AUSTIN, TX – The Texas House of Representatives today passed House Bill 3475 by State Representative Vince Perez (D-El Paso), legislation authorizing any Texas university systems—including UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, University of Houston, and Texas State—to formally propose establishing a public law school in El Paso County.
El Paso remains one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation without a local accredited law school, requiring students to travel long distances or forgo pursuing a legal education. HB 3475 addresses this significant educational gap and responds to strong regional demand identified through a recent state-funded feasibility study. University of Texas at El Paso President Dr. Heather Wilson presented key findings from that study during the House Higher Education Committee hearing, highlighting robust local support and the long-term benefits of providing accessible legal education in the region.
“Today’s vote is a significant step toward expanding educational and professional opportunities for El Paso and West Texas students,” said Representative Perez. “Creating a law school in El Paso will empower local talent, meet the growing statewide need for bilingual legal professionals, and stimulate economic growth in our region.” Perez added, “This isn’t just about adding another school—it’s about securing Texas’s long-term prosperity. El Paso is our front door to the world, and we must invest in the legal minds who will lead in cross-border trade, immigration, and international business.”
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Vince Perez is State Representative for House District 77 in El Paso. He serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee as well the committees on Higher Education and Local, Consent, and Resolutions Calendars. He is the former El Paso County Commissioner for Precinct 3 and was named the 2016 County Leader of the Year by American City & County Magazine. He is a lifelong resident of El Paso's Mission Valley, where he lives with his dogs Whiskey, Lady, and Manchas.
State Representative Vince Perez proudly represents House District 77 in El Paso, Texas. He serves on several key House committees, including the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Higher Education, and the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. Additionally, he holds leadership roles as a Deputy Whip for the Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Democratic Policy and Steering Committee.
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