MANY BILLS BEING CONSIDERED

The Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs is moving forward on the large number of bills already referred for hearings this year.

The following bills are scheduled for a hearing on April 15:

AB 1814 Veterans claims. (Chuck DeVore, Irvine and Paul Cook, Yucaipa)
VFW sponsored bill to permit California Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with veteran service organizations.

AB 1758 Postsecondary education. (Chuck DeVore, Irvine)
Would create the California National Guard Education Assistance Program, for the purpose of promoting recruitment and retention of members of the California National Guard.
The bill was passed by the Assembly Committee on Higher Education.

AB 2055 Military Personnel: Combat Stress Support Team Program. (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)
Would require the Military Department to create a Combat Stress Support Team Program, to provide emergency crisis counseling, referral and personal support, combat stress evaluations, and mental health support for state military personnel and their families.

AB 2082 Student financial aid: military service. (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)
Existing law requires that priority for the Cal Grant B Entitlement awards be given to students with the lowest expected family contribution and the highest level of academic merit.
This bill would require that priority also be given to students serving in the California National Guard with at least 2 years of service.

AB 2641 Military service protection: ombudsman. (Paul Cook, Yucaipa)
Would require the Governor and each state agency and department to appoint an ombudsman to take complaints, as specified, and to resolve and coordinate the resolution of those complaints from state employees that are members of the California National Guard or members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States.

AB 2671 Prisoners: veterans. (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)
Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish an Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program to assist honorably discharged incarcerated veterans in successfully obtaining federal and state benefits.
The bill was passed by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety April 1.

One bill has already been rejected in the committee hearing:
AB 2238 Dependent children: our-of-home placements. (Cameron Smyth, Valencia)
Would provide that it is the right of a child in foster care who is 17 years of age or older to enter into a program for delayed entry into military service or to immediately enlist in active military service, with the consent of his or her foster parent, relative caregiver, or social worker.
Failed passage by Assembly Committee on Human Services by a vote of 2-3, with 2 committee members not voting.

Complete information on all state legislation involving veterans issues is available at the website: http://www.califveterans.com/

A complete report on all legislative matters will be provided during the Council meeting scheduled at Fresno on April 12.

Also, plans are proceeding for the Veterans Recognition Day to be held on May 7. The luncheon location will be the California Chamber of Commerce, California Room, at 1215 K Street, 14th Floor. Other events that day will have to be planned at the Council meeting.

Bill Manes, Legislative Officer
California State Commanders Veterans Council

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