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  89R26109 MCF-D     By: Garcia of Bexar, Wilson, Tinderholt H.B. No. 5639       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a veteran housing program established by the Texas   Department of Criminal Justice.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 501, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 501.115 to read as follows:           Sec.   501.115.     VETERAN HOUSING PROGRAM. (a)   The department   shall establish a housing program for inmates who are veterans.           (b)  The program established under Subsection (a) must:                 (1)     dedicate certain cellblocks or dormitories for use   in the program; and                 (2)  include procedures to:                       (A)     verify the eligibility of each inmate during   the diagnostic process; and                       (B)     allow an inmate who is a veteran to opt in to   the housing dedicated for use in the program under Subdivision (1).           (c)     In housing inmates under the program established under   Subsection (a), the department:                 (1)     shall comply with the requirements of Section   501.112; and                 (2)     may not house an inmate in a cellblock or dormitory   dedicated for use in the program if the department determines that   housing the inmate in the cellblock or dormitory would jeopardize   the safety or security of other inmates or staff.           (d)     A cellblock or dormitory dedicated for use in the   program under Subsection (b)(1) may, if necessary, be used to house   inmates who are not veterans.          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall   establish the program required by Section 501.115, Government Code,   as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.