BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 194

By: Price

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that a Gold Star Mother is a woman whose life has been abruptly changed by the news that her son or daughter has been killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In the face of immeasurable sorrow, these mothers can serve as inspiration to all patriotic Americans. The beloved son or daughter, a person who was willing to put himself or herself in harm's way in defense of freedom, and the surviving mother, who has been left behind to address her loss with courage, grace, and fortitude, exemplify the best in America.  

According to the parties, the gold star concept began during the United States' involvement in World War I when families displayed flags bearing a blue star for each military service member. A surviving mother stitched a gold star over the blue one to honor a son or daughter who died in military service. In 1936, the United States began observing Gold Star Mother's Day on the last Sunday of September. H.B. 194 seeks to honor Gold Star Mothers in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

H.B. 194 amends the Government Code to designate the last Sunday in September of each year as Gold Star Mother's Day in recognition of mothers whose sons and daughters died while serving in the United States armed forces. The bill requires Gold Star Mother's Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.