2024 Legislation Session
- House Bill 153
- Summary: Relating to the eligibility of service members and veterans to participate in a veterans treatment court program.
- Status: Introduced on November 12 2024 – 25% progression
- Action: 2024-11-12 – Filed
AN ACT
relating to the eligibility of service members and veterans to
participate in a veterans treatment court program.
(a) The commissioners court of a county may establish a
veterans treatment court program for persons arrested for, charged
with, convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication community
supervision for any misdemeanor or felony offense.
if the court in which the criminal case is pending or in which
the defendant was convicted or placed on deferred adjudication
community supervision, as applicable, finds that the defendant is a
veteran or current member of the United States armed forces,
including a member of the reserves, national guard, or state guard,
who:
(1) suffers from a brain injury, mental illness, or
mental disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, or was a
victim of military sexual trauma if the injury, illness, disorder,
or trauma:
(A) occurred during or resulted from the
defendant’s military service; and
(B) affected the defendant’s criminal conduct at
issue in the case
- House Bill 696
- Summary: Relating to waivers for state park entrance fees and hunting and fishing license fees for certain resident first responders.
- Status: Introduced on November 12 2024 – 25% progression
- Action: 2024-11-12 – Filed
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT
relating to waivers for state park entrance fees and hunting and
fishing license fees for certain resident first responders.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
(a-2) The department shall waive the park entrance fee for a
resident who is a first responder who:
(1) has completed at least 20 years of continuous
service as a first responder; or
(2) has a disability connected to service as a first
responder consisting of the loss of the use of a lower extremity or
of a disability rating of 50 percent or more.
(c) The commission shall waive the fee for:
(1) a qualified veteran with a disability as defined
by Section 42.012;
(2) [and for] a resident on active duty as a member of
the United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard,
the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard;
- House Bill 1389
- Summary: Relating to a grant program for junior reserve officers’ training corps programs to provide military funeral honors for veterans. Allows JROTC cadets to perform funeral honors for National Guard & State Guard Veterans
- Status: Introduced on November 18 2024 – 25% progression
- Action: 2024-11-18 – Filed
A BILL TO BE ENTITLEDAN ACT
relating to a grant program for junior reserve officers’ training
corps programs to provide military funeral honors for veterans.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
(1) “JROTC program” means a junior reserve officers’
training corps program for students in middle school, junior high
school, or high school established under 10 U.S.C. Section 2031.
(4) “Veteran” means a person who has served in:
(A) the army, navy, air force, coast guard, space
force, or marine corps of the United States; or
(B) the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard
as defined by Section 437.001.
- House Bill 1305
- Summary: Relating to the qualifications for appointment as adjutant general. Changed the requirements of becoming The Adjutant General from having served in The US Military or National Guard to include State Guard as well.
- Status: Introduced on November 13 2024 – 25% progression
- Action: 2024-11-13 – Filed
Texas-2025-HB1305-Introduced
- House Bill 761
- Summary: Relating to fee waivers for certain hunting and fishing licenses for honorably discharged veterans.
- Status: Introduced on November 12 2024 – 25% progression
- Action: 2024-11-12 – Filed
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to fee waivers for certain hunting and fishing licenses for honorably discharged veterans. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 42.012(b), Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) The commission may set a lower fee or waive the fee or license requirement for a resident who is under 17 years old, 65 years old or older, or participating in an event that is sponsored or co-sponsored by the department with the approval of the director. The commission shall waive the fee for: (1) an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed services; (2) a qualified veteran with a disability; and (3) [
for] a resident on active duty as a member of the United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard. SECTION 2. Section 46.004(c), Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) The commission shall waive the fee for: (1) an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed services; (2) a qualified veteran with a disability as defined by Section 42.012; and (3) [for] a resident on active duty as a member of the United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard. SECTION 3. Section 50.002, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) The commission shall waive the fee for an annual combination hunting and fishing license for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed services. SECTION 4. (a) The change in law made by this Act applies only to a fee charged for a hunting or fishing license issued on or after the effective date of this Act. (b) A hunting or fishing license issued before the effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect when the license was issued, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. The Parks and Wildlife Department is not required to issue a refund for any license issued before the effective date of this Act. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
2023 LEGISLATION SESSION
- Senate Bill 424
- Summary: Relating to supplemental pay for members of the Texas military forces suffering an economic hardship as a result of serving on military duty. Now extends to all State military forces including Texas State Guard.
