Monday marked a big step forward for a bill that would repay medical school loans for doctors who agree to work in under-served areas of the state.

The Texas Senate Finance Committee approved a version of the bill which now heads to the full Senate. If it passes, more than 225 physicians per year will be eligible to receive loan repayment for serving in areas where there is a shortage of health professionals.

Within four years, the physician education loan repayment program could be sending more than 900 physicians to under served communities.