Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Texas & Federal Laws

There are many laws that affect veterans. Below you will find references to a few selected areas of the Texas statutes, Texas Administrative Code, and federal statutes that govern veterans' benefits and other issues related to veterans.

If you find these difficult to understand, you may want to view the Understanding the Law resources on this page or speak to an attorney.

Texas Law

Section 54.341 of the Texas Education Code
This section outlines the Hazlewood Act, which provides qualified veterans with up to 150 hours of exempt tuition at public institutions of higher education in Texas.
Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Rule 461.70
This section describes the Hazlewood Legacy Act, in which eligible veterans can transfer their Hazlewood benefits to their child.
Texas Government Code, Chapter 657
This chapter of the Government Code discusses Veterans’ employment preferences.

Federal Law

Title 38 of the U.S. Code
This title of the United States Code discusses the employment and reemployment rights of uniformed service members and veterans.

Understanding the Law

Because Texas and federal law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in simple terms.

National Resource Directory
This website, run by the federal government, connects veterans and their families to services and programs that support them.
Veterans & Military Articles (TexasLawHelp)
These articles from TexasLawHelp describe various topics relating to veterans' rights, benefits, and other issues.
Resources for Veterans Seeking Help
This pamphlet from the Texas Young Lawyers Association outlines the resources available to veterans seeking aid.
Veterans and the Americans with Disabilities Act (EEOC)
This guide from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides employers with protections available to veterans with disabilities under the ADA.
Veterans in Texas
This overview from the Office of the Governor outlines Texas laws that relate to veterans.
Assisted Living Benefits for Veterans
This page outlines assisted living benefits available to elderly and disabled veterans.

Legal Aid for Veterans

Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans (TLTV)
This program from the State Bar of Texas aims to provide pro bono civil legal services to veterans who can not otherwise afford them.
Veterans Legal Assistance Project
The Texas Legal Services Center offers a free legal hotline for low-income Texas veterans and their families (with a focus on outreach to the disabled veterans who live in rural areas of the state). They provide assistance with civil legal questions. The phone number to call is 1-800-622-2520, Option 2, or you can fill out an intake form on their website.
TLTV Legal Clinics Calendar
This document provides dates and locations of legal clinics across the state, organized by Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans.

Who can I contact?

These organizations may be able to provide assistance and information to veterans.

Texas Veterans Commission
This commission acts as the state-appointed advocate of Texas veterans. Programs focused on veterans' employment, education, and healthcare are discussed in detail on their website.
Texas Veterans Land Board
This program provides veterans with benefits and assistance related to land sales and property loans.
Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
This is the local branch of a national organization that provides support and advocates for veterans who served abroad.
Texas Veterans Portal
This website has links to various organizations and agencies that assist veterans.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA manages veterans' benefits and services, including health care, home loans, life insurance, and transition assistance.

Books & E-Books

These titles contain information on veterans' legal issues. These e-books can be viewed by those who have signed up for a free library account with the State Law Library. Only Texas residents are eligible to sign up. Signing up is free.