Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB169

Filed
11/10/14  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to ensuring that certain military members and their spouses and dependents maintain their positions on interest lists or other waiting lists for certain health and human services assistance programs.

Impact

The implementation of SB169 would lead to significant changes in how waiting lists for state assistance programs are managed, particularly for military families. By ensuring that eligible individuals retain their positions on these lists, the legislation seeks to mitigate the disruptions caused by military relocations. This move is seen as a way of honoring the sacrifices made by service members while providing them and their families with equitable access to essential services, particularly in health and human services.

Summary

Senate Bill 169 aims to provide protections for certain military members and their families regarding their positions on interest and waiting lists for health and human services assistance programs. Specifically, the bill mandates that military personnel who maintain Texas as their legal residence should not lose their place on these lists if they are temporarily out of state due to military service. This provision applies not only to active-duty members but also to their spouses and dependent children, as well as the dependents of former military members who died in service.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SB169 appears to be overwhelmingly positive. The bill received unanimous support in the voting process, indicating a common recognition of the importance of supporting military families. The inclination among lawmakers to protect these individuals from losing out on services due to their service commitments reflects a growing acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by military families.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, some discussions may revolve around the implementation details and potential cuts in funding for these programs, as the demand could rise with the establishment of such protections. Concerns might also be raised about the ability of state agencies to effectively manage waiting lists under these new guidelines, although there were no significant points of contention indicated in the voting history. The bill's structure aims to streamline processes rather than create an added burden for state agencies.

Companion Bills

TX HB765

Identical Relating to ensuring that certain military members who reside out of state and their dependents maintain their positions on waiting lists for certain assistance programs provided by health and human services agencies.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1376

Relating to an employment preference for members of the military and their spouses for positions at state agencies.

TX HB5229

Relating to an employment preference for members of the military and their spouses for positions at state agencies.

TX HB4666

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions for certain military personnel and their dependents.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB90

Relating to benefits for certain members of the Texas military forces and survivors of members of the Texas military forces.

TX SB155

Relating to benefits for certain members of the Texas military forces and survivors of members of the Texas military forces.

TX SB1128

Relating to the service of and certain benefits for members of the Texas military forces, including tuition assistance at postsecondary educational institutions.

TX HB835

Relating to the provision of financial assistance to survivors of certain members of the Texas military forces.

TX HB434

Relating to the provision of financial assistance to survivors of certain members of the Texas military forces.

TX HB3628

Relating to establishing a process to inform certain housing assistance applicants of their potential eligibility for certain public assistance programs.

Similar Bills

CA SB614

California Military Department Support Fund activities.

CA AB481

Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

TX HB3841

Relating to military duty of a conservator of a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

CA AB361

Military Department: support programs.

NJ SJR106

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ AJR198

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR74

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR109

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.