Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

___________ V ETERAN AND
ETERAN AND MILITARY
AFFAIRS
77 th Texas Legislature
Establishing Cemeteries for Veterans - H.B. 310
by Representative Flores, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Truan
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs administers a construction grant program under which
the department will provide 100 percent of expenses related to construction of a veterans cemetery. The
state is required to provide 100 percent of the operating and maintenance expenses related to a veterans
cemetery.
Authorizes the Veterans Land Board (board) to establish, operate, and provide the financial assistance for
veterans cemeteries.
Limits the amount the board may spend for veterans cemeteries to not more than $7 million each fiscal
year.
Prohibits the board from using the funds to acquire land for the cemetery.
Revenue Bonds for the Veteran’s Land Board - H.B. 2453
by Representative Berman
Senate Sponsor: Senator Shapleigh
Increases the aggregate amount of revenue bonds able to be issued by the Veterans' Land Board from
$250 million to $1 billion.
Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission - H.B. 2908
by Representative Hawley, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Truan
The 75th Legislature established the Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission (commission) to assist
in the prevention of future base closures and realignments and to assist defense-dependent communities in
preparing for changes. To enhance the commission’s profile and signal that Texas is serious about
supporting its military and defense communities.
Moves the commission from the Texas Department of Economic Development to the office of the governor.
General Obligation Bonds for Veterans’ Home Loans and Cemeteries - H.J.R. 82
by Representative Counts, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Truan
Current articles of the Texas Constitution that govern the use of the Veterans' Land Fund, the Veterans'
Housing Assistance Fund and the Veterans' Housing Assistance Fund II do not provide for the use of those
funds for the veterans home or proposed veterans cemeteries programs of the Veterans' Land Board
Senate Research Center 317