Relating to the waiver of certain fees for an assumed name certificate or a statement of abandonment of use of an assumed name filed by a military veteran.
Impact
The passage of HB 1646 is expected to have a positive impact on state laws concerning business registrations, particularly for military veterans. By eliminating financial barriers, veterans can more easily establish and maintain their business identities. This change not only simplifies the administrative process for veterans but also promotes their participation in the business sector, potentially leading to economic benefits for local communities and the state overall.
Summary
House Bill 1646 seeks to support military veterans by waiving fees associated with filing an assumed name certificate or a statement of abandonment of such a name. Specifically, the bill amends Section 71.155 of the Business & Commerce Code to allow county clerks to waive all fees for veterans registering their assumed names. This initiative aims to ease the process for veterans who are looking to start businesses or operate under a different name, thereby encouraging entrepreneurship among those who have served in the military.
Sentiment
General sentiment around HB 1646 appears to be supportive, particularly among veterans' advocacy groups and stakeholders interested in enhancing opportunities for military personnel. The legislative discussions leading up to the bill's introduction reflect a recognition of the unique challenges faced by veterans in transitioning to civilian life, particularly those seeking to establish their own businesses. The proposal is viewed as a meaningful gesture toward honoring their service and facilitating their reintegration into the economic fabric of society.
Contention
While the bill has garnered broad support, there may be discussions regarding the implementation and extent of the fee waivers. Some may raise concerns about the impact on local county revenues, as the waiving of fees could lead to decreased funding for clerical services. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of supporting veteran entrepreneurship will outweigh any temporary financial drawbacks for counties.
Identical
Relating to the waiver of certain fees for an assumed name certificate or a statement of abandonment of use of an assumed name filed by a military veteran.
Relating to required military informed care or military cultural competency training for certain personnel of entities that provide mental health services to veterans or veterans' families before award of a state agency grant.