Texas Senate Bill SB1199

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to development of a pilot program of the Texas Veterans Commission to designate municipalities as Veteran and Military Friendly Cities.

Impact

If enacted, SB1199 would facilitate collaboration between municipalities and the Texas Veterans Commission, creating a structured way for Texas cities to demonstrate their commitment to supporting veterans and active military members. Municipalities would gain a framework within which to enhance their services for veterans, potentially leading to improved community relations and support infrastructure. This could also incentivize cities to strive for higher standards of service and community engagement with veteran populations.

Summary

SB1199 establishes a pilot program under the Texas Veterans Commission aimed at designating certain municipalities as 'Veteran and Military Friendly Cities.' The program sets forth specific criteria that municipalities must meet in order to qualify for this designation. These criteria will focus on the availability of essential services for veterans and military personnel, including support for housing, employment resources, financial assistance, education, and access to healthcare, particularly mental health services. The intention behind the bill is to ensure that veterans have access to supportive communities that cater to their unique needs.

Contention

One notable point of contention may center around the selection criteria and the potential for misappropriation of terms like 'Veteran and Military Friendly City.' Critics may express concerns that without stringent oversight and clear guidelines, the designation could be used by municipalities as a marketing tool without corresponding improvements in services. Additionally, the temporary nature of the pilot program, set to expire in 2015, raises questions regarding the long-term support and commitment to veteran services beyond the initial designation period.