EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday, May 15, to authorize moving ahead with and establishing a public law school in El Paso County, according to a news release from state Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso.
House Bill 3475, sponsored by Perez, authorizes Texas university systems — including UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, University of Houston and Texas State — to formally propose establishing a public law school in El Paso County, according to Perez’s office.
El Paso remains one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation without a local accredited law school, requiring students to travel long distances or forgo pursuing a legal education, Perez’s office said.
“HB 3475 addresses this significant educational gap and responds to strong regional demand identified through a recent state-funded feasibility study,” Perez’s office said.
University of Texas at El Paso President Heather Wilson presented key findings from that study during the House Higher Education Committee hearing, highlighting “robust local support” and the long-term benefits of providing accessible legal education in the region, Perez’s office said in its news release.
“Today’s vote is a significant step toward expanding educational and professional opportunities for El Paso and West Texas students,” Perez said. “Creating a law school in El Paso will empower local talent, meet the growing statewide need for bilingual legal professionals, and stimulate economic growth in our region.”
“This isn’t just about adding another school — it’s about securing Texas’s long-term prosperity. El Paso is our front door to the world, and we must invest in the legal minds who will lead in cross-border trade, immigration, and international business,” Perez added.
The bill will now be sent to the Senate and if passed, will go to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed.
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