What this is
Texas HB 291 changes how medical schools grade students and admit applicants starting in fall 2026.
Texas House Bill 291 brings important changes to how medical schools in our state operate. The law sets rules for grading, admissions, and how schools make decisions about who gets hired. These changes take effect starting in fall 2026, giving schools time to prepare.
One major change is about grading. At least 50 percent of medical coursework must be graded using a letter system from A to F or a similar tier system with at least four levels. This means students will see clear letter grades on a significant portion of their work, making it easier to understand how they are performing.
The law also focuses on admissions. Medical schools must consider students' scores on standardized tests that measure knowledge and critical thinking in science and medicine. However, test scores alone cannot be the only thing schools look at when deciding who to admit. Schools must also consider other factors about each applicant.
These rules apply to all medical schools in Texas that award degrees or certificates. The changes give our state stronger oversight of medical education and help ensure students have clear, consistent grading standards.
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Another important requirement is that medical schools must tell the Texas Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board if they want to change their admission standards or grading standards. Schools must share the new standards, explain why they are making changes, and say when those changes will start. This transparency helps ensure our state has a say in how medical schools operate.
Key details
- Implementation date: Fall 2026
- Grading requirement: At least 50 percent of coursework
- Grading scale: Letter grades A-F or four-tier system
- Effective date: September 1, 2025 or immediately with two-thirds vote
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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How this affects households
Under $30,000
This law doesn't change your household budget or benefits. Medical school changes won't affect your daily finances.
$30,000-$60,000
No direct impact on your family's money or benefits. These are changes to how medical schools operate, not changes that affect your income.
$60,000-$100,000
This law doesn't change your household finances. The medical school rules won't affect your family budget or benefits.
Over $100,000
No direct financial impact on your household. These are internal changes to medical schools that don't affect your family's money.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Law: Changes to Medical School Admissions and Grading" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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