Video & Transcript : 'veterans plates' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- a veteran.
- , and more options to veterans.
- protections for veterans.
- I'm a Coast Guard veteran.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives.
Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA.
After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The Veterans Affairs Department oversees the statewide Military Veteran Peer Network and connects veterans
- I'm a member of the Veterans Commission and a U.S. Army veteran.
- if they take advantage of the veteran, if they charge the veteran too much, or they make the veteran
- Disabled American veterans, American Legion, veteran of foreign wars, Vietnam veterans of America.
- American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Korean Veterans.
Committee:
House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I am so proud and happy to be here as a veteran and to address you all, who I know love our veterans.
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- veteran.
- , and more options to veterans.
- I'm a Coast Guard veteran.
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, including AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, which would require VA accreditation for veterans’ claims representatives and prohibit unaccredited persons from charging fees or otherwise handling VA claims, with the author and supporters arguing the bill would protect veterans from predatory “claims shark” businesses and restore accountability.
Support came from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, National Guard representatives, and several individual veterans, who said accredited public services are free and that unaccredited firms often charge large fees, delay claims, or use questionable practices. Opposition testimony came from a veterans advocate and representatives of private claims companies, who argued that some for-profit consultants provide useful, performance-based assistance, that veterans need choice, and that the bill could eliminate access for those who cannot get timely help from public or nonprofit providers.
Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully restrict services already operating in a gray area under federal law, whether there is enough data on the impact of private claims assistance, and whether amendments could preserve “good actors” while targeting bad practices. The author and supporters responded that federal law already bars the conduct, that the state lacks oversight over these companies, and that the bill is a first step toward stronger protections. SB 694 was ultimately passed out of committee on a 6-0 vote and referred to the Committee on Judiciary; the consent calendar also passed with eight votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/03/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans benefit services are the services that a veteran or family member of a veteran might reasonably
- of County Veterans Service Officers, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
- to</c> represent veteran and Veteran says to represent veteran and Veteran says to the<00:35:24.599>
- </c> veterans and do what's best for veterans veterans and do what's best for veterans but<01:05:38.920
- , prevent veterans' suicide, and support justice-involved veterans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the Disabled American Veterans
- the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CalVet.
- Veterans who are Specifically targeted vulnerable veterans: veterans who are currently homeless, veterans
- raising children, veterans awaiting disability determination from the Veterans Administration.
- SB 1201 ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county service veteran
Summary:
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard several veterans-related bills, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services officers, and local government representatives; there was no opposition. The bill was moved to Appropriations and later recorded as passing 4-0.
SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for maintenance endowments for veterans’ cemeteries, with the state matching private or local contributions up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. Supporters emphasized the need for sustainable perpetual care funding for state and county cemeteries, and there was no opposition. SB 1407, the chair’s bill, would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax; supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the economy, while members noted similar bills had previously stalled in Appropriations. SB 1034 would streamline disabled veteran parking placard eligibility for certain 100% permanent and total veterans, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and related changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and connect applicants to county veterans service officers. All of these bills received support from veterans groups and related organizations, with no opposition heard.
SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, with supporters framing it as a safeguard for state authority and civil liberties. The committee asked about legal testing of the proposal, and the author said it had not yet been tested in court. After roll calls and a brief recess to regain members, the committee recorded 4-0 votes to pass the bills and consent calendar items, and the meeting adjourned after thanking veterans for their service.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the Disabled American Veterans
- the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CalVet.
- Veterans who are specifically targeted vulnerable veterans, veterans who are currently homeless, veterans
- raising children, veterans awaiting disability determination from the Veterans Administration.
- SB 1201 ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county service veteran
Committee:
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard several veterans-related bills. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services groups, and local officials; there was no opposition, and the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for veterans’ cemetery maintenance endowments, with the state matching private or local deposits up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. It drew support from veterans groups and county representatives and was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 1407, which would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse military retirement benefits from state income tax. The author and supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the workforce and economy. The bill received broad support from veterans organizations, county officials, and labor representatives, with no opposition, and was moved to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later completed. SB 1034 would streamline access to disabled veteran parking placards for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and other changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and ensure referrals to county veterans service officers. Both bills had support from veterans advocates and food banks, no opposition, and were approved to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, while preserving Title 10 activations and mutual aid arrangements. The author and the California Public Defenders Association framed it as a safeguard for state authority and civil rights; there was no opposition, and it was sent to Public Safety. After the main votes, the committee later completed the held rolls and reported the bills out, then adjourned after thanking veterans and attendees.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The veteran service officer has a power of attorney with that veteran.
