Bill Caption

Rrelating to employment and referral services for veterans and military service members.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 696 would require the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to establish the Operation Welcome Home program to expedite the entry of veterans and military service members into the workforce through the use of enhanced employment services. TWC would build partnerships between military transition centers and local workforce development boards to ensure the availability of employment services, including services related to education, career technical training, and entrepreneurship.

TWC would be able to award grants to state, local, or private entities that perform activities related to the purposes of this bill's provisions. TWC would only be able to use money previously appropriated to it or received from federal or other sources. 

This bill would also establish a Texas Veterans Leadership Program to serve as a resource and referral network connecting veterans with the resources and tools they need. The program would be required to collaborate with local workforce development boards to provide services to veterans. The program would be required to employ veterans to serve as veteran resource and referral specialists, who will seek out veterans in need of services, serve as a resource and referral agent, and make referrals and coordinate with other programs of the TWC, the Texas Veterans Commission, and other agencies that provide services to veterans.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 696 because it does not affect our liberty principles. However, we should note that this is a role that would be better suited for the federal government and charitable organizations, and is likely already being done to some extent by those entities. Because this bill does not require additional appropriations, we remain neutral.