The bill, S.B. No. 2958, aims to amend the Texas Government Code by adding a new subchapter that recognizes individuals who were separated from military service solely based on their sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans. This new subchapter, titled "Benefits, Rights, Privileges, and Immunities of Certain Veterans," establishes definitions for terms such as "active military service," "DD Form 214," and "military discharge record." It specifies that individuals who were dishonorably discharged or separated from service due to their sexual orientation may be recognized as honorably discharged if they would have otherwise received a more favorable discharge characterization.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the entitlement of these individuals to all benefits, rights, privileges, and immunities provided by the state to honorably discharged veterans. It mandates that state agencies accept specific copies of DD Form 214 as proof of discharge. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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