Before we begin we want to highlight the INCREDIBLE efforts of Captain (TX) Kym Olson For Her Incredible Work Growing The Texas State Guard In The Texas Legislature. She has successfully opposed destructive legislation that would of harmed The Texas State Guard and proposed legislation that has drastically increased its future use.
The 2025 Texas Legislative Session saw a surge of proposals aimed at reshaping, supporting, and honoring the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG). Some of the bills tried to reorganize the State Guard as an independent civilian state agency separate from the Texas Military Department. These measures envisioned a governor-appointed director that would work alongside other state agencies and no longer military in any capacity.
Click Here To Read The Texas State Guard Legislation
We have observed increased pressure from outside actors and organizations to reclassify State Defense Forces as civilian agencies, no longer held to the standards and regulations of the military. More challenges are coming in other states and we are doing our best to challenge this conversion, which we believe is dangerous and unlawful per the definition of defense forces under Federal law 32 U.S.C. s.109.
You can help us fight these organizations by donating and funding our legislative lobbying efforts.
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Beyond structural reforms, legislators also addressed benefits and recognition. HB 290 expanded tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, including the State Guard, raising exemptions to 15 semester hours and increasing award caps. HB 300 significantly boosted the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program and—critically—opened eligibility to those entering officer commissioning programs for the State Guard. Other measures focused on hunting and fishing license fee waivers for veterans and Guard members, while HB 1389 proposed funding JROTC units to render funeral honors for veterans, explicitly recognizing State Guard service in eligibility.
Resolutions also played a role in honoring leadership within the Guard. SR 52, SR 179, HR 57, and HR 595 formally recognized the distinguished careers of Major General Anthony Woods, Brigadier General Joe D. Cave, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Michael Lee Russell, and Colonel Thomas Clark Mohler, respectively—each of whom left lasting legacies of service in the Texas State Guard. Collectively, the 2025 session underscored both the opportunities and challenges facing the Guard: while some reforms died in committee, the attention given to modernization, education, and recognition signals a growing legislative awareness of the Guard’s role in Texas’ security and resilience.
Click Here To Read The Texas State Guard Legislation
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