SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

COMMITTEE:    Veteran Affairs & Military Installations 

TIME & DATE:  9:00 AM, Thursday, March 10, 2016 

PLACE:        E1.012 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:        Senator Donna Campbell 

 

 

The Committee will meet to hear testimony on the following interim charges:

 

Study the state of veteran health and mental health in Texas. Review the progress made by state strike force teams to reduce the claims backlog and decrease wait times at VA hospitals. Evaluate if the passage of the federal Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 and other state initiatives have improved access and outcomes. Determine if state strike force teams should continue as established and make recommendations on necessary changes.

 

Study current veteran hiring policies among state agencies and consider the effectiveness of a percentage-based system. Make recommendations if there are other ways to equitably measure the success of veteran employment within an agency.

 

Study success and challenges of veteran's courts in Texas, including evidence of rehabilitation or recidivism. Consider alternative means of funding, such as voluntary donations at points of contact with state services, and make recommendations.

 

Invited and public testimony.