MS SB2081

Amends Mississippi Code Section 37-135-1 to remove the requirement that Mississippi residents attending out-of-state colleges of optometry through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) contract program must return to Mississippi to practice after graduation.

Applies to any student who is a Mississippi resident and attends an out-of-state college of optometry on or after January 1, 2011.

Notes that Mississippi was the only SREB participating state requiring students from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee to return to practice in the state after receiving financial assistance.

The original contract with the Southern College of Optometry was established in May 1973, with the return-to-state requirement added in 1991.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.