BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 660

By: Rodríguez

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program is to foster and promote veteran entrepreneurship throughout Texas. Reports indicate that since the program's creation, the program has provided services to more than 2,000 aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. Observers note that the Texas Veterans Commission intends to implement the program in phases. S.B. 660 revises the law relating to the program in an effort to allow for the continued phased implementation of the program.

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

S.B. 660 amends the Government Code to require the Veteran Entrepreneur Program to establish regional coordinators in major centers of economic growth to provide the program's services. The bill requires the program to consult with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Small Business Administration in developing procedures under statutory provisions relating to the Veteran Entrepreneur Program to ensure the program's services do not duplicate services provided through those federal entities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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