- We get zero from our veterans.
- Yesterday, I spent some time with two of my veterans, both Vietnam veterans.
- veterans.
- Missouri veteran suicide rates: we lost 171 Missouri veterans by suicide in 2023.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead.
Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Hector Soto, a veterans' advocate.
- I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the Disabled American Veterans
- the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CalVet.
- Veterans who are currently homeless, veterans raising children, and veterans awaiting disability determinations
- from the Veterans Administration.
Committee:
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Douglas Collins, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jan 21st, 2025
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , and military veteran.
- Veterans.
- And that could be a problem for veterans, especially older veterans.
- serving veterans.
- on with veterans.
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Apr 7th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- The veteran service officer has a power of attorney with that veteran.
- Yesterday, I spent some time with two of my veterans, both Vietnam veterans.
- Both Vietnam veterans.
- veterans.
- They're not—the veterans are.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, veterans make great employees, but veterans also make great business owners.
- veterans and we also work with the veteran treatment courts.
- Renovate homes for disabled veterans and low-income veterans. Mental health grants.
- That's going to be with the Veterans Land Board, the Texas Veterans Network.
- Veteran on the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate.
Committee:
Senate Veteran Affairs
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 16, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> America's veterans. America's veterans.
- I yield for an answer. veterans and veterans organizations. veterans and veterans organizations.
- Actually, for disabled veterans to pay for veterans.
- Quote, "Pitting veterans against veterans." End quote.
- </c> Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- This would create a new category of veteran called Veteran of the Secret War in Laos and grant certain
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- disclosure law by requiring federal accreditation to provide veterans benefits and veterans benefits
- We don't know where we'll end up, but we do prioritize our veterans and veterans homes.
- assistance around women veterans, suicide prevention, and system-involved veterans.
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 4/9/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the aforementioned veteran the aforementioned veteran benefits.<00:14:38.639><c> Mr.
- </c> the US Department of Veterans Affairs. the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
- will not impact which veterans go hungry, because one hungry veteran is too many.
- will not impact which veterans go hungry, because one hungry veteran is too many.
- assistance around women veterans, suicide prevention, and system-involved veterans.
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Nov 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans.
- A veteran cemetery in Anaheim is as much about families as veterans.
- Department of Veterans Affairs-sanctioned state veterans cemetery.
- . 36% of our veterans... ...than 8% of California's veterans.
- Navy veteran.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with members of the Assembly, Senate, City of Anaheim, Orange County, CalVet, DGS, and veterans organizations discussing next steps. Chair Sharon Quirk-Silva reviewed the project’s history, including the earlier Irvine effort, the 2021 Anaheim support resolution, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets criteria for a state veterans cemetery. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for a local burial site for Orange County’s large veteran population and the burden on families who currently must travel to Riverside, San Diego, or Los Angeles.
The first panel featured veterans advocates and Gold Star family members who strongly urged immediate action. The American Legion, Gold Star Mothers, and the Veterans Alliance of Orange County said the cemetery is overdue and stressed that older veterans and grieving families should not have to wait longer. Several speakers described personal losses and the hardship of long travel to existing cemeteries, while also calling for CalVet and state leaders to move faster and communicate more directly with veterans groups. Assembly and Senate members responded with support, noting the bipartisan nature of the effort and the importance of honoring veterans and their families.
The second panel, with Orange County officials, described the county’s support and the unique shared-use arrangement with the Orange County Cemetery District. Supervisor Don Wagner said the county has dedicated land and $20 million, and county and district staff explained that the public cemetery and state veterans cemetery can share roads, utilities, grading, and other infrastructure to reduce costs. They said the county is ready to transfer property to CalVet when appropriate and that collaboration could save tens of millions of dollars. The third panel from DGS and CalVet explained that a 2023 feasibility study estimated the state’s portion at about $126 million under earlier assumptions, but that a revised concept plan is now being developed to lower costs and update the timeline. CalVet said it remains committed to the project, while legislators pressed for clearer answers on what is needed to begin construction and how budget action in the coming year could help. No formal vote was taken; the hearing ended with public comments, many of which echoed the call to begin construction immediately and criticized the pace of state action.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Nov 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans.
- A veteran cemetery in Anaheim is as much about families as veterans.
- Department of Veterans Affairs-sanctioned state veterans cemetery.
