81R9547 MCK-D
By: Lucio S.B. No. 1463
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the provision of information regarding health care and
other benefits for veterans.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 434, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 434.019 to read as follows:
Sec. 434.019. INFORMATION ABOUT VETERANS BENEFITS. The
Texas Veterans Commission shall attend each transition assistance
program conducted by the United States Department of Defense in the
state. At each transition assistance program, the Texas Veterans
Commission shall:
(1) distribute the application for health benefits
from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(2) answer questions regarding health care and other
benefits available to veterans of the United States armed forces.
SECTION 2. Subchapter U, Chapter 161, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 161.553 to read as follows:
Sec. 161.553. VETERANS HEALTH CARE BENEFITS. (a) The
department and commission shall disseminate through the Texas
Information and Referral Network information regarding the health
care benefits available to veterans of the United States armed
forces through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
The information must include:
(1) the process for applying for health care benefits,
including copies of any forms necessary to apply for benefits; and
(2) contact information for the Texas Veterans
Commission, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and
veterans hospitals in the state.
(b) The Texas Veterans Commission shall cooperate with the
department and commission in preparing and maintaining the
information that is made available through the Texas Information
and Referral Network.
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.