Adopted Rules Title 40

TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

CHAPTER 460. FUND FOR VETERANS' ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING THE FUND FOR VETERANS' ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Texas Veterans Commission ("Commission") adopts amendment to Section 460.2 of Title 40, Part 15, Chapter 460 of the Texas Administrative Code concerning the Fund for Veterans' Assistance Grant Program Definitions without changes to the proposed text as published in the August 25, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 4605). The rule will not be republished.

The amended rule is adopted following a comprehensive review of the chapter. Staff determined the need to update the rule language to ensure the agency's administrative rules are current and accurately reflect the Commission policies and procedures. Additionally, the changes will provide the Commission with more flexibility in awarding grant funds under the Veterans' Assistance Grant Program.

No comments were received regarding the proposed rule amendments.

The amended rule is adopted under Texas Government Code §434.010, granting the Commission the authority to establish rules it considers necessary for its administration, and Texas Government Code §434.017, granting the Commission the authority to establish rules governing the award of grants by the Commission.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on November 15, 2023.

TRD-202304283

Kathleen Cordova

General Counsel

Texas Veterans Commission

Effective date: December 5, 2023

Proposal publication date: August 25, 2023

For further information, please call: (737) 320-4167

40 TAC §460.18

The Texas Veterans Commission ("Commission") adopts a new rule, §460.18 concerning Service Dog Pilot Program, located in Chapter 460, Title 40, Part 15 of the Texas Administrative Code. This new section is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the July 28, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 4116) and will not be republished.

The new rule is adopted to reflect the directive by House Bill 2951, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023), allowing the commission to establish a pilot program for veterans to assist in mitigating the symptoms of military service-related post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma through the provision of a service dog.

The Commission received one written comment from K9s For Warriors regarding the proposed new rule. K9s For Warriors stated they supported the rule as proposed.

The new rule is authorized under Texas Government Code §434.010, granting the Commission the authority to establish rules, and Texas Government Code §434.017, granting the Commission the authority to establish rules governing the award of grants by the Commission.