The bill, S.B. No. 1570, proposes the establishment of the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, which will be managed and controlled by the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System. The new college will offer degrees under the authority of Tarleton State University and will have the ability to prescribe courses and adopt policies necessary for its operation. Additionally, the board may provide a suitable teaching hospital through 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 provisions. Specifically, it adds the college to the definitions of "medical and dental unit" and "medical school," and it allows for the appropriation of funds for programs benefiting medical research and health education at the new college. Notably, the bill deletes a reference to Baylor College of Medicine in the context of funding, replacing it with the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. The act 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 61, Education Code 63)