Hurd bill would help veterans transition into civilian public safety careers

During a roundtable discussion in San Antonio on Friday with local law enforcers, U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) announced legislation to aid veterans in transitioning into civilian public safety careers.

Modeled after state legislation called Troops to COPS that helped approximately 1,000 veterans become police officers in Texas during the 1990s, Hurd’s bill would incentivize state and local governments to hire veterans as law enforcement officers.

“We owe our freedom to these heroes and must do a better job facilitating their transition back home,” Hurd said. “One of the ways we can do this is by providing opportunities for them to continue to serve. Prioritizing federal grants to law enforcement departments that hire veterans is a no-brainer. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill to the president’s desk.”

Under the bill, existing administrative practices would be codified to ensure that the program remains in place well into the future.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who announced companion legislation in the Senate, said that the bill would support the transition of veterans back into the their communities.

“It’s a win-win for both law enforcement and our men and women in uniform, and I’m proud to partner with Rep. Hurd on this initiative,” Cornyn said.