State Senate passes plan to bring more doctors to West Texas

By News Staff on Thursday, May 29, 2025
  • Caption: State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-District 31 (left), and state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, stand in the Texas Senate chamber this week following the passage of the DOCTOR Act.
    Caption: State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-District 31 (left), and state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, stand in the Texas Senate chamber this week following the passage of the DOCTOR Act.

    WEST TEXAS - A bill from State Senator Kevin Sparks aimed at tackling the doctor shortage in Texas has cleared a major hurdle. The DOCTOR Act—short for Decreasing Occupational Certification Timelines, Obstacles, and Regulations—passed the Texas Senate on May 26 and is now on its way to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk.

    Sparks, who represents District 31 including Martin County and much of West Texas, au…