BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.S.B. 1304

By: Menéndez

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that Texas is home to a large population of women veterans, many of whom face a host of challenges that often relate to mental health concerns. Many women veterans, the parties continue, face unique mental health concerns, from military sexual trauma to consolidating dual roles as soldiers and family caregivers. The parties assert that creating a women veterans mental health initiative within the existing mental health intervention program for veterans would be instrumental in easing the transition from military to civilian life.
C.S.S.B. 1304 seeks to strengthen the options for women veterans faced with mental health issues.

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

C.S.S.B. 1304 amends the Health and Safety Code, as amended by S.B. 219, Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, to require the Department of State Health Services to develop a women veterans mental health initiative as part of the mental health intervention program for veterans.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

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

COMPARISON OF SENATE ENGROSSED AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.S.B. 1304 differs from the engrossed in minor or nonsubstantive ways to conform to changes made by S.B. 219, Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, which became effective April 2, 2015.