HJR272 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Dentistry, Joint Interim Commission created to study the need for a second school of dentistry

Summary

Creates a joint interim commission to study whether Alabama should establish a second dental school and/or expand dental services in rural areas.

What This Bill Does

Forms a diverse commission of lawmakers, dental boards, professional groups, and universities to study feasibility. The group will analyze how many dentists practice in the state, where they are located, and a shortage index to identify underserved areas, and it will evaluate whether a second dental school would benefit rural areas. It will also look at other ways to increase the number of dentists and access to dental care in rural areas. The commission must report its findings and any proposed legislation by January 1, 2022, after which it will dissolve.

Who It Affects

• Rural Alabama residents and communities, who may gain improved access to dental care if the commission’s recommendations are adopted.
• Dental professionals and related organizations/institutions (Board of Dental Examiners, Alabama Dental Association, State Board of Health, universities, and other appointing authorities) who will participate in the commission and may influence future policy decisions.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Joint Interim Commission to study the feasibility of establishing a second school of dentistry and/or increasing dental services in rural Alabama.
• Membership includes: Chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee; Chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee; up to three Senate members; up to three House members; up to three members appointed by the Governor; one member each from the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, the Executive Committee of the Alabama Dental Association, the State Board of Health, the University of Alabama System, the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of South Alabama.
• Requires appointing authorities to ensure diversity of gender, race, and geographic representation in appointments.
• Speaker and President Pro Tempore appoint cochairs; initial meeting set as soon as practical; notice given per legislative interim rules.
• Study scope includes: current number and location of dentists and the dentist shortage index to identify underserved areas; whether a second dental school would benefit rural areas; and analysis of alternatives to provide more dentists and dental services.
• Senate, House, and Legislative Services Agency provide staff and support to the commission.
• Legislative members receive compensation, per diem, and travel expenses; other members reimbursed per their appointing authorities’ policies.
• Commission must report findings and proposed legislation by January 1, 2022; the commission dissolves after the report is submitted.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative