Texas House Bill HB2535

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB 2535 are expected to streamline the operations of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission by eliminating outdated provisions within the Government Code. The bill abolishes some task forces while also amending how grant applications are evaluated, which may enhance the effectiveness of state funding in bolstering military operations and local economies. Local governmental entities will need to align their economic development strategies with the new evaluation metrics to secure funding, which could lead to increased competition among local governments for these critical resources.

Summary

House Bill 2535 relates to amendments in the Texas Government Code concerning the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. The bill primarily focuses on altering specific sections that guide the operations and evaluations conducted by the Commission. In particular, it modifies the criteria for assessing grant applications, emphasizing the economic impact of potential job gains or losses within local jurisdictions. This legislative change is aimed at ensuring a more efficient and targeted grant allocation process that aligns with the state’s military preparedness objectives.

Contention

While the bill aims to foster economic development through military preparedness grants, concerns may arise regarding the implications for local governments. The revised focus on job metrics could disadvantage areas that historically could benefit from funding but may not demonstrate immediate job creation. Additionally, as grant evaluations become more stringent, local governments may face challenges in meeting the new criteria, potentially leading to inequities in funding allocations and regional development.