Southwest University supports Senate Bill 2058 to enhance clinical placement for nursing students

The Texas Senate Committee on Education convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative measures, including Senate Bill 2058 and Senate Bill 2683, both aimed at addressing pressing issues in education and public safety.

Senate Bill 2058, presented by Jeremy Burciaga, Vice President and Academic Dean of Southwest University in El Paso, seeks to enhance clinical placement opportunities for nursing students across Texas. Burciaga emphasized the need for better data coordination among state agencies to streamline the placement process for nursing programs. He highlighted the challenges faced by nursing schools in securing clinical placements, noting that current efforts require extensive networking and outreach. The bill aims to create a centralized data system that would allow nursing programs to easily access information about available clinical sites, ultimately improving the training and readiness of future healthcare workers.

In addition, the committee discussed Senate Bill 2683, introduced by Senator Hughes, which addresses concerns regarding foreign influence on college campuses. The bill prohibits public colleges and universities from providing support to student organizations that receive funding from foreign entities deemed a threat, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Hughes pointed out the risks posed by organizations like the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, which have been reported to surveil and influence students. The bill aims to protect students and maintain the integrity of educational institutions by restricting foreign funding and influence.

Both bills were left pending for further consideration, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing critical issues in education and national security. The discussions underscored the importance of legislative action in supporting nursing education and safeguarding academic environments from foreign interference.