The bill, S.B. No. 153, proposes the establishment of a Social Work Recruitment and Retention Program, which will be administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This program aims to provide stipends to students enrolled in accredited social work programs at institutions of higher education, assisting them in obtaining the necessary field hours for their degree completion. The bill introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter LL, to Chapter 61 of the Education Code, detailing the program's definition, eligibility criteria, stipend amounts, and reporting requirements.

Eligible students must apply for the stipend, be enrolled in an accredited program, and secure an approved practicum placement. The stipend amounts are set at $15 per hour for bachelor's degree students (up to $6,000) and $20 per hour for master's degree students (up to $9,000). The bill also outlines prioritization criteria for applicants and institutions based on need-based aid qualifications and placements in mental health professional shortage areas. Additionally, institutions receiving funds must report on their stipend distribution and program participation, and the board is tasked with submitting a biennial report on the program's effectiveness.

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