H.B. No. 76 




AN ACT

relating to procedures adopted by a state entity to ensure an 
employment preference for veterans.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 657, Government Code, is amended by 
adding Section 657.0081 to read as follows:
	Sec. 657.0081.  OUTLINE OF PROCEDURES REQUIRED.  A public 
entity shall prepare and make available for public inspection a 
statement of:
		(1)  any measures taken by the entity to ensure that 
veterans receive the employment preference required by this 
chapter; and
		(2)  any remedies available through the entity for an 
individual entitled to a hiring preference under this chapter if 
the individual is not hired or appointed for a position with the 
entity.
	SECTION 2.  Chapter 657, Government Code, is amended by 
designating Sections 657.001 through 657.009 as Subchapter A and 
adding a heading for Subchapter A to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS
	SECTION 3.  Chapter 657, Government Code, is amended by 
adding Subchapter B to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER B.  ENFORCEMENT
	Sec. 657.051.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW; HEARING.  (a)  If a 
public official fails to comply with a provision of this chapter, a 
district court in the district in which the individual is a public 
official may require the public official to comply with the 
provision on the filing of a motion, petition, or other appropriate 
pleading by an individual entitled to a benefit under the 
provision.
	(b)  The court shall order a speedy hearing and shall advance 
the hearing on the calendar.
	Sec. 657.052.  ENFORCEMENT BY DISTRICT OR COUNTY ATTORNEY.  
On application to the district attorney, criminal district 
attorney, or county attorney of the appropriate county by an 
individual who the attorney reasonably believes is entitled to the 
benefit of a provision of this chapter, the district attorney, 
criminal district attorney, or county attorney shall:
		(1)  appear and act as attorney for the individual in an 
amicable adjustment of the claim; or
		(2)  file or prosecute a motion, petition, or other 
appropriate pleading to specifically require compliance with the 
provision.
	Sec. 657.053.  COURT COSTS AND FEES.  A person applying for a 
preference under this chapter may not be charged court costs or fees 
for a claim, motion, petition, or other pleading filed under 
Section 657.051.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.




______________________________              ______________________________
 
   President of the Senate                               Speaker of the House      

	I certify that H.B. No. 76 was passed by the House on May 10, 
2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not 
voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. 
No. 76 on May 30, 2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 142, Nays 0, 2 
present, not voting.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House   

	
I certify that H.B. No. 76 was passed by the Senate, with 
amendments, on May 28, 2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 
0.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                      Secretary of the Senate   



APPROVED: __________________                                                
 
                Date                                                         




 
         __________________                                              
 
              Governor