AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Interested parties note that a claim of discrimination filed by a service member on state active duty falls both under the jurisdiction of the Texas Workforce Commission civil rights division and the Texas military forces. These parties contend that the interests of service members filing such claims would be better served by processing the claims in accordance with military regulations. H.B. 577 seeks to limit the jurisdiction over such claims to the Texas military forces.

 

H.B. 577 amends current law relating to pay, benefits and requirements for state active duty service members.

 

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 437.212, Texas Government Code, by adding Sections 437.212 (j) and (k), as follows:

 

Sec. 437.212. New heading: PAY, BENEFITS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE ACTIVE DUTY, STATE TRAINING, AND OTHER DUTY.

 

(j) Requires that claims of discrimination by service members on state active duty be processed in accordance with military regulations and procedures established for the Texas military forces; and provides that the claims are exempt from the jurisdiction of the Texas Workforce civil rights division.

 

(k) Provides that a member of Texas Military Forces called to state active duty is subject to the regulations established for continued membership in the specific component including but not limited to medical readiness, drug testing, physical fitness and training requirements.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.