determined by the investment and distribution policy adopted by the administrator of the fund for the fund's assets.
(e)  Except as provided by Subsection (f), money in the fund may not be used for any purpose.
(f)  The amount available for distribution from the fund, including any gift or grant, may be appropriated only for providing stipends and loan reimbursement under the programs authorized by this subchapter and to pay the expenses of managing the fund.  The expenditure of a gift or grant is subject to any limitation or requirement placed on the gift or grant by the donor or granting entity.
(g)  Sections 403.095 and 404.071, Government Code, do not apply to the fund.  Section 404.094(d), Government Code, applies to the fund.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.309 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 73, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter M. Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program › Section 487.560. Reporting Requirement

Sec. 487.560.  REPORTING REQUIREMENT.  The department shall provide a report on the permanent endowment fund for the rural communities health care investment program to the Legislative Budget Board not later than November 1 of each year.  The report must include the total amount of money the department received from the fund, the purpose for which the money was used, and any additional information that may be requested by the Legislative Budget Board.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. May 28, 2001.  Redesignated from Health and Safety Code Sec. 106.310 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.006(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 74, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.601. Definitions

Sec. 487.601.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine in this state under Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code.
(2)  "Relief services" means the temporary coverage of a physician's practice by another physician for a predetermined time during the physician's absence and before the physician's return.
(3)  "Rural" means:
(A)  a community located in a county with a population not greater than 50,000;
(B)  an area designated under state or federal law as:
(i)  a health professional shortage area; or
(ii)  a medically underserved area; or
(C)  a medically underserved community designated by the department.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 75, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.602. Rural Physician Relief Program

Sec. 487.602.  RURAL PHYSICIAN RELIEF PROGRAM.  Subject to available funding, the  department shall create a program to provide affordable relief services to rural physicians practicing in the fields of general family medicine, general internal medicine, and general pediatrics to facilitate the ability of those physicians to take time away from their practice.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 76, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.603. Fees

Sec. 487.603.  FEES.  (a)  The department shall charge a fee for rural physicians to participate in the program.
(b)  The fees collected under this section shall be deposited in a special account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only to the department for administration of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 77, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.604. Funding

Sec. 487.604.  FUNDING.  The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations, and contributions to support the program.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 78, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.605. Relief Physician's Expenses

Sec. 487.605.  RELIEF PHYSICIAN'S EXPENSES.  The department shall pay a physician providing relief under the program using fees collected by the center.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 79, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.606. Priority Assignment of Relief Physicians

Sec. 487.606.  PRIORITY ASSIGNMENT OF RELIEF PHYSICIANS.  (a)  The department shall assign physicians to provide relief to a rural area in accordance with the following priorities:
(1)  solo practitioners;
(2)  counties that have fewer than seven residents per square mile;
(3)  counties that have been designated under federal law as a health professional shortage area;
(4)  counties that do not have a hospital; and
(5)  counties that have a hospital but do not have a continuously staffed hospital emergency room.
(b)  In determining where to assign relief physicians, the department shall consider the number of physicians in the area available to provide relief services and the distance in that area to the nearest physician who practices in the same specialty.
(c)  At the request of the department, residency program directors may assist the department in coordinating the assignment of relief physicians.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 80, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter N. Rural Physician Relief Program › Section 487.607. Relief Physician Recruitment

Sec. 487.607.  RELIEF PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT.  The department shall actively recruit physicians to participate in the program as relief physicians.  The department shall concentrate on recruiting physicians involved in an accredited residency program in general pediatrics, general internal medicine, and general family medicine, physicians registered on the department's locum tenens registry, physicians employed at a medical school, and physicians working for private locum tenens groups.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 81, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter O. Community Telecommunications Alliance Program › Section 487.651. Definitions

