BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 793
87R1618 JCG-F	By: Campbell
	Veteran Affairs & Border Security
	3/19/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Border Security Medal recognizes the service and sacrifice of Texas Military Department service members for securing the Texas southern border during both state and federal activation.

The award requirements and parameters:

• On mission on or after 28 July 2014
• May be awarded to service members from: Texas Military Department (SAD/T32), other states (National Guard) and United States (active duty)
• 90 consecutive days on orders requirement
• Recipients will receive a medal set and not a ribbon

Only service members currently on Operation Guardian Support will receive the actual medal set with the award. A service member under prior border operations will have to pay for  his or her medal sets. This will reduce cost to the Texas Military Department and parallels the process for federal awards.  S.B. 793 creates the Texas Border Security Medal for service members who served 90 consecutive days during the specified dates at the Texas southern border.

As proposed, S.B. 793 amends current law relating to a ribbon for certain service members of the military who served in support of operations to secure this state's international border.

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 437.355(a), Government Code, as follows:

(a) Authorizes the governor or adjutant general, if delegated the authority, to adopt policies and regulations relating to awarding certain medals and ribbons, including the Texas Border Security and Support Service Ribbon, which is to be awarded to a service member of the military forces of this state, another state, or the United States who served on or after July 28, 2014; who served on state active duty or active duty under state authority in accordance with Title 32, United States Code, for at least 90 consecutive days, or in response to an emergency activation; and who served honorably in support of operations under civilian authority to secure this state's international border.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.