Texas – Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1814, Senate Bill 1818, and House Bill 114 aimed at making life easier for Texas veterans.
“Texas is home to more veterans than any other state,” Abbott said, praising their service and sacrifice. He highlighted Texas as the No. 1 state for jobs created by veteran-owned businesses, which have more than doubled since 2022.
During the event at the annual Combat Marine Outdoors Gala, Abbott also noted signing Senate Bill 2308, providing funds for research on ibogaine—a promising treatment for opioid addiction and behavioral health issues affecting veterans.
Key bill highlights:
-
Senate Bill 1814: Directs the Texas Veterans Commission to create an electronic contact database for consenting service members leaving active duty, enabling state agencies and veteran groups to offer resources.
-
Senate Bill 1818: Requires Texas licensing agencies to issue provisional licenses recognizing out-of-state licenses for military service members, veterans, and spouses.
-
House Bill 114: Transfers several veteran-related program responsibilities from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission.
The signing ceremony included Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, state representatives, Combat Marine Outdoors founders, and other officials.