Transcript Highlights:

• veteran suicide, and supporting justice-involved veterans.
• justice-involved veterans.
• , prevent veteran suicide, and support justice-involved veterans.
• and focus on veteran benefit claims in the veterans treatment court.
• </c><00:29:07.600><c> of</c> meeting of the house Veterans of meeting of the house Veterans of veterans

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Affairs and Veterans Outreach.
• for our families, our veterans, and survivors of veterans in our great state.
• These are our veteran homes.
• Florida Veterans Hall of Fame member, deeply involved in Florida Veterans for Veterans Treatment Court
• , for homeless veterans, veterans' mental health.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s outreach, benefits assistance, and state veterans nursing homes. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the decline in World War II and Vietnam-era veterans, and the increase in post-9/11 veterans moving to the state. Hartzell discussed the state veterans nursing home system, including a new Collier County facility that will include skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day health care, and outpatient therapy, and he said the department is also studying future adult day health care expansion and possible additional homes in underserved areas. He also reported on the dental program funded by the Legislature, saying 245 veterans were served in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with 1,631 procedures completed and more than $525,000 in savings, and he credited the added state veterans service officer positions with helping connect more veterans to benefits. Hartzell also noted a 13% year-over-year reduction in homeless veterans, emphasized mental health outreach through SaveFLVets.org and the Overwatch program, and announced a new deputy executive director, retired Colonel D.J. Reyes. Members asked about the need for additional veterans homes in South Florida, the criteria used to site new homes, the homeless veteran reduction, and whether adult day health care could be added at existing facilities. Hartzell explained that federal criteria focus on the availability of private skilled nursing beds for veterans 65 and older, and that adult day health care is state-funded and being studied for broader deployment. He also said the department tracks where homeless veterans are concentrated and works with local partners and organizations like Tunnels to Towers to provide housing and services that reduce recidivism. The committee also discussed Florida’s national reputation for veteran support, including Veterans Month and the state’s culture of veteran awareness. The committee then received a presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and technology systems. Guthrie described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale, and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, which is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026 and will significantly expand capacity and hardening. He reviewed recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Nicole, and others, including sheltering, travel trailers, debris removal, and FEMA reimbursement totals. Guthrie said Florida removed more than 31.6 million cubic yards of debris from Helene and Milton in 90 days on a 24/7 basis, and he described Elevate Florida, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC), the DEMES platform, and WebEOC as tools to streamline recovery, mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination. Members asked about flood-response resources for cities, the state’s use of pumps and mutual aid, and lessons learned from inland flooding after Milton. Guthrie said local governments should first use county and city mutual aid, then request state assistance when needed, and he encouraged more partnerships for staging and maintaining flood equipment. He also said future flood mitigation must address outdated development patterns, watershed flow, and the need for better drainage planning, while continuing temporary fixes and homeowner assistance programs. The committee ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs.
• on matters relating to veterans, the families of veterans, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans
• </c> from our state's veterans. from our state's veterans.
• </c> veterans communities. veterans communities.
• </c> most veterans in the state. most veterans in the state.

Bills: HF4615 , HF3532 , HF4492 , HF4171

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:04:50.000><c> these</c> service members, these veterans, these service members, these veterans
• </c> the constant battle that our veterans the constant battle that our veterans are<00:08:51.760><c>
• As a commander of the veteran.
• :40.959><c> called</c> Minnesota veterans are always called Minnesota veterans are always called upon
• help veterans stay in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Navy active duty veteran.
• </c> veterans are directly serving veterans veterans are directly serving veterans and<00:21:52.000><
• </c> the Disabled Veterans of Minnesota. the Disabled Veterans of Minnesota.
• </c> gathering of veterans for Minnesota. gathering of veterans for Minnesota.
• War Veterans, Disabled League, Jewish War Veterans, Disabled American<00:49:19.400><c> Veterans,</c>

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, House Bill 2960 establishes the Veterans Specialty Court grant program and the Veterans
• It establishes the Veterans Specialty Grant Program and the Veterans Treatment Court Fund to support
• monthly lists of incarcerated veterans to assist with veterans benefits and services.
• What happens is when a veteran is going through the system, if they are a veteran, and the prosecutorial
• What happens is when a veteran is going through the system, if they are a veteran, and the prosecutor

