Honorable Susan Lewis King, Chair, House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3600 by Miller, Rick (Relating to the regulation of persons who assist veterans in applying for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.), As Introduced
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time due to the number of unknown individuals and organizations accredited to assist in the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a claim for veteran benefits in Texas that would be subject to notification and audit under the provisions of the bill.
The bill would amend the Government Code authorizing the Texas Veteran's Commission (TVC) to process disclosure forms, complaints, file reports, investigate and audit in relation to individuals accredited to assist in the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a claim for veteran benefits.
According to the Texas Veterans Commission, the amount of individuals and organizations accredited to assist in the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a claim for veteran benefits in Texas is unknown at this time. There could be an indeterminate cost to the state depending on the number of those individuals accredited and that would be subject to notification and audit under the provisions of the bill.
The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in each house. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.