Bill > HB3644

This bill enhances procedures for identifying and supporting veterans who are inmates or prisoners in Texas by requiring county jails and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to systematically verify veteran status during the intake process. Specifically, sheriffs must investigate each prisoner's veteran status using the Veterans Reentry Search Service (VRSS) operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and when a veteran is identified, they must submit a daily report to the Texas Veterans Commission and local veterans county service officer. The bill also mandates that the department assist verified veteran inmates in applying for federal veterans benefits, including mailing related paperwork at no charge to the inmate and providing a prepaid postcard from the Texas Veterans Commission to request benefits assistance. Additionally, the bill requires that when a prisoner's veteran status is confirmed, they must be allowed to have in-person or video visitation with a veterans county service officer or peer service coordinator at no cost. These provisions aim to ensure that veteran inmates have access to support, resources, and potential benefits they may be eligible for, recognizing their military service while they are incarcerated.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3644