- Status: Introduced on January 12 2023 – 25% progression
- Action: 2023-03-20 – Co-author authorized
- Pending: Senate Veteran Affairs Committee
- Senate Bill 1128
- Summary: Relating to the service of and certain benefits for members of the Texas military forces, including tuition assistance at postsecondary educational institutions.
- Status: Introduced on February 23 2023 – 25% progression
- Action: 2023-03-09 – Referred to Vet Affairs
- Pending: Senate Veteran Affairs Committee
AN ACTrelating to the service of and certain benefits for members of theTexas military forces, including tuition assistance atpostsecondary educational institutions.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as The Texas GuardsmanBill of Rights.(c) The adjutant general shall grant assistance for tuitionand mandatory fees under this section to eligible service members,in an amount not to exceed the amount provided in the GeneralAppropriations Act. The adjutant general may apportion the numberof assistance awards among the components of the Texas militaryforces necessary to meet the recruitment and retention needs ofthose components. The number of assistance awards made to membersof the Texas State Guard may not exceed 45 [30] for any semester orterm unless the adjutant general finds a compelling need foradditional awards to members of the Texas State Guard.
- Senate Bill 2457
- Summary: Relating to the requirements to serve in the Texas State Guard.
- Status: Introduced on March 10 2023 – 25% progression
- Action: 2023-03-23 – Referred to Vet Affairs
- Pending: Senate Veteran Affairs Committee
A BILL TO BE ENTITLEDAN ACTrelating to the requirements to serve in the Texas State Guard.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:SECTION 1. Section 437.302, Government Code, is amended byadding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:(b-1) The adjutant general shall provide reasonableaccommodations to allow a person with a disability who otherwisemeets the requirements under Subsection (b) to serve in the TexasState Guard.SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
- House Resolution 938
- Summary: Recognizing April 4, 2023, as Texas State Guard Day at the State Capitol.
- Status: Passed on April 4 2023 – 100% progression
- Action: 2023-04-04 – Reported enrolled
R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Texas State Guard Day is taking place at the State Capitol on April 4, 2023, providing a welcome opportunity to honor the members and leadership of this distinguished branch of the state’s military forces; and WHEREAS, The first colonial militia was established in Texas in 1823, when the area was still part of Mexico; after Texans won their independence and subsequently became part of the United States, the various militias across Texas were consolidated in 1871 as the State Guard, which was replaced in 1903 by the Texas Army National Guard; in 1940, the creation of local military units was authorized by the U.S. Congress whenever the National Guard was deployed for federal service, and on February 10, 1941, the Texas Legislature created the Texas State Guard, which quickly grew to include almost 17,500 officers and enlisted personnel organized into 50 battalions; in 1948, the legislature activated the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps, which continued until the Texas State Guard was reauthorized in 1965; and WHEREAS, One of the three branches of the Texas Military Department, the Texas State Guard is headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin; over the years, the duties of this mission-ready military force have included providing security for the state’s infrastructure during World War II, maintaining order after civil unrest, and conducting recovery efforts after such catastrophic events as the explosion of a freighter in Texas City in 1947 and the loss of the space shuttle Columbia in 2003; since 2005, the guard’s deployments have included responding to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey as well as the COVID-19 pandemic; moreover, the guard has participated in the long-term border missions of Operation Border Star and Operation Drawbridge, and it has also taken part in such public service efforts as Operation Lone Star, which provides critical medical care to underserved populations in South Texas; and WHEREAS, For more than eight decades, the men and women of the Texas State Guard have lived up to their motto, “Equal to the Task,” by standing ready to aid and protect their fellow citizens, and their remarkable record of courageous and dedicated service is truly worthy of celebration; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 4, 2023, as Texas State Guard Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those in attendance sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful experience; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Texas State Guard as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
- House Bill 2864
- Summary: Relating to the eligibility of service members and veterans to participate in a veterans treatment court program.
