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 ensure that information regarding an applicant's veteran status is treated as confidential and not publicly disclosed. Specifically, it adds a new provision that requires voter registrars to compile a list of applicants who indicate they have served in the U.S. armed forces and to transmit this information to the Texas Veterans Commission. Additionally, the bill mandates that voter registration applications include a space for applicants to voluntarily indicate their veteran status, with assurances that this information will remain confidential and used solely for notifying the Texas Veterans Commission.

The bill also includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of various personal information, such as telephone numbers and addresses, particularly for individuals who are victims of family violence or sexual assault. It repeals certain existing sections of the Transportation Code and establishes new guidelines for how the Texas Department of Public Safety will handle veteran status information in relation to driver's licenses and personal identification certificates. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply 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 (Election Code 13, Transportation Code 521, Election Code 18, Transportation Code 431)