Regular Session
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Review Employment Handbooks: Ensure "Veterans Month" is categorized strictly as a "Recognition Month" and not listed under "Paid Holidays." Misclassification in employee handbooks could inadvertently create a contractual entitlement to premium pay or time off. No changes to vendor or service contracts are required.
Internal Communications: Inform HR and Public Affairs teams of the designation to align internal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) calendars. No mandatory training is required.
None. There are no filing requirements, audit trails, or forms associated with this designation.
None. The legislation imposes no fees on the private sector.
The statute states the month "may be regularly observed through appropriate programs and activities." The term "appropriate programs" is undefined. Because the statute is voluntary, this ambiguity grants businesses total discretion. Do not wait for guidance from the Texas Veterans Commission; the state will not audit the nature or quality of your observance.
Our government affairs experts can walk you through this bill's specific impact on your operations.
Schedule ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
BILL ANALYSIS |
| H.B. 1894 |
| By: Metcalf |
| Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs |
| Committee Report (Unamended) |
| BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The bill author has informed the committee of the need to highlight the contributions of veterans to our state and country and to ensure that their achievements and sacrifices are properly honored. H.B. 1894 seeks to remedy this situation by designating November as Veterans Month in Texas to celebrate, honor, and memorialize the achievements and sacrifices of military veterans.
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| CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
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| RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
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| ANALYSIS H.B. 1894 amends the Government Code to designate November as Veterans Month to celebrate, honor, and memorialize the achievements and sacrifices of military veterans. The bill authorizes Veterans Month to be regularly observed through appropriate programs and activities to celebrate and honor members of the veteran community.
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| EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2025.
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| H.B. No. 1894 | ||
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| relating to designating November as Veterans Month. | ||
| BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
| SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 662, Government Code, is | ||
| amended by adding Section 662.117 to read as follows: | ||
| Sec. 662.117. VETERANS MONTH. (a) November is Veterans | ||
| Month to celebrate, honor, and memorialize the achievements and | ||
| sacrifices of military veterans. | ||
| (b) Veterans Month may be regularly observed through | ||
| appropriate programs and activities to celebrate and honor members | ||
| of the veteran community. | ||
| SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. | ||
| TO: | Honorable Cole Hefner, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs |
| FROM: | Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1894 by Metcalf (Relating to designating November as Veterans Month.), As Introduced |
| Source Agencies: |
| LBB Staff: | JMc, MGol, CMA |
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Common questions about HB1894
HB1894 amends the Texas Government Code to designate November as "Veterans Month," effective June 20, 2025. This is a recognition statute, not a regulatory mandate; it does not require business closures, mandatory employee leave, or premium pay. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Immediate effect due to legislative supermajority).
HB1894 was authored by Texas Representative William Metcalf during the Regular Session.
HB1894 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
The compliance urgency for HB1894 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
The cost impact of HB1894 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB1894 addresses topics including holidays, military & veterans and veterans month.
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