- a veteran cemetery.
- Navy veteran.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery.
The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay.
The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation.
The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 29th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We prioritized, for the first time in a veterans bill, veterans' suicide.
- real good things for veterans since I'm a veteran myself and currently the only combat veteran to be
- Veterans, right? We're talking about veterans. We're talking about listening to the veterans.
- Veterans are the mark.
- We had our veterans homes that we committed to our veterans that we built.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, if you're a veteran, correct? Well, yeah, if you have VA care, you're a veteran. Right.
- say, yes, I'm a veteran.
- veterans, Something that is very easy to obtain for veterans to prove their veterans.
- for Veterans Act.
- And, you know, as the Chair of Military and Veteran Affairs, daughter of a veteran, sister of a veteran
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- veterans or spouses who have a veteran that has a service-related disability.
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- There's less incentive for a veteran to sign up for the Veterans Tax Workoff Program if the veteran also
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 32 bills related to veterans and service members, with opening remarks from Chair Madaro and Senator Eldridge emphasizing the committee’s work on tax credits and property tax relief, including follow-up to the HERO Act of 2024. The chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted the August 23 reporting deadline for House-filed matters, and explained that testimony would focus on issues including voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax, and economic development. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Several bills drew testimony in support of expanding or simplifying veterans’ property tax benefits. Rep. Sylvia supported H. 3255 to raise the veterans’ property tax workoff cap from $1,500 to $2,000, matching the senior workoff program. Rep. Soder and Sen. Moore advocated for stronger property tax relief for disabled veterans, including H. 3245 and S. 2046, with Moore proposing a disability-based exemption and state reimbursement to municipalities. Rep. McGregor supported H. 3175, which would eliminate the need for veterans to refile annually for exemptions unless their status changes, arguing it would reduce burdens on veterans and assessors.
Testimony also addressed line-of-duty death benefits and local implementation concerns. Mary Ann Cardi supported H. 3188 to clarify that surviving spouses of police and fire personnel who died in the line of duty qualify for a full real estate exemption. Chris Clark, Senator Sear, and Counselor Ludke all backed the veterans’ workoff bill, describing it as an equity fix that would align the veterans’ program with the senior program and help municipalities like Barnstable use the benefit more effectively. After hearing from all scheduled speakers and confirming no additional in-person testimony, the chairs adjourned the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, if you're a veteran, correct? Well, yeah, if you have VA care, you're a veteran. Right.
- say, yes, I'm a veteran.
- veterans, something that is very easy to obtain for veterans to prove their veterans.
- for Veterans Act.
- And, you know, as the Chair of Military and Veterans Affairs, daughter of a veteran, sister of a veteran
Summary:
The Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard presentations on several bills, beginning without a quorum and later taking up the measures once a quorum was established. AB 2531 by Assemblymember Irwin would expand California’s uncompensated care grant program so veterans whose federal health coverage does not include abortion services can access abortion care, and would require CalVet to link to abortion.ca.gov. Supporters, including Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Equality California, and Reproductive Freedom for All California, said the bill responds to federal restrictions on VA abortion care; opposition from the California Family Council argued it used taxpayer dollars to promote abortion and raised concerns about incomplete information and fraud. Committee members also questioned the bill’s use of “self-identify” for veteran status and the funding structure, with the author indicating openness to looking at proof-of-veteran options.
AB 2054 by Assemblymember Gibson would update California’s paid family leave rules so relatives of military service members can qualify when those members are activated for state emergencies, disaster response, or other domestic duties, not just overseas deployment. The Department of Defense sponsored the bill, and Navy Region Southwest testified in support, saying it would improve stability for military families and reflect modern service demands. Members praised the bill and noted recent National Guard deployments for fires as an example of the gap it addresses.
AB 2219, the Faster Service for Veterans Act, by Chair Schiavo, would require county veterans service officer vacancies to be filled within 12 months, set accreditation timelines, expand training and public awareness, create a statewide work queue, improve data collection, and require periodic reporting and a unified satisfaction survey. The California Association of County Veterans Service Officers supported the bill, saying it would improve timeliness, accountability, and resource planning. After discussion, the committee voted to pass all of the bills and move them to the next committees: the consent calendar bills AB 1702, AB 1765, AB 2203, and AB 2467 were approved 8-0; AB 2054 passed 8-0 and was re-referred to Insurance; AB 2219 passed 8-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations; and AB 2531 passed 6-2 and was re-referred to Appropriations.