Highlights of the 79th Texas Legislature - Senate

STATE AFFAIRS/AGENCIES
Allows the applicant to purchase or lease the land determined to be vacant under certain circumstances and provides
for the awarding of a nonparticipating royalty in certain circumstances.
Powers and Duties of the Texas Veterans Commission—S.B. 1480
By Senator Shapleigh—House Sponsor: Representative Uresti
The Texas Veterans Commission (commission) often receives requests to accept equipment that individuals and
entities want to donate to the commission. Additionally, the commission is offered monetary gifts allocated to help
veterans in the state. However, the commission does not currently have the authority to honor the requests of those
who seek to assist veterans through donations to the commission. This bill:
Provides that the permanent fund for veterans' assistance is a special fund in the state treasury outside the general
revenue fund and is composed of certain monies.
Authorizes the available earnings of the fund to be appropriated to the commission to enhance or improve veterans'
assistance programs, including veterans' representation and counseling, and to make grants to local communities to
address veterans' needs.
Authorizes the comptroller of public accounts to solicit and accept gifts and grants to the fund.
Interagency Work Group on Rural Issues—S.B. 1686
By Senator Estes—House Sponsor: Representative Hardcastle
Under current law, the Interagency Work Group on Rural Issues (work group) does not include an agency whose sole
purpose is providing problem-solving options for rural Texans. This bill:
Allows the governor to designate a representative to provide those services to the state, specifically in rural areas, as
a member of the work group.
216 HIGHLIGHTS - 79 TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE