The bill would require the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to establish a Texas Veterans Achieving Self-Reliance Pilot Program to provide grants to veterans service organizations that assist service members and veterans in achieving self-reliance after separation from the military. The TVC would be required to solicit veterans service organizations for participation in the program and prepare a report on the effectiveness of the pilot program by October 1, 2028.
TVC currently administers three grants that provide referral services to veterans at an average cost of $325,000. The agency assumes a similar grant amount would be distributed to veterans service organizations at each of the 17 military installations in the state. Because the total number of eligible veterans service organizations who would be selected to participate in the pilot program is unknown, and the total amount that would be appropriated for grants is unknown, the fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined.
TVC indicates there would be an administrative cost associated with the operation of the pilot program. However, it is assumed any administrative costs to the agency associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.