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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study on state land use to facilitate health and |
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wellness for veterans. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. STUDY REGARDING STATE LAND USE FOR VETERANS. (a) |
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In collaboration with the General Land Office, the Texas Historical |
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Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas |
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Veterans Commission shall conduct a study to identify and assess |
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the use of state land, including state parks, for the purpose of |
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facilitating health and wellness for veterans. |
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(b) In conducting the study, the Texas Veterans Commission |
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shall: |
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(1) identify barriers that limit opportunities to |
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supplement the delivery to veterans of services for health and |
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wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on state land; and |
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(2) develop recommendations to better facilitate the |
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use of state land for promoting wellness and facilitating the |
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delivery of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans. |
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SECTION 2. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. Not later than November |
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1, 2024, the Texas Veterans Commission shall submit to the |
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governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of |
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representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the |
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legislature with jurisdiction over veterans' issues a report on the |
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results of the study conducted under Section 1 of this Act and any |
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recommendations of the commission related to the study, including |
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any statutory changes necessary to authorize the use of state land |
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for the health and wellness of veterans. |
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SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2025. |
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SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect |
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immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members |
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elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas |
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Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for |
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immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |