S.B. 1594 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1594
By: Van de Putte
Defense Affairs and State-Federal Relations
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

With the changing face of the military since September 11, 2001, the State
military forces have taken lead roles in the war on terrorism.  The need
for that role will continue, and likely increase in the future.  This will
likely include Texans volunteering to help active duty soldiers as part of
the organized state volunteer military forces.   S.B. 1594 codifies the
ability of state volunteer military forces to participate in homeland
security and community service activities.  The bill also clarifies the
qualifications of members of the Texas State Guard. 


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.  S.B. 1594 changes the title of Section 431.051, Government
Code from "SUPPLEMENTAL MILITIA" to "SUPPLEMENTAL VOLUNTEER MILITARY
FORCES." 

The bill also codifies the ability of the Supplemental Volunteer Military
Forces to be used in homeland security and community service activities. 

SECTION 2.  This SECTION amends the qualifications to clarify that a
member of the Texas State Guard must be a citizen of the United States and
a resident of this state for at least 180 days. 

SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.