Sec. 487.651.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)   "Community telecommunications alliance" means an association of public and private entities created to share resources, promote innovative school health technology, promote economic development opportunities for the community, and improve the overall quality of life within a local community through telecommunications and information services provided by the private sector.
(2)  "Program" means the community telecommunications alliance program.
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 831 (H.B. 735), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2008.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter O. Community Telecommunications Alliance Program › Section 487.652. Rules Governing Program

Sec. 487.652.  RULES GOVERNING PROGRAM.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the community telecommunications alliance program shall:
(1)  assist local communities in the creation and development of community telecommunications alliances, including alliances established to pursue rural economic development or innovative rural school health technology projects, by providing advice and assistance in assessing local uses of and local demands or needs for local telecommunications and information services of private sector providers; and
(2)  assist community telecommunications alliances in applying for grant funding for projects, including:
(A)  assisting alliances in securing matching private sector funding for projects; and
(B)  requiring alliances to develop sustainable plans:
(i)  that demonstrate how the alliance will continue to obtain private sector services once the grant funding terminates;
(ii)  that do not directly compete with local businesses, telecommunications providers, or information services providers; and
(iii)  that prohibit a network created with assistance from the alliance or other public funding from being sold to a direct competitor of a private sector provider.
(b)  Each community telecommunications alliance established under this section shall have an advisory council with representation from each of the following:
(1)  a local nonprofit organization;
(2)  a local county-elected official;
(3)  a local city-elected official;
(4)  a local telecommunications provider;
(5)  a local economic development group;
(6)  the local financial community; and
(7)  a local information services provider.
(c)  This chapter may not be construed to:
(1)  expand eligibility for private network services under Section 58.253(a) or 59.072(a), Utilities Code, to persons not eligible to purchase the services;  or
(2)  permit the direct or indirect sharing or resale of private network services with persons not eligible to purchase the services.
(d)  A community telecommunications alliance created under this section shall offer the following local entities the opportunity to be included in the alliance:
(1)  a library;
(2)  a public school;
(3)  a public not-for-profit health care facility; and
(4)  a local institution of higher education.
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 831 (H.B. 735), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2008.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 38, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter O. Community Telecommunications Alliance Program › Section 487.654. Prohibition

Sec. 487.654.  PROHIBITION.  A community telecommunications alliance may not directly or indirectly:
(1)  provide telecommunications or information services to the public;
(2)  resell or share telecommunications or information services obtained through grants or loans received under Chapter 57, Utilities Code, with persons not eligible for the grants or loans;  or
(3)  provide or support the provision of telecommunications or information services in competition with a private sector provider.
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter Q. Rural Technology Center Grant Program › Section 487.751. Definition

Sec. 487.751.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "rural county" means a county that has a population of not more than 125,000.
Renumbered from Government Code, Section 487.701 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(31), eff. September 1, 2009.
Relettered from Government Code, Subchapter P, Chapter 487 and amended by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 91, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter Q. Rural Technology Center Grant Program › Section 487.752. Grant Program

Sec. 487.752.  GRANT PROGRAM.  (a)  Subject to available funds, the department shall establish a grant program under which the department awards grants to public institutions of higher education, public high schools, and governmental entities located in a rural county for the development and operation of multi-institutional technology centers that provide:
(1)  community access to technology;
(2)  computer literacy programs;
(3)  educational programs designed to provide concurrent enrollment credit for high school students taking postsecondary courses in information and emerging technologies;
(4)  training for careers in technology-related fields and other highly skilled industries; and
(5)  technology-related continuing and adult education programs.
(b)  The department by rule shall establish:
(1)  eligibility criteria for grant applicants;
(2)  grant application procedures;
(3)  guidelines relating to grant amounts;
(4)  procedures for evaluating grant applications; and
(5)  procedures for monitoring the use of grants awarded under the program and for ensuring compliance with the conditions of a grant.
Renumbered from Government Code, Section 487.702 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(31), eff. September 1, 2009.
Relettered from Government Code, Subchapter P, Chapter 487 and amended by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 91, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 43, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter Q. Rural Technology Center Grant Program › Section 487.753. Funding

