Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 84th Legislative Session.
Committee Information
CHAIR
Donna Campbell
VICE-CHAIR
Konni Burton
MEMBERS
Brian Birdwell
Sylvia Garcia
Bob Hall
Eddie Lucio, Jr.
José RodrÃguez
CLERK:
Bailey Olderog
TEL:
(512) 463-2211
LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 345
Video/Audio — Archives
84th Session Interim
- April 14, 2016 — Road Meeting: Corpus Christi (audio only).
- March 10, 2016
- November 20, 2015
84th Regular Session
- May 22, 2015 — Audio only.
- May 20, 2015 (Part II)
- May 20, 2015 (Part I)
- May 13, 2015
- May 6, 2015
- April 29, 2015 — Audio only.
- April 22, 2015
Interim Charges
- Study the state of veteran health and mental health in Texas. Review the progress made by state strike force teams to reduce the claims backlog and decrease wait times at VA hospitals. Evaluate if the passage of the federal Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 and other state initiatives have improved access and outcomes. Determine if state strike force teams should continue as established and make recommendations on necessary changes.
- Study current veteran hiring policies among state agencies and consider the effectiveness of a percentage-based system. Make recommendations if there are other ways to equitably measure the success of veteran employment within an agency.
- Given pending litigation on the subject, study what veteran benefits, if any, are currently only offered to residents of the state of Texas-whether by being born here or by entering the service in Texas--and assess whether any of these additional benefits leave the state liable for lawsuits under the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Make recommendations for legislation that could reduce the state's liability.
- Study successes and challenges of veteran's courts in Texas, including evidence of rehabilitation or recidivism. Consider alternative means of funding, such as voluntary donations at points of contact with state services, and make recommendations.
- Consider best practices for improving the military value at military installations in Texas. Determine cost-effective policies and make recommendations that would strengthen military value.
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations during the 84th Legislature, Regular Session and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
- Monitor the implementation of legislation relating to the qualifications of veteran county service officers, and make recommendations if further changes should be made.
