Texas

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
Texas-2023-SB424-Introduced
  • 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 ACT
  relating to the service of and certain benefits for members of the
  Texas military forces, including tuition assistance at
  postsecondary educational institutions.
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
        SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known as The Texas Guardsman
  Bill of Rights.
 
       (c)  The adjutant general shall grant assistance for tuition
  and mandatory fees under this section to eligible service members,
  in an amount not to exceed the amount provided in the General
  Appropriations Act. The adjutant general may apportion the number
  of assistance awards among the components of the Texas military
  forces necessary to meet the recruitment and retention needs of
  those components. The number of assistance awards made to members
  of the Texas State Guard may not exceed 45 [30] for any semester or
  term unless the adjutant general finds a compelling need for
  additional awards to members of the Texas State Guard.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating 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 by
  adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
        (b-1)  The adjutant general shall provide reasonable
  accommodations to allow a person with a disability who otherwise
  meets the requirements under Subsection (b) to serve in the Texas
  State 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 is
 eligible to participate in a veterans treatment court program
 established under this chapter [only if the attorney representing
 the state consents to the defendant’s participation in the program
 and] 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; 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.
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 [HONORARY
  RESERVE]. (a)  The governor, [or] adjutant general, or commander of
  the Texas State Guard, under the governor’s authority and
  direction, shall place on retired status [may transfer to the Texas
  State Guard Honorary Reserve] an officer or enlisted service member
  of 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 military
  satisfactorily 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 into
  the honorary reserve].  For a service member who is not a general
  officer, the adjutant general may advance the service member one
  grade or rank at the time of placement on retired status [the
  transfer 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. 878
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
        WHEREAS, Sergeant Major Timothy C. Cummings is retiring from
  the Texas State Guard on April 22, 2023, drawing to a close an
  exceptional career with the military branch that has spanned more
  than two decades; and
        WHEREAS, Sergeant Major Cummings currently serves as chief of
  force sustainment and chief of the engineers staff, titles he has
  held since January 2021; previously, he was the G3 Operations
  noncommissioned officer in charge, 1st Brigade, the battalion
  senior enlisted advisor for the Engineer Regiment, and the military
  district coordinator; he also completed an assignment as a deputy
  S-3 for the Engineer Group; and
        WHEREAS, Initially entering active duty in September 2001,
  Sergeant Major Cummings has also served as battle captain for a
  COVID-19 response mission and deployed during a number of natural
  disasters, including Hurricanes Laura, Harvey, Ike, Gustav, and
  Dolly; moreover, he held the roles of branch chief and coast guard
  liaison for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Emergency Management and
  Disaster Response Directorate; and
        WHEREAS, Sergeant Major Cummings has been honored as a Texas
  State Guardsman of the Year by the U.S. Air and Space Forces
  Association, and he has received numerous other accolades as well;
  among them are the Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit
  Award, two Texas Medals of Merit, two Texas State Guard Meritorious
  Service Medals, three Commanding General’s Individual Awards, the
  Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon, the Lone Star Distinguished
  Service Medal, the Homeland Defense Medal, and two Texas Faithful
  Service Medals; and
        WHEREAS, The dedication, professionalism, and devotion to
  duty demonstrated by Timothy Cummings have greatly benefited the
  citizens of the Lone Star State and earned him the respect and
  admiration of his peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his
  outstanding record of service as he embarks on the next exciting
  chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it
        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby congratulate Sergeant Major Timothy C. Cummings
  on his retirement from the Texas State Guard and extend to him
  sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Sergeant Major Cummings as an expression of high
  regard 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 State
  Guard has served the state and nation with great distinction over
  the course of his military career; and
        WHEREAS, From April 2015 through December 2019, Jose Lopez
  demonstrated exceptional leadership as command sergeant major of
  the Texas State Guard Engineer Regiment, directing field
  preparations and operations for the regiment’s annual training
  exercises and guiding the technical enlisted force; when Hurricane
  Harvey hit Southeast Texas in 2017, he oversaw the allocation of
  regiment resources to Texas State Guard headquarters; as the senior
  noncommissioned officer on-site, he assisted with logistic
  operations and managed the tactical operations center; and
        WHEREAS, A professional engineer, CSM Lopez was at the helm
  of facility assessments for the Texas Army National Guard in the
  Austin area; the assessments resulted in an additional $10 million
  for Texas Military Department renovations; in addition to his
  7-year tenure with the Texas State Guard, he spent 26 years with the
  Texas Army National Guard and 4 years with the U.S. Navy; and
        WHEREAS, CSM Jose Lopez has set an inspiring example of
  leadership, dedication, and integrity throughout his career in the
  military, and his contributions have earned him the lasting
  gratitude of his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby honor Command Sergeant Major Jose Lopez of the
  Texas State Guard for his distinguished military service and extend
  to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for CSM Lopez as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating 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 amended
  to read as follows:
        (b)  The fund consists of:
              (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.
        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 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 the
  Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State
  Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Merchant Marine;
  or
                    (B)  a contract to serve as a commissioned officer
  in any branch of the armed services of the United States;
 
(4)  meet the physical examination requirements and all
  other 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 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 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 ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating 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 Wildlife
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
        (b)  The commission may establish a lower fee or waive the
  fee or license requirement for:
              (1)  a resident who has a general commercial
  fisherman’s license of this state;
              (2)  a resident who is a blind person as defined by
  Section 355.001 [94.001], Labor [Human Resources] Code;
              (3)  a resident or nonresident who is under 17 years
  old; or
              (4)  a resident who is at least 65 years old but younger
  than 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 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; and
              (3)  a resident who is 85 years old or over.
        SECTION 2.  (a) The change in law made by this Act applies
  only to a fee charged for a fishing license issued on or after the
  effective date of this Act.
        (b)  The Parks and Wildlife Department is not required to
  issue a refund for a license issued before the effective date of
  this 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-D
 
  By: Bell of Montgomery H.B. No. 387
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating 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 amended
  to read as follows:
        (b)  The fund consists of:
              (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.
        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.

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.
    • Final Status: Passed on June 16 2021 – 100% progression
  • 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