- Status: Introduced on February 27 2023 – 25% progression
- Action: 2023-04-10 – Left pending in committee
(a) The commissioners court of a county may establish a veterans treatment court program for persons arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for any misdemeanor or felony offense. Except for good cause shown by an attorney representing the state to deny a defendant’s participation in the program, a [ A] defendant iseligible to participate in a veterans treatment court program established under this chapter [ only if the attorney representingthe state consents to the defendant’s participation in the programand] if the court in which the criminal case is pending or in whichthe defendant was convicted or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision, as applicable, finds that the defendant is a veteran or current member of the United States armed forces, including a member of the reserves, national guard, or state guard, who: (1) suffers from a brain injury, mental illness, or mental disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, or was a victim of military sexual trauma if the injury, illness, disorder, or trauma: (A) occurred during or resulted from the defendant’s military service; and (B) affected the defendant’s criminal conduct at issue in the case; or (2) is a defendant whose participation in a veterans treatment court program, considering the circumstances of the defendant’s conduct, personal and social background, and criminal history, is likely to achieve the objective of ensuring public safety through rehabilitation of the veteran in the manner provided by Section 1.02(1), Penal Code. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
- House Bill 837 – SB538
- Summary: Relating to the use of appropriated money by the Texas State Guard for recruiting and retention purposes.
- Status: Passed on June 2 2023 – 100% progression
- Action: 2023-06-02 – Effective immediately
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the use of appropriated money by the Texas State Guard for recruiting and retention purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 2113.011, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows: (f) This section does not prohibit the Texas State Guard from using appropriated money for the purpose of recruiting or retaining service members, employees, or other personnel. In this subsection, “service member” and “Texas State Guard” have the meanings assigned by Section 437.001. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
- House Bill 836
- Summary: Relating to retired members of the Texas State Guard.
- Status: Engrossed on April 21 2023 – 50% progression
- Action: 2023-04-24 – Referred to Vet Affairs
- Pending: Senate Veteran Affairs Committee
By: RaymondH.B. No. 836
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to retired members of the Texas State Guard. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 437.309, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 437.309. TEXAS STATE GUARD RETIRED STATUS [ HONORARYRESERVE]. (a) The governor, [or] adjutant general, or commander ofthe Texas State Guard, under the governor’s authority and direction, shall place on retired status [ may transfer to the TexasState Guard Honorary Reserve] an officer or enlisted service memberof the Texas State Guard who, on separation from the Texas State Guard: (1) is physically disabled as a result of service[ ;[ (2) is at least 60 years of age]; or(2) [ (3)] has served the federal or state militarysatisfactorily for at least 20 years of combined service, with at least five years of service in the Texas State Guard. (b) The governor may advance the service member one grade or rank at the time of placement on retired status [ the transfer intothe honorary reserve]. For a service member who is not a generalofficer, the adjutant general may advance the service member one grade or rank at the time of placement on retired status [ thetransfer into the honorary reserve].(c) The commander of the Texas State Guard shall issue an identification card to an officer or service member who is placed on retired status. SECTION 2. Section 437.308(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The commander of the Texas State Guard shall maintain and preserve the individual and unit records of the Texas State Guard and the officers or service members placed on retired status [ the Texas State Guard Honorary Reserve].SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
- House Bill 878
- Summary: Congratulating Sergeant Major Timothy C. Cummings on his retirement from the Texas State Guard.
- Status: Passed on April 14 2023 – 100% progression
- Action: 2023-04-14 – Reported enrolled
H.R. No. 878R E S O L U T I O NWHEREAS, Sergeant Major Timothy C. Cummings is retiring fromthe Texas State Guard on April 22, 2023, drawing to a close anexceptional career with the military branch that has spanned morethan two decades; andWHEREAS, Sergeant Major Cummings currently serves as chief offorce sustainment and chief of the engineers staff, titles he hasheld since January 2021; previously, he was the G3 Operationsnoncommissioned officer in charge, 1st Brigade, the battalionsenior enlisted advisor for the Engineer Regiment, and the militarydistrict coordinator; he also completed an assignment as a deputyS-3 for the Engineer Group; andWHEREAS, Initially entering active duty in September 2001,Sergeant Major Cummings has also served as battle captain for aCOVID-19 response mission and deployed during a number of naturaldisasters, including Hurricanes Laura, Harvey, Ike, Gustav, andDolly; moreover, he held the roles of branch chief and coast guardliaison for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Emergency Management andDisaster Response Directorate; andWHEREAS, Sergeant Major Cummings has been honored as a TexasState Guardsman of the Year by the U.S. Air and Space ForcesAssociation, and he has received numerous other accolades as well;among them are the Department of Homeland Security Outstanding UnitAward, two Texas Medals of Merit, two Texas State Guard MeritoriousService Medals, three Commanding General’s Individual Awards, theTexas Humanitarian Service Ribbon, the Lone Star DistinguishedService Medal, the Homeland Defense Medal, and two Texas FaithfulService Medals; andWHEREAS, The dedication, professionalism, and devotion toduty demonstrated by Timothy Cummings have greatly benefited thecitizens of the Lone Star State and earned him the respect andadmiration of his peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on hisoutstanding record of service as he embarks on the next excitingchapter of his life; now, therefore, be itRESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th TexasLegislature hereby congratulate Sergeant Major Timothy C. Cummingson his retirement from the Texas State Guard and extend to himsincere best wishes for the future; and, be it furtherRESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution beprepared for Sergeant Major Cummings as an expression of highregard by the Texas House of Representatives.
- House Resolution 614
- Summary: Honoring Command Sergeant Major Jose Lopez of the Texas State Guard for his military service.
- Status: Passed on March 23 2023 – 100% progression
- Action: 2023-03-23 – Reported enrolled
WHEREAS, Command Sergeant Major Jose Lopez of the Texas StateGuard has served the state and nation with great distinction overthe course of his military career; andWHEREAS, From April 2015 through December 2019, Jose Lopezdemonstrated exceptional leadership as command sergeant major ofthe Texas State Guard Engineer Regiment, directing fieldpreparations and operations for the regiment’s annual trainingexercises and guiding the technical enlisted force; when HurricaneHarvey hit Southeast Texas in 2017, he oversaw the allocation ofregiment resources to Texas State Guard headquarters; as the seniornoncommissioned officer on-site, he assisted with logisticoperations and managed the tactical operations center; andWHEREAS, A professional engineer, CSM Lopez was at the helmof facility assessments for the Texas Army National Guard in theAustin area; the assessments resulted in an additional $10 millionfor Texas Military Department renovations; in addition to his7-year tenure with the Texas State Guard, he spent 26 years with theTexas Army National Guard and 4 years with the U.S. Navy; andWHEREAS, CSM Jose Lopez has set an inspiring example ofleadership, dedication, and integrity throughout his career in themilitary, and his contributions have earned him the lastinggratitude of his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be itRESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th TexasLegislature hereby honor Command Sergeant Major Jose Lopez of theTexas State Guard for his distinguished military service and extendto him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it furtherRESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution beprepared for CSM Lopez as an expression of high regard by the TexasHouse of Representatives.
- House Bill 387 / Senate Bill 537
- Summary: Relating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund.
- Status: Introduced on November 14 2022 – 25% progression
- Action: 2023-04-19 – Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
- Pending: House Appropriations Committee
A BILL TO BE ENTITLEDAN ACTrelating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:SECTION 1. Section 437.310(b), Government Code, is amendedto read as follows:(b) The fund consists of:(1) donations made to the fund;(2) revenue received by the Texas State Guard from thesale of uniforms and insignia to members of the guard; [and](3) depository interest and investment income earnedon money in the fund; and(4) money appropriated, credited, or transferred tothe fund by the legislature.SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receivesa vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, asprovided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If thisAct does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, thisAct takes effect September 1, 2023.
