AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure the allocation of resources toward the highest priority needs of veterans.
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) awards grants on a competitive basis to local governments and nonprofit organizations after grant applicants are reviewed by TVC agency staff and an advisory committee. TVC's grant application reviews include agency staff evaluations and advisory committee grant funding recommendations. TVC, however, does not regularly conduct statewide needs assessments to guide its allocation of grants. The lack of periodic needs assessments prevents TVC from targeting its resources to effectively address the high-priority needs of veterans, which could include mental or physical health challenges.
S.B. 1879 would direct TVC to conduct periodic needs assessments to identify the specific high-priority needs of veterans and the services available to address those needs. This bill also would require TVC to incorporate the results of this needs assessment in its process of awarding grants from existing funds. These changes would enhance TVC's ability to direct its resources toward addressing the highest priority needs of veterans.
As proposed, S.B. 1879 amends current law relating to the allocation of certain grants from the fund for veterans' assistance.
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 434.017, Government Code, by adding Subsections (c-1) and (c-2), as follows:
(c-1) Requires the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), not later than May 1 of each even-numbered year, to:
(1) conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific high-priority needs of veterans and the services available to address those needs;
(2) determine the grant categories that correspond to the needs identified under Subdivision (1); and
(3) identify any discrepancy between the needs identified under Subdivision (1) and the services available to address those needs.
(c-2) Requires TVC to incorporate the results of the needs assessment and other determinations under Subsection (c-1) in its process for awarding grants from the fund for veterans' assistance.
SECTION 2. Requires TVC, not later than May 1, 2016, to conduct a needs assessment and make other determinations required by Section 434.017(c-1), Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.