HB2193 - Relating to a study by the Texas Veterans Commission regarding the provision of veterans benefits in this state.

      H.B. No. 2193         AN ACT   relating to a study by the Texas Veterans Commission regarding the   provision of veterans benefits in this state.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  (a) In this Act, "commission" means the Texas   Veterans Commission.          (b)  The commission shall conduct a study to determine:                (1)  the number of veterans in this state who are   entitled under state or federal law to receive veterans benefits   managed, provided, or facilitated by the commission;                (2)  the location of the veterans described by   Subdivision (1) of this subsection disaggregated by county;                (3)  the number of claims benefit advisors employed by   the commission;                (4)  the number of claims benefit advisors necessary   for the commission to employ and the geographic locations at which   the advisors should perform their duties in order to provide   services to veterans in the most efficient manner considering:                      (A)  the geographic areas currently served by   veterans county service officers; and                      (B)  the option of allowing multiple counties to   be served at the same location in a way that minimizes drive times   and distances traveled by veterans to receive services; and                (5)  the costs to implement the service delivery system   described by Subdivision (4) of this subsection, including the   estimated costs of hiring, training, and equipping claims benefit   advisors and of offices and office operations and support staff.          (c)  In determining the costs under Subsection (b)(5) of this   section, the commission may consider collocating claims benefit   advisors with facilities, institutions, and organizations that are   currently providing services to veterans.          (d)  Not later than June 1, 2026, the commission shall submit   to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house   of representatives, and each member of the legislature a report on   the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or   other action.          SECTION 2.  This Act expires January 1, 2027.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 2193 was passed by the House on May   14, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 117, Nays 22, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 2193 was passed by the Senate on May   25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor