Governor Greg Abbott signs key bills to expand resources and support for veterans across Texas

Austin, Texas – At the annual Combat Marine Outdoors (CMO) Gala, Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed three major pieces of legislation—Senate Bill 1814, Senate Bill 1818, and House Bill 114—aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families across Texas. Surrounded by state and local officials, veteran leaders, and community supporters, Abbott emphasized the state’s commitment to those who served.

“Texas is home to more veterans than any other state,” Governor Abbott said. “We owe every member who serves our country the deepest appreciation that we have. America would not be America, we would not be the freest and strongest, most powerful country in the history of the world if it weren’t for these soldiers willing to stand up and do the things they are doing. Texas will forever honor the service and sacrifice of those who served the United States of America.”

The Governor noted that Texas now leads the nation in jobs created by veteran-owned businesses, more than doubling since 2022. He also highlighted another law he signed, Senate Bill 2308, which provides matching funds for research on ibogaine, an emerging treatment showing potential in addressing opioid addiction and other behavioral health conditions often impacting veterans.

Details of the Newly Signed Bills

• Senate Bill 1814, authored by Kelly Hancock and Cole Hefner, directs the Texas Veterans Commission to create and maintain an electronic database of contact information for service members leaving active duty who give their consent. The goal is to ensure state agencies and veteran organizations can reach these individuals to connect them with essential resources and support.

• Senate Bill 1818, also sponsored by Hancock with support from Representative McQueeney, mandates that Texas licensing agencies issue provisional licenses immediately to military service members, veterans, and their spouses who hold valid out-of-state licenses. This change is expected to make professional transitions smoother for veterans and their families moving to Texas.

• House Bill 114, authored by Representative Cortez with Senator Zaffirini, transfers oversight of several veteran-related programs from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission, consolidating services for efficiency and better access.

A Continued Focus on Veterans’ Well-Being

Governor Abbott was joined at the ceremony by Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, Representatives Charles Cunningham, Morgan Meyer, and Dennis Paul, as well as USMC Ret. Colonel Alan Orr and USMC Ret. Master Gunnery Sergeant Arturo Garcia, the co-founders of Combat Marine Outdoors. Together, they reaffirmed Texas’s dedication to addressing the unique challenges veterans face.

Abbott’s remarks and the signing of these bills underscored a statewide priority: ensuring veterans have access to the resources, healthcare, and professional opportunities they need to thrive. With the new legislation in place, Texas aims to remain the leading state in both honoring and supporting its veterans.