House Bill No. 450, introduced by Gervin-Hawkins, aims to amend the Texas Government Code by adding a new subchapter that recognizes individuals who were separated from military service solely based on their sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans. The bill defines key terms such as "active military service," "DD Form 214," and "military discharge record," and establishes criteria under which a person can be considered honorably discharged. Specifically, it states that if a person's military discharge record indicates they were dishonorably discharged or separated due to their sexual orientation, and they would have otherwise received a more favorable discharge characterization, they are to be recognized as honorably discharged.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that individuals recognized under this provision are entitled to all benefits, rights, privileges, and immunities afforded to honorably discharged veterans under state law. It also mandates that state agencies accept specific copies of DD Form 214 as proof of discharge. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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