Relating to the composition of the governing body of a local mental health authority.

Contracts

• Bylaws (Governance Contract): You must amend corporate bylaws to create this specific seat. If your bylaws currently cap board membership, that cap must be raised.
• Insurance Policies: You must update your Directors & Officers (D&O) liability insurance policy to cover the additional member. Failure to report the roster change may void coverage for that individual.

Hiring/Training

• Recruitment: The Nominating Committee must establish vetting protocols to verify veteran status (e.g., DD-214 review).
• Mandatory Training: The new appointee must complete the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and specific HHSC board training required for voting members.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Meeting Minutes: You must document the specific motion and majority vote used to select the veteran member to prove statutory compliance during HHSC audits.
• Roster Filings: Updated board rosters must be filed with HHSC and posted to your public website immediately upon appointment.
• Verification: Retain redacted documentation proving the member's veteran status in your permanent governance files.

Fees & Costs

• Budget Impact: Negligible direct fiscal impact.
• Indirect Costs: Potential slight increase in D&O insurance premiums and administrative costs associated with board travel/reimbursement policies.