Bill > HB5154

This bill modifies the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) Council by expanding its mission and operational procedures. The bill enhances the program's goals to not only support economically disadvantaged students pursuing medical education, but also to address statewide workforce needs and promote accessibility and equality in medical education. Key changes include requiring the council to establish more transparent meeting protocols, including posting detailed meeting notices at least 72 hours in advance and distributing them electronically to participating students. The bill also mandates that the council create an online feedback portal where students can submit anonymous recommendations and complaints, which will be reviewed regularly and compiled into reports. Additionally, the council must now pursue opportunities to increase scholarship funding, aiming to allocate at least 30 percent of appropriated funds to scholarships, and must provide more comprehensive annual reports detailing student enrollment, financial expenditures, program challenges, and strategies for future funding. The council's responsibilities now explicitly include promoting mentoring services, facilitating medical school admissions, and aligning educational efforts with state workforce development needs. These modifications aim to improve the program's effectiveness, transparency, and support for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing medical careers.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5154