TX HB3644

Requires county sheriffs to verify the veteran status of each prisoner during the intake process using the Veterans Reentry Search Service (VRSS) operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Mandates sheriffs submit daily reports identifying verified veteran prisoners to the Texas Veterans Commission, the county veterans service officer, and any courts where charges against the prisoner are pending

Requires verified veteran prisoners receive a prepaid postcard from the Texas Veterans Commission to request assistance applying for veterans benefits, and allows free in-person or video visitation with county veterans service officers or peer service coordinators

Directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to investigate and verify veteran status of inmates using federal data and assist veteran inmates in applying for VA benefits, including mailing related paperwork at no charge to the inmate

Requires counties transferring defendants to TDCJ to include the defendant's verified veteran status as part of the documentation delivered to the department