H.B. No. 3644 aims to enhance the verification of veteran status for inmates and prisoners in Texas. The bill amends Article 42.09 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to require counties transferring defendants to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to include a statement regarding the veteran status of the defendant, as determined by an investigation in accordance with Section 511.009(a)(17)(A) of the Government Code. Additionally, it mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in consultation with the Texas Veterans Commission, investigate and verify the veteran status of each inmate using federal data, and assist them in applying for federal benefits, including mailing related paperwork at no charge.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 511.009(a) of the Government Code to require sheriffs to verify the veteran status of each prisoner during the intake process using data from the Veterans Reentry Search Service or a similar service. It also stipulates that verified prisoners receive a prepaid postcard for requesting assistance in applying for veterans benefits, and mandates daily reporting of verified veteran status to the Texas Veterans Commission and relevant courts. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 501, Government Code 511)
House Committee Report: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 501, Government Code 511)