1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the location of new veterans homes.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1.  Chapter 164, Natural Resources Code, is amended
 1-5     by adding Section 164.0051 to read as follows:
 1-6           Sec. 164.0051.  LOCATION OF VETERANS HOMES.  To the extent
 1-7     practicable, when determining the location of new veterans homes in
 1-8     this state, the board shall consider:
 1-9                 (1)  the geographic proximity to existing state
1-10     veterans homes with special regard to areas not served by state
1-11     veterans homes;
1-12                 (2)  the economic impact of the veterans home on the
1-13     local community and the veterans program; and
1-14                 (3)  the areas with a significant veteran population,
1-15     without regard to international boundaries.
1-16           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-17     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
1-18     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
1-19     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
1-20     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1160 passed the Senate on
         May 1, 2001, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0, one present,
         not voting.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1160 passed the House on
         May 23, 2001, by the following vote:  Yeas 145, Nays 0, two
         present, not voting.
                                             _______________________________
                                                Chief Clerk of the House
         Approved:
         _______________________________
                      Date
         _______________________________
                    Governor