BILL ANALYSIS
By: Van de Putte
Defense Affairs & State-Federal Relations
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under legislation enacted by the 79th Legislature, the Texas Veterans Commission (commission) assumed the administration and operation of Veteran Employment and Training Services. However, the commission lacks specific authority to grant a performance incentive award, as required by the Federal Jobs for Veterans Act. Federal law mandates that one percent of grants be assigned through these awards. This bill conforms state law with the federal mandate.
As proposed, S.B. 310 authorizes the commission, rather than "a state agency" to grant a performance incentive award to certain individuals or organizations.
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
SB 310 amends the Government Code by adding a new section 434.017 to authorize the Texas Veterans Commission to make a performance incentive award to an individual or entity for providing services to veterans as authorized by Section 3(a) of the Federal Jobs for Veterans Act (38 U.S.C. Section 4112). The award may be monetary or nonmonetary. An award made under this section to a state employee is not a promotion or a merit salary increase under Chapter 659 (Compensation).
Section 659.264 (Veterans Performance Incentive Award), Government Code, is repealed.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007