Highlights of the 79th Texas Legislature - Senate

VETERAN AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
Requires an IHE to report the information no later than December 31 of each year for the fall semester, May 31 of
each year for the spring semester, and September 30 of each year for the summer session.
Requires the board to develop a system to electronically monitor the use of tuition exemptions.
Requires the system to allow the board to electronically receive, for each semester, certain information from an IHE.
Deadlines Extended for Professionals on Military Active Duty—S.B. 143
By Senator Wentworth—House Sponsor: Representative McClendon
Current law states that the continuing professional education (CPE) hour requirement and certificate renewal
deadline for a professional license is five years after the last day of the certificate holder's birth month. The law also
states that armed forces reservists must adhere to state agency rules and regulations concerning license renewal.
This bill:
Amends the Texas Education Code and the Texas Occupations Code to extend the deadline for the completion of
CPE and educator certification renewal for persons in the armed forces or reserves serving on active duty.
Allows armed forces reservists to extend the time period to complete the CPE hours required for educator
certification renewal, effectively extending the certificate renewal deadline commensurate with time spent on active
duty.
Establishes renewal procedures relating to a professional license held by a reservist serving on active duty.
Texas Purple Heart Medal Among New Military Honors—S.B. 955
By Senator Seliger—House Sponsor: Representative Melissa Noriega et al.
The Federal Cavalry Medal, created during World War II, is no longer awarded. Texas does not currently have a
state award equivalent to the Purple Heart Medal, nor does the Texas National Guard have a state award for combat
service.
The Texas National Guard has set aside funds for the creation of military medals and awards. The creation of these
new medals would honor those qualified individuals in the Texas National Guard for their service to their state and
country. This bill:
Amends the Government Code to provide that the adjutant general may adopt rules and regulations relating to the
Texas Cavalry Medal, the Texas Combat Service Ribbon, and the Texas Purple Heart.
Sets forth certain criteria for the awards.
Defense Adjustment Management Corporation—S.B. 1105
By Senator Madla—House Sponsors: Representatives Uresti and Corte
Texas law provides for the creation of municipal management districts to include areas within the corporate limits of a
municipality. Since the passage of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, areas in and around former
military bases have faced challenges regarding annexation. This bill:
276 HIGHLIGHTS - 79 TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE