BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1655
81R11245 EAH-F By: Van de Putte
Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is a state agency whose mission is to provide superior service through agency programs of claims assistance, employment services, and education that will significantly improve the quality of life of Texas veterans and their families. The fundamental ingredient to quality is a dedicated, professional, well-trained, and well-paid work force, provided at the state, local workforce development areas, and the county levels. This workforce and the service it provides must be readily available to the population it serves. The services must be tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. To this end, TVC must take the lead in coordinating efforts of service providers, sharing of resources, providing innovative and effective training, and developing a partnership with other levels of government to achieve the highest quality of service in assisting the veterans, their families, and their survivors.
Recently, TVC grew from fewer than 100 employees to more than 300, growth which included the addition of two programs. It is because of this growth that it is necessary to make modifications to enable changes that would allow TVC to meet the added responsibilities of the additional staff and programs.
As proposed, S.B. 1655 requires that under the career ladder program openings in all positions, except entry level positions, be posted within TVC concurrently with any public posting. This bill authorizes TVC to utilize appropriated funds to purchase food, drinks, and promotional items for use at outreach and training programs. S.B. 1655 provides that Chapter 2167 (Lease of Space For State Agencies), Government Code, does not apply to a space leased by TVC for the veterans employment services program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 434.014(a), Government Code, to require that the career ladder program require that openings in all positions except entry level positions be posted within the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) concurrently with any public posting, rather than for at least 10 days before they are posted for the public.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 434, Government Code, by adding Section 434.0161, as follows:
Sec. 434.0161. USE OF FUNDS TO SUPPORT OUTREACH AND TRAINING. Authorizes TVC to use appropriated funds to purchase, for use at outreach and training functions, food and beverages and promotional items that include TVC's name and contact information to be distributed to veterans.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 2167.001(b), Government Code, to provide that this chapter does not apply to space leased by TVC to administer the veterans employment services program. Makes a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 4. Makes application of Section 2167.001(b), Government Code, of this Act prospective.
SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2009.