S.B. No. 2938 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing the verification of veteran status for inmates and prisoners in Texas. The bill amends existing laws to require that when a county transfers a defendant to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, they must provide a written description of the defendant's veteran status, as determined by an investigation in accordance with Section 511.009(a)(17)(A) of the Government Code. Additionally, the bill 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 those inmates in applying for federal benefits, including mailing related paperwork at no charge.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several provisions to ensure that the veteran status of prisoners is verified during the intake process. It requires sheriffs to use data from the Veterans Reentry Search Service to confirm veteran status and to assist verified veterans in applying for benefits. The bill also stipulates that sheriffs must submit weekly reports identifying prisoners whose veteran status has been verified and allows for verified veterans to have visitation with county service officers at no cost. The act 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)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 501, Government Code 511)
Engrossed: 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)
Enrolled: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 501, Government Code 511)