BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 538
88R19228 SCP-D	By: King
	Veteran Affairs
	3/21/2023
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current statute is silent and unclear if the Texas State Guard (TXSG) can use state-appropriated funds on public relations and advertising for recruitment and retention.

Per the Texas Military Department Budget and Strategic Plan goals, TXSG's current force is less than what is needed to ensure they are mission ready statewide. The TXSG needs the ability to advertise, recruit, and retain service members in order to meet these goals and to maintain strength of force as delegated by Governor Abbott and the Legislative Budget Board.

S.B. 538 amends statute to expressly authorize the Texas Military Department (TMD) to use state appropriations for the purpose of recruiting and retention.

Recruiting is already funded from state appropriations, TMD just needs the authorization to use funds.

This is supported by the Texas Military Department.

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.S.B. 538 amends current law relating to the use of appropriated money by the Texas State Guard for recruiting and retention purposes.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2113.011, Government Code, by adding Subsection (f), as follows:

(f) Provides that Section 2113.011 (Publicity) does not prohibit the Texas State Guard from using appropriated money for the purpose of recruiting or retaining service members, employees, or other personnel. Defines "service member" and "Texas State Guard."

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.