BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2248
88R10592 LRM-D	By: Garcia et al. (Alvarado)
	Veteran Affairs
	5/4/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Specialist Vanessa Guill�n was murdered at the age of twenty after experiencing repeated sexual harassment while stationed at Fort Hood. Sadly, instances of sexual assault and harassment in the military are far too common. It is estimated that one in four servicewomen experience sexual assault during their military career. H.B. 2248 would recognize September 30 as Vanessa Guill�n Day to honor her life and service, and to bring greater awareness to sexual assault and harassment in the military. September 30 was Vanessa Guill�n's birthday. An identical bill passed the House last session as H.B. 2556 but ran out of time in the Senate. H.B. 2248 is a step towards doing right by our servicewomen by making a clear statement condemning sexual assault and harassment in the military.

H.B. 2248 amends current law relating to designating September 30 as Vanessa Guill�n Day.

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 Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.082, as follows:

Sec. 662.082. VANESSA GUILL�N DAY. (a) Provides that September 30 is Vanessa Guill�n Day in memory of the life and tragic death of Vanessa Guill�n and to increase awareness of and the military's response to missing persons, sexual assault, and sexual harassment cases for service members.

(b) Requires that Vanessa Guill�n Day be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.