This bill creates a temporary teaching certificate for former military service members and first responders who wish to teach career and technology education. It allows these individuals to qualify for certification by substituting their military or first responder service experience for traditional degree requirements, such as accepting an associate degree with 48 months of service or a bachelor's degree with 60 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA. The legislation also mandates that school districts assign mentor teachers to these new instructors for at least two years. The changes would take effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 290 would provide tuition and fee exemptions at Texas colleges for qualifying members of the Texas military forces (including National Guard and State Guard). It requires public and private institutions to waive tuition for up to 15 semester credit hours per term (increasing from 12) and all mandatory fees when tuition is waived. The program limits assistance to 15 credit hours per term and a maximum of seven academic years or 15 semesters total per service member. The Texas Adjutant General would certify eligible members and administer the program within available funding, with specific caps for Texas State Guard members (30 awards per term unless a compelling need is found).
SB 683 expands tuition and fee exemptions at Texas public colleges and universities to include honorably discharged veterans who served during specific conflicts (like the Persian Gulf War, 9/11 attacks, and future emergencies) and reserve members (including Texas National Guard and Air National Guard) with at least 20 years of continuous service. Veterans must have served over 180 days on active duty during designated periods, while reserve members qualify for the exemption after 20 years of service. The exemption covers tuition, fees, and other required charges but excludes lodging, board, and clothing fees. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
SB 635 creates a supplemental pay program for Texas military members (including National Guard) who face economic hardship due to serving on active duty. It allows eligible members to receive payments up to the lesser of the hardship amount or the difference between lost civilian income and military pay received. The bill establishes a dedicated funding account in the general revenue fund, which can be supported by legislative appropriations, gifts, or grants. This program applies to military duty occurring on or after September 1, 2025, with payments subject to available funds.
SB 594 prohibits individuals or entities from charging veterans or their families fees for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans benefits claims (like disability payments or healthcare access), except as allowed under federal law. It bans guaranteeing specific benefit amounts and restricts excessive fees, requiring all fee agreements to be in writing and comply with federal regulations. The law directly affects veterans, their dependents, and anyone assisting with VA claims - such as service officers or attorneys - by preventing deceptive practices. Violations are treated as deceptive trade practices under Texas business law, enforceable by the state. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Texas Senate Bill 252 extends protections under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to two specific groups: (1) children of veterans who retired (for four years after retirement if they return home on military orders), and (2) children of service members who died on duty (for four years after death). The bill requires all Texas public school districts and charter schools to post an easily accessible link on their websites about these protections and the compact. This law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
SB 1134 provides tuition and mandatory fee exemptions at Texas public and private colleges for active members of the Texas military forces. It requires institutions to waive tuition for up to 12 semester credit hours per semester (capped at $12,000 annually) and all mandatory fees for qualifying students. Eligible service members can receive this aid for up to five academic years or 10 semesters, whichever comes first. The bill also limits Texas State Guard recipients to 30 awards per semester unless the adjutant general approves additional awards.
SB 1338 expands tuition and fee exemptions at Texas public colleges to include siblings of military personnel who meet specific criteria. It applies to siblings of service members who were killed in action, died in service, are missing, became totally disabled due to service, or meet VA disability standards. A key condition is that the military member must have no spouse or children for the sibling to qualify. The policy change takes effect for the 2025 fall semester, covering tuition and fees for eligible Texas residents enrolled at public institutions.
Based on the provided context, the bill text for HB 572 is unavailable ("This version is not currently available"). The title indicates it relates to allowing the purchase of military service credit within the Employees Retirement System of Texas, which would directly affect Texas state employees with military service who may want to count that time toward their retirement benefits. The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the Pensions, Investments & Financial Services committee on March 3, 2025, but no specific provisions or mechanisms are described in the available information. Without access to the bill's full text or summary details, a substantive policy description cannot be provided.
SB 1256 creates a veteran discount program for electronic toll users on specific segments of State Highway 130 in Texas. It requires the Texas Department of Transportation to use existing toll revenue from Highway 130 (from U.S. Highway 183 to I-10, Segments 5 and 6) to fund free or discounted tolls for veterans. The discount applies only to electronic toll customers (e.g., TxTag users) on those designated highway segments, with priority given to these segments before potentially expanding to other parts of Highway 130 if funds remain. The program takes effect September 1, 2025.
