HB 1361 creates a new section of Florida Statutes directing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to expand outreach efforts that connect veterans, their families, and survivors with earned services, benefits, and support. The bill is expressly tied to a legislative appropriation: if funded with $500,000 in nonrecurring money, the department must broaden its internet-based, mobile app, printed, social media, and in-person outreach programs.
The bill also requires the department to host at least two public events each year to inform veterans and their families about available benefits and services, including educational, medical, insurance, and disability benefits. In addition, the department must submit an annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker detailing the number of events held, attendance, and any other information the department considers necessary. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
If enacted, HB 1361 would add a new statutory mandate in chapter 295, Florida Statutes, focused on veterans’ outreach and benefit navigation. It would not create new substantive veterans’ benefits, but would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to expand public-facing assistance efforts and report annually on those efforts, contingent on legislative funding. The bill primarily affects the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Florida veterans, their families, and survivors who may be eligible for federal, state, or local benefits but are not currently accessing them.
The bill’s stated purpose and framing suggest generally favorable sentiment toward improving veterans’ access to benefits and services. The findings emphasize that many veterans are not using available assistance and that stronger outreach could improve quality of life while bringing additional federal dollars into Florida. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, but the bill’s death in the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee indicates it did not advance, despite its supportive policy rationale.
The main policy issue is not opposition to helping veterans, but whether the state should appropriate new funds for expanded outreach and whether such efforts are the best use of limited resources. The bill itself acknowledges that the program expansion is subject to appropriation, and the findings stress avoiding duplication of federally funded services. Potential concerns likely center on cost, overlap with existing veterans’ programs, and whether the Department of Veterans’ Affairs already provides sufficient outreach. Because no transcripts or votes are available, specific objections cannot be attributed to named legislators or stakeholders.