Turner seeks veteran benefits
Chris Turner, who represents East Arlington’s District 101, has filed a total of six bills designed to aid veterans, active service members and their families.
“Many of the bills I have filed this session focus on helping service members and veterans get good-paying jobs that capitalize on the skills they attained during their time in uniform,” said Turner.
Turner also filed a measure to exempt the spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty from paying property taxes on their home. That provision is currently in place for 100 percent disabled veterans and their surviving spouse.
Turner's veterans' package includes the following House Bills:
- HB 548: Gives a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of service members killed in action. (Referred to Ways and Means Committee)
- HJR 62: Adds an amendment to the Texas Constitution allowing the property tax exemption for surviving spouses of service members killed in action. (Referred to Ways and Means Committee)
- HB 860: Waives the residency requirement for active duty service members and reservists when obtaining a commercial driver's license. (Pending in Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee)
- HB 2027: Guarantees $5 million in funding for veterans services by transferring unclaimed prize money from the Texas Lottery Commission to the Permanent Fund for Veterans Assistance.
- HB 2028: Allows veterans to apply certain military experience as a basis for obtaining a plumber's license
- HB 2029: Allows veterans to apply certain military experience as a basis for obtaining an electrician's license
During the 2009 Legislative Session, Turner authored the bill that created the "Veterans Cash" lottery scratch-off game. Since the game's launch in November 2009, it has generated $26.9 million and provides such services as counseling for PTSD, treatment for traumatic brain injury, transportation to Veterans Administration (VA) medical facilities, housing assistance, and family and child counseling.
