Good morning, Chairman Cortez and members of the committee, My name is Selene Rodriguez, I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am here to testify in support of House Bill 101.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation has worked over the last few years to assess the Texas Military Department (TMD) and ensure that the great men and women within the agency are supported and able to accomplish the many missions at hand (Blair, 2025). Our research supports the fact that the Texas State Guard is in need of modernization and professionalization, as is the goal of House Bill 101.
HB 101 creates a State Guard Professionalization Task Force which will advise the Texas Adjutant General on the professionalization of the Texas State Guard. Given the many responsibilities of the TMD and the dynamic challenges it endures, the establishment of this task force represents a critical opportunity to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and future readiness of the Texas State Guard. By creating a focused, collaborative group of experts, we can address complex challenges and develop innovative solutions that will strengthen the department’s capabilities and ensure its sustained success.