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A bill that would merge UTPA and UTB as well as create a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley has passed an important legislative hurdle.

Lawmakers with the Texas Senate Higher Education Committee heard testimony about Senate Bill 24 on Wednesday morning.

Committee members heard testimony from UT System Chancellor Francisco Ciguerroa, UTPA President Robert Nelsen, UTB President Julieta V. Garcia and Edinburg Mayor Richard Garica.

The committee unanimously voted to approve the bill allowing it to move to the senate floor for discussion.

A hearing for a companion bill in the Texas House of Representatives remains pending in committee.