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HB 450 amends Chapter 434 of the Government Code to recognize individuals dishonorably discharged or separated from military service solely due to their sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans under state law. This reclassification grants these individuals access to the full range of state benefits, rights, privileges, and immunities available to honorably discharged veterans. The bill applies to those whose military discharge records, such as DD Form 214, indicate separation codes or equivalent documentation reflecting discharge due to sexual orientation. State agencies are required to accept specified military discharge documents as proof of eligibility for state veterans’ benefits. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
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