- House Bill 1192 / Senate Bill 371
- Summary: Relating to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program.
- Status: Passed on May 23 2023 – 100% progression
- Action: 2023-05-23 – Effective on 9/1/23
To receive a scholarship under this subchapter, a student must enter into an agreement with the board as provided by this section. The agreement must require the student to:(3) after graduation, enter into:(A) a four-year commitment to be a member of theTexas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas StateGuard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Merchant Marine;or(B) a contract to serve as a commissioned officerin any branch of the armed services of the United States;(4) meet the physical examination requirements and allother prescreening requirements of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Merchant Marine or the branch of the armed services with which the student enters into a contract; and
2022 LEGISLATION SESSION
- House Bill 836
- Summary: Relating to retired members of the Texas State Guard. Removes retired age of 60 and renames Honorary Reserve to Retired Status
- Status: Introduced on December 1 2022 – 25% progression
- Action: 2022-12-01 – Filed
- House Bill 293
- Summary: Relating to waivers for state park entrance fees and hunting and fishing license fees for certain resident first responders.
- Status: Introduced on November 14 2022 – 25% progression
- Action: 2022-11-14 – Filed
The commission shall waive the fee for:(1) a qualified veteran with a disability as definedby Section 42.012;(2) [and for] a resident on active duty as a member ofthe United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard,the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard;
- House Bill 641
- Summary: Relating to a fishing license fee waiver for certain residents.
- Status: Introduced on November 14 2022 – 25% progression
- Action: 2022-11-14 – Filed
A BILL TO BE ENTITLEDAN ACTrelating to a fishing license fee waiver for certain residents.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:SECTION 1. Sections 46.004(b) and (c), Parks and WildlifeCode, are amended to read as follows:(b) The commission may establish a lower fee or waive thefee or license requirement for:(1) a resident who has a general commercialfisherman’s license of this state;(2) a resident who is a blind person as defined bySection 355.001 [94.001], Labor [Human Resources] Code;(3) a resident or nonresident who is under 17 yearsold; or(4) a resident who is at least 65 years old but youngerthan 85 years old or a nonresident who is 65 years old or over.(c) The commission shall waive the fee for:(1) a qualified veteran with a disability as definedby Section 42.012;(2) [and for] a resident on active duty as a member ofthe United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard,the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard; and(3) a resident who is 85 years old or over.SECTION 2. (a) The change in law made by this Act appliesonly to a fee charged for a fishing license issued on or after theeffective date of this Act.(b) The Parks and Wildlife Department is not required toissue a refund for a license issued before the effective date ofthis Act.SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
- House Bill 387
- Summary: Relating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund.
- Status: Passed on June 9 2023 – 100% progression
- Action: 2023-06-09 – Effective immediately
88R810 SRA-DBy: Bell of Montgomery H.B. No. 387A BILL TO BE ENTITLEDAN ACTrelating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:SECTION 1. Section 437.310(b), Government Code, is amendedto read as follows:(b) The fund consists of:(1) donations made to the fund;(2) revenue received by the Texas State Guard from thesale of uniforms and insignia to members of the guard; [and](3) depository interest and investment income earnedon money in the fund; and(4) money appropriated, credited, or transferred tothe fund by the legislature.SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receivesa vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, asprovided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If thisAct does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, thisAct takes effect September 1, 2023.
2021 LEGISLATION
- Texas Senate Bill 793
- Summary: Relating to a ribbon for certain service members of the military who served in support of operations to secure this state’s international border.
- the Texas Border Security and Support Service
Ribbon, which shall be awarded to a service member of the military
forces of this state, another state, or the United States who
served …honorably in support of operations under
civilian authority to secure this state’s international border.
