AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is a massive agency responsible for nearly every aspect of Texas' health and mental health services.  Until January 2013, there was no position designated to coordinate services and programs across the HHSC enterprise specifically for veterans.

 

In January 2013, the position of Associate Commissioner for Veterans Services was created by the executive commissioner of HHSC.  The purpose was to review HHSC programs and benefits available for veterans and recommend ways to improve and better coordinate those services. 

 

In order to ensure that this position remains in place meeting the critical need of coordinating services for veterans at HHSC, C.S.S.B. 1532 makes the position statutory.  The position already exists and is funded, meaning there will be no cost for the position.  C.S.S.B. 1532 simply codifies the position with statutory authority.

 

C.S.S.B. 1532 amends current law relating to the appointment of an associate commissioner for veterans services at the Health and Human Services Commission.

 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 531, Government Code, by adding Section 531.0058, as follows:

 

Sec. 531.0058. ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER FOR VETERANS SERVICES. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to appoint for the Health and Human Services Commission an associate commissioner for veterans services to review programs and benefits available for veterans, make recommendations on the improvement and coordination of veterans services, and coordinate with other state agencies to enhance veterans services.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.