BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 739

By: Lopez

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that the expansion of the energy sector in Texas is a potential source of job opportunities for veterans looking to move upwards in their careers and that the energy industry would benefit from the availability of more skilled employees. However, veterans seeking employment in the industry may face financial or other logistical barriers when trying to obtain the necessary certification or training. C.S.H.B. 739 seeks to help such veterans overcome those barriers by requiring the Texas Veterans Commission to develop and administer a grant program to assist veterans preparing for employment in the energy industry.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Veterans Commission in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 739 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to develop and administer a grant program to assist veterans seeking a certification or training to prepare for employment in the energy industry. The bill requires the TVC to do the following:

·         in coordination with the General Land Office and Veterans' Land Board, conduct an outreach campaign to encourage veterans to participate in the program; and

·         adopt rules to implement the program, including rules establishing eligibility criteria and terms of the grant.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 739 differs from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways by conforming to certain bill drafting conventions.