HB0407: Provide $250 Grant for Voluntary STD Testing in College
TN Gen. Assy Bill: HB0407
Bill Summary
- Purpose: Establish a program to award a $250 grant to full-time students at public higher education institutions for voluntarily obtaining sexually transmitted disease testing.
- Implementation: Task the Tennessee Higher Education Commission with developing and overseeing the program.
- Legislative Amendments: Proposes amendments to TCA Title 10, Chapter 7 and Title 49 to support the initiative.
Risks & Considerations
- The introduction of a grant program for students obtaining testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could lead to increased awareness and prevention efforts among the student population. However, it may also require additional administrative resources to manage and distribute the grants effectively.
- There is a potential risk of stigmatization or privacy concerns among students who participate in the program, which could affect its uptake and overall effectiveness.
- The program’s success will depend on the availability of testing facilities and the cooperation of healthcare providers, which may vary across different regions and institutions.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this program aligns with its existing health services and whether additional support or resources are needed to accommodate increased demand for STD testing.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt University Student Health Center may experience an increase in demand for STD testing services, necessitating potential adjustments in staffing and resource allocation.
- The Office of Student Affairs could play a role in promoting the program and ensuring that students are aware of the available resources and support systems.
- Vanderbilt’s Public Health Programs might find opportunities for research and collaboration in evaluating the program’s impact on student health and behavior.
Financial Impact
- The implementation of the grant program may require additional funding or reallocation of existing resources within the Tennessee higher education system, potentially affecting other financial priorities.
- Vanderbilt University might need to assess the financial implications of increased testing demand, including potential costs associated with expanding health services or facilities.
- There could be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding or partnerships related to public health initiatives and research on STD prevention and education.
Relevance Score: 3 (The program presents moderate risks involving compliance and resource allocation.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This could impact the university’s recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings, particularly for students with artistic talents.
- The Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes, including the addition of the executive director to the selection process for chief executive officers and the expansion of non-degree credentials, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. These changes could affect leadership dynamics and credential offerings at the university.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. This will ensure that the university’s financial strategies align with state requirements and optimize student outcomes.
Opportunities
- The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to develop programs that support and attract students interested in spoken word poetry, enhancing the university’s reputation in the arts.
- The expansion of quality non-degree credentials presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Continuing Education Programs to develop new offerings that align with the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant, potentially increasing enrollment and diversifying educational pathways.
- By engaging with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s revised processes, Vanderbilt can influence the selection and development of leadership within the state’s higher education institutions, potentially aligning state and university goals more closely.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to changes in scholarship opportunities and leadership selection processes.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A — The proposal does not specify any explicit deadlines or timelines for the development or implementation of the program.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission: This commission is mandated to develop a program that provides a $250 grant to full-time students enrolled in public institutions of higher education for voluntary sexually transmitted disease testing.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only one government agency is directly impacted.)
Responsible Officials
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission – Responsible for developing and implementing the program to award $250 grants to full-time public institution students who voluntarily obtain STD testing.
Relevance Score: 4 (Impacts an agency head with strategic program oversight responsibilities.)