BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2053

By: Birdwell

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that Texas currently lacks a formalized, statewide civilian award specifically recognizing a broad range of service outside of existing honors, which are often limited in scope. S.B. 2053 seeks to address this issue by creating the Governor's Medal of Service award, offering a way for the governor to acknowledge distinguished individuals who have meaningfully impacted Texans' lives.

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

S.B. 2053 amends the Government Code to create the Governor's Medal of Service award to be awarded to a Texas resident who, as follows:

· honorably retired from a position of public service in state or local government; or

· contributed to Texas residents in an extraordinary way through the individual's work in the private sector or as a member of the Texas Legislature.

The bill authorizes the governor, at the governor's discretion, to award not more than two such awards each year. The bill authorizes the governor's office to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for any expenses related to the administration of the award, including establishing the award.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.