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 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 those identified as veterans in applying for federal benefits, including mailing related paperwork at no charge.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several provisions to ensure that the verification process is thorough and beneficial for veterans. It requires sheriffs to verify the veteran status of each prisoner during the intake process and to provide verified prisoners with a prepaid postcard for requesting assistance in applying for veterans' benefits. The bill also mandates weekly reporting of verified veteran status prisoners to the Texas Veterans Commission and allows for in-person or video visitation with veterans' 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 511, Government Code 501)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 511, Government Code 501)
Engrossed: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 511, Government Code 501)
House Committee Report: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 511, Government Code 501)
Enrolled: Government Code 501.024, Government Code 511.009 (Government Code 511, Government Code 501)