Texas Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bills 163 and 1476 as well as House Bills 97 and 1514 as part of a sweeping effort to provide support and resources to veterans and their surviving spouses. These bills are part of an effort to increase veterans’ benefits for those who have served in the military and their spouses if they died in action.
Senate Bill 163 grants property tax exemptions to spouses who have lost their wives or husbands as the result of a military conflict. As long as the spouse does not remarry, the exemption transfers to other property. House Bill 97 grants partial property tax exemptions to veterans who have been wounded in action. Senate Bill 1476 grants benefits to veterans who want to start businesses, and House Bill 1514 provides World War II veterans with veteran license plates that confer special parking privileges such as free metered parking and better access to handicapped spaces.
These bills are designed to give back to those who have made sacrifices for their country, according to Governor Perry. By passing laws that benefit veterans and their spouses, the governor and legislators hope that some of the disadvantages veterans may suffer can be remedied.
Those who have been denied veterans’ benefits or who are seeking remedies or adjustments from the Veterans Association may be entitled to various payments depending on their circumstances. When a veteran is entitled to benefits and is denied those payments, he or she may be entitled to compensation. A veterans’ benefits attorney may be able to help these veterans or their spouses recover money or special privileges to which they are entitled.
Source: The Potpourri, “ Gov. Perry signs legislation for veterans and surviving military spouses“, May 27, 2013