Texas Senate Bill SB1655

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09
• Voted on by House: 5/20/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the organization, duties, and functions of the Texas Veterans Commission and to providing funding for assistance for veterans through a lottery game.

Impact

One of the notable additions to the law is the provision allowing the Texas Veterans Commission to utilize state funds for various outreach and training endeavors. This includes purchasing promotional materials to disseminate information about the agency to veterans as well as providing food and beverages during training sessions. Such funding allocations aim to improve the outreach effectiveness of the commission and its connection with the veteran community.

Summary

SB1655 aims to enhance the organization, duties, and functions of the Texas Veterans Commission. The bill establishes guidelines for a career ladder program within the commission, ensuring that job openings—apart from entry-level positions—are advertised for at least 10 days internally before being made public. This move is intended to promote career advancement and transparency within the commission, potentially leading to a more capable workforce dedicated to serving veterans.

Conclusion

Overall, SB1655 represents an effort to bolster support for veterans in Texas through improved organizational practices within the Texas Veterans Commission. As the agency seeks to enhance its services, the incorporation of outreach initiatives funded by the state demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs of veterans in a structured and supportive manner.

Contention

While the bill may not seem to have major contentions, discussions during its drafting could pertain to the appropriateness of using state funds for food and promotional services. Critics might question whether it is prudent to allocate public resources in this manner, emphasizing a need for ensuring that funds are spent in a way that directly benefits veterans rather than on administrative practices. However, proponents argue that these actions are necessary for engaging veterans effectively and ensuring they receive the assistance they need.