Bill: HB 2571, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| No |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Negative |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Roland Gutierrez
Bill Caption
Relating to establishment of a research and clinical care center for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and related conditions.
Fiscal Notes
From the Legislative Budget Board: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. According to UT System, the Center's programmatic services would be supported through grant
funding. UT System indicated the Center would require $1.25 million per year to support the
administrative costs of the Center. This would include funding to support 7.5 full-time equivalent
positions, rent, and other operational costs. Based on information provided by UT System, this
analysis assumes any costs related to the Center would be paid for with institutional funds.
Bill Analysis
HB 2571 would amend the Education Code to have the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio establish and maintain the National Center for Warrior Resiliency to be devoted to research and clinical care for combat-related PTSD and comorbid conditions and enhancing the psychological resiliency of military personnel and veterans. The board of regents of The
University of Texas System would provide for the employment of staff, an operating budget for the center, and solicit gifts and grants.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Ultimately this bill is asking Texas to take care of veteran's health, a noble cause, but the responsibility of the federal government not the state of Texas. The idea that the goals of this bill can be achieved without spending additional state funds raises skepticism given that at least 7 new FTE's are required and the center would be established on state property. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude and their healthcare should be taken care of, however this is a responsibility of the federal government and not the state of Texas. For these reasons we oppose this bill.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations
