H.B. No. 3359 aims to enhance the identification of individuals with veteran status and improve communication with the Texas Veterans Commission. The bill amends several sections of the Election Code to include new provisions that make an applicant's veteran status confidential information, which cannot be disclosed publicly. Specifically, it adds a requirement for voter registration applications to include a space for applicants to indicate if they have served in the U.S. armed forces, and mandates that this information be used solely for notifying the Texas Veterans Commission. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the voter registrar must compile a list of applicants who identify as veterans and share this information with the Texas Veterans Commission.

The bill also introduces new legal language regarding the confidentiality of veteran status and the procedures for transmitting this information to the Texas Veterans Commission. It includes provisions that ensure the information remains confidential and is used only for the purpose of connecting veterans with available services. Furthermore, the bill repeals certain existing sections of the Transportation Code related to veterans' services and establishes that the changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to applications submitted after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.004, Election Code 13.071, Election Code 13.122, Election Code 18.066, Transportation Code 431.001, Transportation Code 521.102 (Transportation Code 431, Election Code 13, Election Code 18, Transportation Code 521)
House Committee Report: Election Code 13.004, Election Code 13.071, Election Code 13.122, Election Code 18.066, Transportation Code 431.001, Transportation Code 521.102 (Transportation Code 431, Election Code 13, Election Code 18, Transportation Code 521)
Engrossed: Election Code 13.004, Election Code 13.071, Election Code 13.122, Election Code 18.066, Transportation Code 431.001, Transportation Code 521.102 (Transportation Code 431, Election Code 13, Election Code 18, Transportation Code 521)