Bill > SB2543

This bill modifies provisions related to state veterans cemeteries by updating guidelines for their establishment and funding. Specifically, the bill changes language to clarify that only veterans cemeteries funded by grants from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs will be subject to certain guidelines. The bill allows the board (likely the Texas Veterans Land Board) and the Texas Veterans Commission to establish guidelines for determining the location, size, and burial eligibility for these state veterans cemeteries. Instead of previously limiting the number of cemetery locations to seven, the bill now allows more flexibility in selecting cemetery sites across the state. Additionally, the bill removes a previous restriction that limited spending to $7 million per fiscal year and instead allows the board to use funds from the veterans' land fund and veterans' housing assistance funds to plan, design, operate, maintain, enlarge, or improve veterans cemeteries, while still prohibiting the use of these funds for land acquisition. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2543