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two veterans-focused bills. HB 2960 would create a Veterans Specialty Court grant program and fund to help cities and counties start, expand, and improve veterans treatment courts, with the Administrative Office of the Courts overseeing best practices, data collection, and reporting. It would also require the Department of Corrections to identify incarcerated veterans and share monthly information with the Department of Veterans’ Services so veterans do not lose contact with benefits and support services. The sponsor and a veteran testifying in support described the bill as a way to address underlying issues such as PTSD, substance use, and reintegration challenges through diversion and treatment rather than punishment. The committee also heard HB 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to large emergency shelters serving homeless veterans, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Supporters said the funding would allow shelters to hire dedicated veteran case managers, provide flexible assistance, and move veterans more quickly into permanent housing. A CASS representative and a veteran who had stayed there testified in favor, describing the shelter’s veteran-specific services and the importance of stable, trauma-informed case management. Both bills received strong support from committee members, many of whom spoke personally about veterans treatment courts and homelessness services. HB 2960 was approved on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting, and HB 2620 was also approved 6-0 with one member not voting, each receiving a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:20.600><c> sure</c> American Veteran or veteran to make sure American Veteran or veteran to
• They pray about the veterans, not just tribal veterans, but all veterans.
• veteran<00:09:37.279><c> uh</c> veteran uh veteran uh issues<00:09:39.240><c> uh</c><00:09:39.760><c
• </c> veterans comprise 1.3% of the veterans veterans comprise 1.3% of the veterans population<00:16:20.519
• thought of the veterans veterans thought of the veterans committee<00:21:42.000><c> or</c><00:21:42.279

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Veterans Affairs or the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs or any other federal veteran
• Department of Veterans Affairs or the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs or any other federal veteran
• Department of Veterans Affairs or the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs or any other federal veteran
• Department of Veterans Affairs or the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs or any other federal veteran
• </c><00:21:24.440><c> need</c> uh veterans in the state veterans need uh veterans in the state veterans

Summary: The committee met to hear a bill aimed at regulating paid veterans’ claims consultants and protecting veterans from bad actors. Chair Denine opened by emphasizing transparency, the need to hear concerns, and that the meeting was a hearing only, with no immediate vote expected. Senator David Yates, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect veterans by requiring clear written disclosure when a veteran uses a for-profit consultant, including that the consultant is not accredited or affiliated with VA or veterans’ service organizations. He said the proposal was based on best practices from other states, would include guardrails rather than a total ban, and was being slowed to allow further review and possible amendments. Testimony reflected both support for the bill’s intent and disagreement over its scope. A committee member and later witnesses stressed that veterans should be able to make informed choices and that some private consultants and law firms have helped veterans, but they also acknowledged bad actors and the need for rules, accreditation, and fee limits. James Toby of the VFW opposed the bill as written, arguing it conflicts with federal rules by allowing fees on initial claims and urging the committee to reject it in favor of legislation that mirrors federal law and imposes real penalties. Mark Christensen of Veterans Guardian said veterans need more options because Kentucky has too few VSO representatives, supported guardrails and accreditation reform, and suggested the bill could be improved with a dollar-based fee cap, no late fees or interest, and clearer ethical rules. Daryl Casey of JVO said his organization supports the bill’s goal of leveling the playing field, noting that veterans service organizations do not charge fees and that any limits should apply consistently across providers. The chair did not take a final vote during this hearing and instead encouraged the sponsor to circulate committee substitute language and continue discussions with veterans’ organizations and committee members before the next meeting. The sponsor said he was not pushing the bill forward that day and wanted more time to address concerns, especially around accreditation and disclosure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our military and our veteran family.
• We've had many new veterans apply for the $10,000 the veteran tax exemption of 10,000, and uh.
• Veterans Committee.
• Center, that, that we, that helps provide services for veterans, for, for our unhoused veterans as well
• And unhoused veterans, but for other services as well, even underemployed veterans to provide services

Transcript Highlights:

