SRC-BWC H.B. 310 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 310
By: Flores (Truan)
Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
4/27/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (department) administers a
construction grant program under which the department will provide 100
percent of expenses related to construction of a veterans cemetery.  The
state is required to provide 100 percent of the operating and maintenance
expenses related to a veterans cemetery.  H.B. 310 authorizes the Veterans
Land Board to establish, operate, and provide the financial assistance for
veterans cemeteries.  

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 164.001(a), Natural Resources Code, to provide
that the legislatures declares that it is the policy of the state to
provide financial assistance to veterans of the state in recognition of
their service to this state and the United States and to honor veterans
with a final resting place and with lasting memorials that commemorate
their service. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 164.002(a), Natural Resources Code, to define
"veterans cemetery."   

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 164.003, Natural Resources Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 164.004, Natural Resources Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Section 164.005, Natural Resources Code, to authorize
the Veterans' Land Board (board) to enter into an agreement with any person
for the management or operation of all or part of a veterans home or all or
part of a veterans cemetery.  Authorizes the board to delegate to the
manager the authority to manage the veterans home or veterans cemetery,
rather than center, and to employ and discharge employees.  Requires the
board, the chairman of the Texas Veterans Commission (commission), and two
representatives of the veterans community selected by the chairman of the
commission to establish the guidelines for determining the location and
size of veterans cemeteries and the eligibility for burial in a veterans
cemetery, and select up to seven locations across the state to build
veterans cemeteries.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 6.  Amends Section 164.011(b), Natural Resources Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 7.  Requires this Act to take effect on the date on which the
constitutional amendment proposed by H.J.R. No. 82, 77th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2001, or similar legislation takes effect. Requires the
Act, if that amendment is not approved by the voters, to have no effect.
Provides that H.B. 310 will not require an appropriation from the general
revenue fund.