Sec. 487.753.  FUNDING.  The department may seek, receive, and spend money received through an appropriation, grant, donation, or reimbursement from any public or private source to implement this subchapter.
Renumbered from Government Code, Section 487.703 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(31), eff. September 1, 2009.
Relettered from Government Code, Subchapter P, Chapter 487 and amended by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 91, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 488 - Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park › Section 488.001. Coalition Establishment

Sec. 488.001.  COALITION ESTABLISHMENT.  The Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park Coalition is established.  The coalition is composed of public and private health-related institutions, and other private for-profit and nonprofit and governmental institutions, and is established for the purpose of developing, funding, and operating a biotechnology research and development park to be known as the Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 574, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 488 - Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park › Section 488.002. Purpose; Location

Sec. 488.002.  PURPOSE;  LOCATION.  (a)  The park shall be operated for the purposes of:
(1)  furthering the mission of the coalition members;
(2)  economic development of the state, including the production of net revenue to the state and coalition members, from the commercialization of biotechnology research;
(3)  recruiting and retaining leading scientists and established biotechnology enterprises;  and
(4)  supporting the growth and development of new biotechnology enterprises.
(b)  The park shall be located in the area of Houston, Texas, known as the Texas Medical Center.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 574, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 488 - Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park › Section 488.003. Coalition Members

Sec. 488.003.  COALITION MEMBERS.  The membership of the coalition may include any interested governmental or private for-profit or nonprofit institution, including:
(1)  Baylor College of Medicine;
(2)  Johnson Space Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(3)  Memorial Hermann Health Care System;
(4)  Rice University;
(5)  St. Luke's Episcopal Health System/Texas Heart Institute;
(6)  Texas Southern University;
(7)  TIRR Systems;
(8)  the University of Houston System;
(9)  The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center;
(10)  The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston;  and
(11)  The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 574, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 488 - Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park › Section 488.004. Nonprofit Corporation

Sec. 488.004.  NONPROFIT CORPORATION.  The coalition may establish a nonprofit corporation to develop and operate the park.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 574, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 488 - Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park › Section 488.005. Land and Infrastructure

Sec. 488.005.  LAND AND INFRASTRUCTURE.  The park may be developed on land owned by the State of Texas and made available for that purpose, as well as on land acquired by the state, the nonprofit corporation, or a member institution for purposes of the park.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 574, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 488 - Southeast Texas Biotechnology Park › Section 488.006. Investment; Funding

Sec. 488.006.  INVESTMENT;  FUNDING.  (a)  The park shall be developed as a public-private partnership in which both public institutions and private entities contribute to the development, funding, and operation of the park.
(b)  Leases producing revenue to state institutions participating in the development of the park shall be at market rates.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 574, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 489 - Texas Economic Development Bank › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 489.001. Definitions

Sec. 489.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Bank" means the Texas Economic Development Bank established under Section 489.101.
(2)  "Fund" means the Texas economic development bank fund.
(3)  "Office" means the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 814, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 489 - Texas Economic Development Bank › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 489.002. Rules

Sec. 489.002.  RULES.  The office shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 814, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 489 - Texas Economic Development Bank › Subchapter B. Creation and Operation of Bank; Texas Economic Development Bank Fund › Section 489.101. Creation of Bank

Sec. 489.101.  CREATION OF BANK.  (a)  The office shall establish the Texas Economic Development Bank for the purpose of:
(1)  providing globally competitive, cost-effective state incentives to expanding businesses operating in this state and businesses relocating to this state;  and
(2)  ensuring that communities and businesses in this state have access to capital for economic development purposes.
(b)  The bank's effectiveness shall be measured on the basis of the number of jobs created and retained and the total amount of nonstate funds leveraged as a result of the bank's efforts.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 814, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.