• Council for veterans Minnesota assistant Council for veterans and<00:02:18.840><c> then</c><00:02:19.000
• </c><00:02:34.800><c> that</c> veteran veterans uh please know that veteran veterans uh please know that
• </c> meals and wheels Pat Rowan and Veteran meals and wheels Pat Rowan and Veteran program<00:02:47.800
• </c> resources to continue serving veterans resources to continue serving veterans in<00:05:16.240><c
• This is the Veterans division here.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the veterans homes.
• a lot of PTSD veterans.
• I stand here as a daughter of a veteran, a granddaughter of a veteran, a sister of a veteran, so you
• , a sister of a veteran.
• Uh of a veteran, a sister of a veteran.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charles County and you see the word veteran on anything—Veterans Memorial Parkway, Veterans Memorial
• He's a Vietnam veteran.
• He's been an advocate for veterans and done a great job and went across the state to support veterans
• local veterans, but whoever.
• , but non-veteran activities.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Summary: The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met primarily for a presentation from Nina DiAngelo, executive director of the Mid-America Veterans Museum, joined by Renee Esri. DiAngelo described the museum’s mission to preserve veteran stories, educate the public, and provide a free, accessible space for reflection and healing. She highlighted the museum’s origins with World War II veteran Ralph Borrelli Sr., whose vision led to the museum’s creation, and emphasized that the museum collects and preserves oral histories, runs educational tours, participates in the Library of Congress Veteran History Project, and produces the Operation Insight podcast. DiAngelo and committee members shared examples of the museum’s impact on veterans and families, including stories of healing, connection, and assistance with benefits and home repairs. She said the museum has collected more than 650 stories, recorded over 2,000 Veteran History Project interviews, and receives about 2,000 visitors annually. She also outlined plans to expand outreach across Missouri, especially in rural and underserved areas, and to modernize preservation efforts with more technology. Committee members praised the museum’s work and discussed the importance of veterans telling their stories, including for healing and suicide prevention. The presentation also included an invitation to an upcoming August event, “Light and the Shadows,” marking the five-year anniversary of Abbey Gate and featuring the Veterans and Athletes United Traveling Memorial. Members discussed related efforts in their districts, including a Joplin museum project using QR codes to preserve veteran stories. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken; the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> veterans residing in Kentucky's veterans veterans residing in Kentucky's veterans centers. centers
• </c> veteran access. veteran access.
• </c> uh, veterans. uh, veterans.
• </c> veterans be denied at our veterans veterans be denied at our veterans nursing<00:56:04.400><c> homes
• </c> cost per veteran? cost per veteran?

Committee: Joint Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Affairs and Veterans Outreach.
• families, our veterans, and survivors of veterans in our great state.
• These are our veteran homes.
• Florida Veterans Hall of Fame member, deeply involved in Florida Veterans for Veterans Treatment Court
• , for homeless veterans, veterans' mental health.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• from different veterans organizations veteran service organizations veteran service organizations veteran
• I've got veterans that are in-laws all of which veterans that are in-laws all of which veterans that
• that are actual and real veterans that are actual and real veterans that are actual and real veterans
• then I certainly agree with the veterans then I certainly agree with the veterans I'm not a veteran
• but be a veteran that may be a veterans but be a veteran that may be a veterans but be a veteran that

Bills: SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 45 , SR 47 , SR 63 , SR 66 , SR 70 , SR 85 , SCR 14 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 10 , SB 11

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for of Veterans Affairs.
• We've opened three new state veterans homes and one new state veteran cemetery.
• </c> functional end to veterans homelessness. functional end to veterans homelessness.
• </c> and filling the three new veterans and filling the three new veterans homes.<00:23:15.440><c> Uh
• Next, please. progress made towards veteran suicide progress made towards veteran suicide prevention<

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• With veteran suicide continuing to be a challenge and veterans still taking their own life at an average
• </c><00:00:40.960><c> Community</c> is Rachel Johnson, Veterans Community is Rachel Johnson, Veterans
• As mentioned, I'm the director of Veterans Community Health here at the Minnesota Department of Veterans
• veteran identification, helping ensure veterans are recognized early and connected to the right care
• </c> Veterans should know they are not alone. Veterans should know they are not alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Texas we support our veterans, and this makes it official state public policy to support veteran-owned
• We strongly support initiatives that create opportunities for veteran-owned Businesses, our veterans,
• A report from the Texas Veterans Commission found that among 24,000 veteran-owned businesses, there's
• I am a constant advocate for veteran and their businesses, veteran families, and I think you all have
• businesses or any veteran businesses.

Bills: SB390 , SB1197 , SB1271

Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charles County and you see the word veteran on anything, Veterans Memorial Parkway, Veterans Memorial
• Provide a safe space for veterans. Veteran History Project.
• He's a Vietnam veteran.
• local veterans, but whatever.
• , but non-veteran activities.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• . veterans. veterans.
• </c><00:03:39.680><c> Our</c> veterans bill veteran suicide. Our veterans bill veteran suicide.
• We're talking about it veterans, right? We're talking about veterans. veterans. veterans.
• Veterans are the targeting veterans.
• </c><01:55:06.800><c> system</c> veterans or women veterans um system veterans or women veterans um system