S.B. No. 2543 amends the Natural Resources Code to clarify the guidelines for establishing state veterans cemeteries funded by grants from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill specifies that the Texas Veterans Commission, along with representatives from the veterans community, will determine the location and size of these cemeteries and the eligibility criteria for burial. The previous language referring to "veterans cemeteries" has been replaced with "state veterans cemeteries that are funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs," ensuring a clear distinction in the funding source.

Additionally, the bill allows the board to utilize funds from the veterans' land fund and housing assistance funds for planning, designing, operating, maintaining, enlarging, or improving these state veterans cemeteries. However, it explicitly prohibits the use of these funds for acquiring land for the cemeteries. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 164.005 (Natural Resources Code 164)
Senate Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 164.005 (Natural Resources Code 164)
Engrossed: Natural Resources Code 164.005 (Natural Resources Code 164)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 164.005 (Natural Resources Code 164)
Enrolled: Natural Resources Code 164.005 (Natural Resources Code 164)