The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 2104, which aims to address discrimination faced by service members, veterans, and military families in Texas. The bill seeks to add military status as a protected class under existing state discrimination laws, covering areas such as employment, housing, and access to utilities.

Senator Blanco introduced the bill, highlighting the ongoing discrimination that military-affiliated individuals encounter, particularly in employment and housing. He noted that in 2023, over 4,000 veterans experienced homelessness in Texas, with veterans comprising 20% of the male homeless population nationwide. The bill aims to combat this issue by ensuring fair treatment for military families, which includes active duty members, reservists, honorably discharged veterans, and their immediate families.

During the discussion, committee members raised questions regarding the bill's provisions and its relationship to existing federal laws, such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Senator Eckhart expressed concerns about potential redundancy, questioning whether the bill might duplicate protections already provided at the federal level. Senator Blanco clarified that while USERRA offers some protections, it does not encompass all aspects of discrimination that the bill addresses.

Public testimony included support from Mitch Fuller, the legislative director for the Texas VFW, who shared a poignant example of Leroy Torres, a veteran who faced job termination after being injured during deployment. Fuller argued that the proposed bill could have provided additional protections for Torres, potentially preventing his job loss.

The committee also discussed the broader implications of discrimination against military spouses, who face a significantly higher unemployment rate compared to the national average. The bill aims to ensure that military spouses can pursue employment opportunities without fear of discrimination due to their military affiliation.

As the meeting progressed, the committee acknowledged the complexity of discrimination issues faced by veterans and military families, emphasizing the need for targeted protections. The discussion concluded with a commitment to further examine the bill and its potential impact on the lives of Texas veterans and their families.

The committee plans to continue reviewing the bill and its provisions, with further discussions anticipated in upcoming sessions.