(a) Each sheriff/operator shall investigate and verify the veteran status of each prisoner by using data made available from the Veterans Reentry Search Service (VRSS) operated by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs or similar service.
(b) Each sheriff/ operator shall provide assistance to prisoners identified as veterans, identified through either self-report or the VRSS, in applying for federal benefits or compensation for which the prisoners may be eligible under a program administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Assistance includes, but not limited to, direct assistance by qualified claims counselor, issuance of a referral card, or similar assistance.
(c) Each sheriff shall maintain a log of positive VRSS returns with identifying prisoner number and whether a referral card was issued to the identified veteran prior to his or her release. If a referral card was not issued, a reason shall be provided on the log.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.13 adopted to be effective December 22, 2015, 40 TexReg 9305