By:  Howard, Isett, Berman, Corte, Seaman,                        H.B. No. 174
 
    et al.                                                                   


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to benefits for members of the state military forces 
called to active state duty.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 431, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 431.017 to read as follows:
	Sec. 431.017.  CERTAIN BENEFITS AND PROTECTIONS FOR STATE 
SERVICE.  A member of the state military forces who is ordered to 
active state duty by the governor or by other proper authority under 
the law of this state is entitled to the same benefits and 
protections provided:
		(1)  to persons performing service in the uniformed 
services by 38 U.S.C. Sections 4301-4313 and 4316-4319, as that law 
existed on April 1, 2003; and
		(2)  to persons in the military service of the United 
States by 50 App. U.S.C. Sections 501-536, 560, and 580-594, as that 
law existed on April 1, 2003.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies only to persons serving on 
active state duty on or after the effective date of this Act without 
regard to the date on which the person was initially ordered to 
active state duty.
	SECTION 3.  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.