- the Texas Border Security and Support Service
- Final Status: Passed on June 16 2021 – 100% progression
- Summary: Relating to a ribbon for certain service members of the military who served in support of operations to secure this state’s international border.
- Texas House Bill 1062
- Summary: Relating to the eligibility of certain 17-year-old persons to serve as members of the Texas State Guard.
- Final Status: Passed on June 9 2021 – 100% progression
- Texas House Bill HR110
- Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Texas State Guard.
- Final Status: Passed on March 18 2021 – 100% progression
- Texas House Bill 3859
- Summary: Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for recipients of certain Texas military awards.
- Status: 2021-05-12 – Referred to Transportation
- Final Status: 50% progression, died in committee
- Texas House Bill 2815
- Summary: Relating to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program. Requirements to attain Scholarship
- Status: Senate Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee
- Final Status: 50% progression, died in committee
- Texas House Bill 1062
- Summary: Relating to the eligibility of certain 17-year-old persons to serve as members of the Texas State Guard.
- Status: 2021-06-09 – Effective on 9/1/21
- Final Status: Passed on June 9 2021 – 100% progression
- Texas House Bill 1060
- Summary: Relating to a ribbon for certain service members of the military who served in support of operations to secure this state’s international border.
- Status: 2021-05-12 – Placed on General State Calendar
- Final Status: 25% progression, died in chamber
- Texas House Bill 1063
- Summary: Relating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund. A fund that consists (1) donations made to the fund; (2) revenue received by the Texas State Guard from the sale of uniforms and insignia to members of the guard; [and] (3) depository interest and investment income earned on money in the fund; and (4) money appropriated, credited, or transferred to the fund by the legislature
- Status: 2021-05-13 – Placed on General State Calendar
- Final Status: 25% progression, died in chamber
- Texas House Bill 255
- Summary: Relating to waivers for entrance fees to state parks for resident first responders, military service members, and veterans.
- Status: 2021-07-12 – Filed
- Final Status: 25% progression, died in chamber
- Texas House Bill 1615
- Summary: Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Waiver of fee for Texas Parks for Texas Military Forces.
- Status: 2021-04-19 – Left pending in committee
- Final Status: 25% progression, died in committee
BENEFITS
- Daily Stipend for Training and During State Emergency Activations
- Free Texas Concealed Handgun License
- Free Texas Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License
- Job Protections When Called to Duty
- Paid Military Leave (for State Employees)
- Texas Guard License Plate Eligibility (This is NOT Free and must be paid for by the TXSG Member)
- Travel Allowances when Activated by Governor
- College Tuition Assistance
- Waiver of Toll Road Fees (varies by local toll road authority)
- Worker’s Compensation for On-Duty Injury
- Access to Professional Development Courses with SkillSets Online
State Health Insurance:
- After a State Guard member has been on active duty for 90 consecutive days, the member is eligible to purchase State health insurance.
- This is a new process as of the biennium and at this point ERS believes that the insurance purchase will be handled by ERS and the state guard member directly.
Workers Compensation and Other State Guard Benefits:
- According to the State Office of Risk Management (SORM), member of the state military forces, during authorized training, duty, or activation under state authority, are considered full state employees for workers’ compensation purposes. This authority is delegated under chapter 201.001 (5) (D) of the Texas Labor Code.
- Pay and travel entitlements are determined by the Texas Adjutant General (TAG). The TAG has been granted this authority under Section 431.016 other Texas Government Code. According to SORM, travel from a private residence to a place of duty is not covered for workers’ compensation benefits, however, travel between two places of duty is covered by workers’ compensation.
- The state does not carry insurance to cover damages to privately owned vehicles. SORM reports that each agency carries their own vehicle insurance policy. TAG’s insurance policy provides that hired, non-owned vehicles that are operated in course and scope of employment of an employee of the TAG are covered for $250,000 in liability insurance only. TAG’s office state that there is a claims process of the TMD personnel and whether or not the claim would be awarded depends on the working of the service member activation orders.
Source: https://tmd.texas.gov/pay-benefits – Texas Military Department