The bill, H.B. No. 3197, proposes the establishment of the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new college under Tarleton State University, which will be managed by the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System. The bill includes provisions for the board to prescribe courses leading to degrees in osteopathic medicine and to adopt necessary policies for the college's operation. Additionally, it allows for the provision of a suitable teaching hospital by a public or private entity.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Education Code to include the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in various definitions and contexts. Specifically, it adds the college to the definitions of "medical and dental unit" and "medical school," and it includes it in the list of institutions eligible for funding from a specified health-related fund. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.003, Education Code 61.501, Education Code 63.002 (Education Code 63, Education Code 61)