H.B. No. 1452 AN ACT relating to participation in job training and employment assistance programs by veterans and other covered persons. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended by adding Subchapter G to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER G. PRIORITY OF SERVICE IN JOB TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Sec. 302.151. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Active military, naval, or air service" has the meaning assigned by 38 U.S.C. Section 101(24). (2) "Covered person" has the meaning assigned by 38 U.S.C. Section 4215(a). The term includes the spouse of any member of the armed forces who died while serving on active military, naval, or air service. (3) "Veteran" has the meaning assigned by 38 U.S.C. Section 101(2). Sec. 302.152. PRIORITY OF SERVICE REQUIRED. (a) A covered person is entitled to priority in obtaining services or resources under this subchapter. In the implementation of this section, a covered person may take precedence in obtaining services or resources under this subchapter over persons who are not covered persons. (b) For purposes of Subsection (a), "taking precedence" may mean that: (1) the covered person receives access to a service or resource before a person who is not a covered person; or (2) if the service or resource is limited, the covered person receives access to the service or resource instead of a person who is not a covered person. Sec. 302.153. PARTICIPATION IN STATE-FUNDED PROGRAMS. In selecting applicants to receive training or assistance under a job training or employment assistance program or service that is funded wholly or partly with state money, priority of service must be given to a covered person who meets the minimum eligibility requirements to participate or enroll in the program or receive the service. Sec. 302.154. PARTICIPATION IN TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION PROGRAMS. (a) The Texas Veterans Commission shall operate programs funded under 38 U.S.C. Chapters 41 and 42. The commission may provide services to enhance the employment and training opportunities of veterans, covered persons, active duty service members, spouses of active duty service members, and members of the Texas National Guard. The services provided under this section must be provided by state employees. (b) The Texas Veterans Commission may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. SECTION 2. Section 302.014, Labor Code, is repealed. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 1452 was passed by the House on April 28, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 149, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. No. 1452 on May 25, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 1452 was passed by the Senate, with amendments, on May 21, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor