Relating to a plan by the Department of State Health Services to establish and improve tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment programs for health care professionals serving border communities.

HB 2860 requires Texas' Department of State Health Services to create a plan for new and improved tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment programs specifically for healthcare professionals working in communities along the Texas-Mexico border. The plan must require participants to commit to full-time employment in these border areas for a set period and prioritize applicants who live in those communities. The department must submit the finalized plan and cost estimate to the legislature by September 1, 2026, with the bill expiring on January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects healthcare workers serving in border communities by offering financial incentives to support recruitment and retention.