89R188 SCP-D By: Raymond H.B. No. 1171 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a study on state land use to facilitate health and wellness for veterans. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. STUDY REGARDING STATE LAND USE FOR VETERANS. (a) In collaboration with the General Land Office, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Veterans Commission shall conduct a study to identify and assess the use of state land, including state parks, for the purpose of facilitating health and wellness for veterans. (b) In conducting the study, the Texas Veterans Commission shall: (1) identify barriers that limit opportunities to supplement the delivery to veterans of services for health and wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on state land; and (2) develop recommendations to better facilitate the use of state land for promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans. SECTION 2. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. Not later than November 1, 2026, the Texas Veterans Commission shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over veterans' issues a report on the results of the study conducted under Section 1 of this Act and any recommendations of the commission related to the study, including any statutory changes necessary to authorize the use of state land for the health and wellness of veterans. SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2027. SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.