TX SB1591

Authorizes the Texas Veterans Commission to contract with qualified law firms and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to provide claims assistance services to veterans, including federal appellate litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Requires contracted law firms to have at least 10 years of experience in veteran disability cases, employ an attorney with appearances in at least 750 cases before the Veterans Claims court, have a Texas-licensed attorney residing in the state, and maintain a physical Texas office for at least one year

Requires contracted nonprofits to meet similar qualifications: 10 years of VA representation experience, employ attorneys with extensive Veterans Claims court experience, and maintain Texas presence

Mandates free representation for veterans with net worth under $2 million when appealing adverse Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions to the federal court

Allows contractors to charge veterans up to 33% of past-due benefits for appeals or supplemental claims following initial denial or court remand, but prohibits fees for filing initial VA claims and prohibits any charges to the state