An act to add Section 972.3 to the Military and Veterans Code, relating to veterans.
Impact
The legislation comes in response to the recognition that many service members are discharged from active duty in California, with a reported 33,000 transitioning in 2019 alone. By maintaining a skilled CVSO presence at military bases, the bill supports accessing benefits which can help veterans manage the high cost of living in California. Providing stipends aligns with the state's efforts to ensure that veterans and their families can remain in California post-service.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1638, introduced by Assembly Member Ta, aims to support counties hosting active United States military bases by providing a stipend designated for the maintenance of a part-time County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) on each base. The bill highlights the importance of these officers in generating federal benefits for veterans and serving their needs. The intent is to enhance the resources available to counties, ensuring that veterans receive appropriate assistance as they transition from military to civilian life.
Contention
Some potential points of contention around the bill may arise regarding the stipulations of receiving the stipend. Counties that host military bases must choose to maintain a CVSO and gain approval from the base to receive funding. This requirement could spark discussions on the adequacy of resources allocated to veterans' services and the level of local government responsibility in supporting veteran affairs. Additionally, the reliance on base approval introduces a level of variability that may concern advocates for consistent veteran support services.
Renames the veterans' services law the veterans and military families law; renames the department of veterans' services the department of veterans and military families; requires the department of veterans and military families to provide certain services to military families.
Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.