Texas Senate Bill SB34

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/2/11
• Introduced: 11/8/10
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/11
• Report Pass: 5/2/11
• Engrossed: 5/5/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Refer: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 5/20/11

Caption

Relating to the establishment and operation of the Texas Women Veterans Program.

Impact

The proposed Texas Women Veterans Program would take actionable steps to provide assistance to women veterans, enhance their awareness of eligible benefits, and systematically review the efficacy of existing programs targeting women veterans. By designating a women veterans coordinator, the program seeks to streamline support and access to resources. Moreover, it aims to encourage collaboration with multiple agencies to address the comprehensive needs of this demographic, thereby potentially enhancing the overall quality of services they receive.

Summary

SB34 aims to establish the Texas Women Veterans Program within the Texas Veterans Commission. This program is designed to ensure that women veterans in Texas have equitable access to the various federal and state benefits and services available to them. It acknowledges the specific challenges that women face after military service, particularly regarding their unique needs and circumstances. By setting up this dedicated program, the bill intends to create a structured framework for addressing the service-related issues that women veterans encounter.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding SB34 may include the allocation of state resources to properly fund and operate the program, especially given that state budgets can be tight. While supporters argue that the program is necessary for effectively supporting women veterans, opponents may raise concerns about duplicative efforts if existing programs already serve similar functions. Additionally, the long-term viability of this initiative in terms of impactful outcomes for women veterans and their continued advocacy and recognition could be debated within legislative circles.