H.B. 3211 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3211
By: Heflin
Defense Affairs and State-Federal Relations
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Veteran's Land Board (VLB), through its authority in Chapter 161,
Natural Resources Code, provides loans for the purchase of land to
eligible veterans.  The VLB Land Program has been making land loans to
veterans since 1949 and is the only program of its kind in the nation.
Former members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam cannot
return to their native country, and cannot receive any benefits for their
service.  Many of them are now citizens, or legal residents, of the United
States.  HB 3211 seeks to recognize their service as former allies by
expanding the definition of "veteran" for eligibility for VLB benefits to
include former members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1 adds that a person who served in the armed forces of the
Republic of Vietnam between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 be also
considered a "veteran" for purposes of Chapter 161, natural Resources
Code. 

SECTION 2 clarifies that if the VLB changes the definition of "veteran" to
include members of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam, that they
will include procedures for establishing proof of their service. 

SECTION 3 strikes the definition of "veteran" in Section 162.001 (a) (8),
Natural Resources Code, and states that "veteran" has the same meaning as
given in Section 161.001. 

SECTION 4 strikes the definition of "veteran" in Section 164.002 (a) (6),
Natural Resources Code, and states that "veteran" has the same meaning as
given in Section 161.001. 

SECTION 5 repeals certain sections of the Natural Resources Code giving
authority to the VLB to change the definition of "veteran" by rule, and
also a section regarding discharge of certain members of the military. 

SECTION 6 -  EFFECTIVE DATE:  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003,
unless it receives the votes necessary for immediate effect.