Military Veterans' Lawyer Blog
The 84th legislative session for Texas ended on June 1, 2015. Texas legislators were active on behalf of Veterans and Veterans’ dependents. At least 20 bills which provide immediate or future assistance to Veterans became law. The following information focuses on four new laws which affect licenses and fees paid by Veterans and, in some instances, their spouses.
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
1. HB721: HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEE WAIVER
“Relating to the hunting or fishing license fee waiver for certain disabled veterans.”
What It Does
HB721 extends waiver of hunting and fishing license fees
How It Does It
- If the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified loss of the use of a lower extremity as service-connected; or
- If VA has assigned a disability rating of 50% or more; and
- The United States is providing compensation to the Veteran for the disability
Previously, the disability rating threshold was 60%.
2. SB807: OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE APPLICATION & EXAMINATION FEE WAIVER
“Relating to occupational license application and examination fees for certain military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.”
What It Does
State license and examination fees are waived for:
- Military service members or military Veterans whose military service, training, or education substantially meets all the requirements of the license; OR
- Military service members, military Veterans, or military spouses who hold a current license issued by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for the Texas license.
How It Does It
Fee waivers apply only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2015. The fee waivers should reduce part of the financial burden on active-duty military personnel, new Veterans, and their spouses caused by frequent moves.
3. SB1049: FRANCHISE TAX EXEMPTION
“Relating to an exemption from the franchise tax and certain filing fees for certain businesses owned by veterans during an initial period of operation in the state.”
What It Does
Qualifying new Veteran-owned businesses are exempt from franchise tax and certain filing fees through the fifth anniversary of the date on which they begin doing business in Texas
How It Does It
- The owner must be a “natural” person – meaning a human being, not a corporation/business
- The Veteran must have served in and have been honorably discharged from a branch of the United States armed forces
- The Veteran must provide verification service/discharge status to the Comptroller
- The Texas Veterans Commission will provide Veterans with the written verification required by the Comptroller
- 5-year exemption applies to the franchise tax and fees on filing of certain reports with the Secretary of State
SB1049 uses the term “honorably discharged.” If you have questions on what is included by this phrase or have questions about consumer law in Texas, you can obtain additional information.
4. SB1307: OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEE WAIVER
“Relating to occupational licenses for military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.”
What It Does
Offers exemption from penalty for failure to renew licenses, extends license renewal deadlines, offers alternative licensing options, and requires expedited license procedures for military service members, military Veterans, and military spouses.
How It Does It
- Includes Texas military forces
- Exempts individuals from penalties for failure to renew licenses if the individual was serving as a military service member
- For military service members, extends license renewal periods, up to two additional years, to complete any continuing education requirements and any other requirements related to license renewal
- Requires state agencies to adopt alternative licensing rules for military service members, military Veterans, and military spouses under conditions similar to those described in SB807
- Requires expedited licensing procedures for military service members, military Veterans, and military spouses
Like SB807, SB1307 should reduce some of the financial burden and stress associated with making a living in the face of frequent moves.
If you are considering establishing a business in Texas,
contact The Law Office of Robert B. Goss, P.C. for further information.
Did you know that Public Law 109-461 allows Veterans to hire attorneys to appeal VA benefits rulings? The Law Office of Robert B. Goss, P.C. is one of the few VA-accredited Veteran attorney firms in the United States. Contact https://www.attorneyforveterans.com/contact-us.html today for your FREE consultation.