79R6379 MCK-D

By:  Van de Putte                                                 S.B. No. 862



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to allowing the Veterans' Land Board to appoint an 
advisory committee to assist in determining eligibility to 
participate in certain programs.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 161, Natural Resources 
Code, is amended by adding Section 161.0135 to read as follows:
	Sec. 161.0135.  ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE.  (a)  The board may 
establish an eligibility committee to assist the board in 
determining an individual's eligibility to participate in the 
various programs administered by or through the board that offer 
any kind of assistance or benefits to veterans.  The eligibility 
committee may verify and certify documentation and perform other 
services relating to the determination of eligibility.
	(b)  A member of the eligibility committee is entitled to:              
		(1)  the per diem paid to a member of a state board, in 
the amount authorized by the General Appropriations Act; and
		(2)  reimbursement of expenses incurred while 
performing duties as a committee member, as provided by the General 
Appropriations Act.
	(c)  The board may adopt rules necessary to implement this 
section.   
	(d)  Chapter  2110, Government Code, does not apply to the 
eligibility committee.
	SECTION 2.  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, 2005.