Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 434.029. Service Dog Pilot Program for Certain Veterans

(1) “Commission” means the Texas Veterans Commission.

(2) “Pilot program” means the pilot program established under this section.

(3) “Veteran” means an individual who has served in:

(1) has demonstrated experience working with veterans who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma;

(2) is authorized to conduct business in this state;

(3) is able to provide follow-up services to a veteran who participates in the pilot program and the veteran's service dog; and

(4) adheres to the standards of Assistance Dogs International.

(1) employ professional staff to train dogs to become service dogs for veterans participating in the pilot program;

(2) provide each veteran participating in the pilot program a fully trained service dog;

(3) instruct each veteran participating in the pilot program on maintaining the service dog's health and training;

(4) while a veteran is participating in the pilot program, ensure that regular mental health and depression assessments are conducted on the veteran; and

(5) be able to provide a veteran participating in the pilot program a new service dog if the veteran's service dog:

(1) complete a training program accredited by Assistance Dogs International;

(2) comply with any requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.); and

(3) be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure the dog is medically fit to serve as a service dog.

(1) recommendations for legislative or other action; and

(2) an evaluation of the pilot program's effectiveness, including a recommendation on whether the pilot program should be continued, expanded, or terminated.