Texas Senate Bill SB 1814

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/3/25
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/1/25
• Voted on by Senate: 4/8/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/5/25
• Voted on by House: 5/21/25
• Governor Action: 6/20/25

Caption

Relating to creation and maintenance of an electronic database to provide information to certain members of the United States armed forces regarding the resources and benefits provided to veterans.

Summary

SB 1814 requires the Texas Veterans Commission to create and maintain an electronic database of contact information for certain service members who are nearing separation from active duty. The database may include only those members of the U.S. armed forces who give written consent and who are expected to be discharged or released within 12 months. The purpose of the database is to help connect these transitioning service members with information about state and local resources and benefits available to veterans. The bill authorizes approved state agencies and local veteran service organizations, including county veterans service offices, to access the database for outreach and assistance. Those entities may use the information to provide details on employment and training opportunities, housing, entrepreneurial services, health care services, and veteran support groups. The commission must adopt rules to govern how organizations apply for and receive access to the database and to administer the program.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 434 of the Government Code by adding a new section directing the Texas Veterans Commission to establish a consent-based outreach database for soon-to-separate service members. It creates a new administrative duty for the commission, requires rulemaking, and establishes a controlled access framework for state agencies and approved local veteran service organizations. The measure affects transitioning military personnel, veterans service providers, and state and local entities involved in veteran outreach and benefit coordination.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition: the Senate passed the bill 30-0 and the House passed it 138-0, with two members present not voting. The absence of committee transcript material limits insight into debate, but the unanimous votes suggest broad agreement that the bill is a practical veterans outreach measure. Overall, the sentiment appears favorable and noncontroversial.

Contention

No notable substantive contention is reflected in the provided materials. The main policy considerations implied by the text are privacy and consent, since inclusion in the database requires written consent and access is limited to approved entities. Any potential concerns would likely center on how the commission sets approval procedures, safeguards personal information, and manages access, but no opposition or disputed issues are shown in the voting record or transcripts.