BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1062

By: Bell, Cecil

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that, while 17-year-old individuals are authorized to join the U.S. armed forces under certain circumstances, state law does not allow for these individuals to serve in the Texas State Guard. H.B. 1062 seeks to align state law with federal law and allow an otherwise eligible 17-year-old individual to serve in the Texas State Guard if they are emancipated or have received appropriate written consent.

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 this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1062 amends the Government Code to make a person who is 17 years of age eligible to serve as a member of the Texas State Guard if the person is otherwise eligible to serve and either is emancipated by marriage, court order, or other operation of law or provides to the adjutant general written consent of each appropriate parent, legal guardian, or legal representative.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.