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Senate committee advances bill to create Governor’s Medal of Service

2983270 · April 14, 2025

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Summary

The Senate Committee on Administration voted to report Senate Bill 2,053 favorably after a brief lay-out; the bill would authorize a Governor’s Medal of Service to honor enduring public service, limit awards to twice yearly and allow private funding for administrative costs.

The Senate Committee on Administration on a voice and roll-call vote advanced Senate Bill 2,053, which would create a Governor’s Medal of Service to recognize Texans for ‘‘enduring public service.’'

Senate Bill 2,053, as explained to the committee by State Senator José Hinojosa of Nueces County, would establish the Governor’s Medal of Service to honor Texans who: retired honorably from a state or local public-service position; provided extraordinary service to residents through private-sector work; or provided extraordinary service as a member of the Texas Legislature. The bill specifies the award would be given at the governor’s discretion and ‘‘may not be distributed more than 2 times per year’’ to preserve prestige. It also allows the Office of the Governor to accept gifts, grants or donations to cover administrative expenses related to the award.

The bill drew no public testimony during the committee hearing and Hinojosa moved that SB 2,053 be reported favorably to the full Senate. On a roll call of present members the committee recorded seven ayes and zero nays; the clerk announced that SB 2,053 would report favorably to the full Senate. The committee also ordered the bill recommended for placement on the April 16, 2025 local and uncontested calendar without objection.

The measure, if passed by the full Senate and enacted, would add the Governor’s Medal of Service to the state’s roster of civilian honors and permit the governor to accept private funds to support award administration. The committee record shows no amendments were adopted in committee and staff did not identify any requirement for state-appropriated funds.