Video & Transcript : 'Veteran' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Every... ...on all veterans, but with particular attention to global war on terrorism veterans.
- of veteran.
- He opened the HERO Act hearing with, “A veteran is a veteran is a veteran.” That was the opening.
- Hearing with, “A veteran is a veteran is a veteran.” That was the opening statement.
- I mean, I personally think that if I know of a veteran that's not listed as a veteran...
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility.
Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/29/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
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
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Veterans Affairs Department Suicide Prevention Report 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
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.
MO
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.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, September 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the unique needs of our veterans. the unique needs of our veterans.
- ><c> these</c> veterans, but the veterans in these veterans, but the veterans in these parts<04:18:01.920
- . veterans. veterans.
- </c> for veterans until 2031. for veterans until 2031.
- veteran suicides.
Bills:
HB1558 , HB3400 , HJR117 , HB4446 , HB3494 , HB3481 , HB2701 , HB2034 , HB3854 , HB3951 , HB3579 , HB2721 , HB3767 , HB1860 , HB2334 , HR1107 , HB3426 , HB3427 , HR452 , HB5100
Keywords:
financial management, government oversight, budgeting, accountability, reporting, federal financial management, government accountability, oversight, taxpayer funds, Office of Management and Budget, OMB, Chief Financial Officer, CFO, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, internal controls, financial reporting, financial audits, governmentwide financial management plan, financial management status report, performance metrics
MO
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
TX
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.
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.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Jan 27th, 2026 at 04:23 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- in that they're dealing with the state Veterans Assistance Department, and that there are no veterans
- veterans was 34.7.
- face internally, because I know that many veterans go to the Veterans Administration and Veterans Services
- face internally because I know that many veterans go to the veterans administration and veterans services
- because they feel ...to the Veterans Administration and Veterans Services because they feel safe.
Summary:
The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and heard two bills from Representative Martinez. House Bill 56 would appropriate $1 million to the Department of Veterans Services to expand behavioral health and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Supporters, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Veterans Services, the Disability Coalition, New Mexico Professional Firefighters, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, and NAMI New Mexico, said the funding would help veterans navigate a difficult system, improve outreach in rural areas, and address New Mexico’s high veteran suicide rate and related alcohol and drug deaths. Committee members asked about whether the program was new or an expansion of an existing effort, how services would be delivered, and whether outreach would reach homeless and rural veterans. The secretary explained that the bill would augment an existing Suicide Prevention Act program, use contracts with outside providers rather than direct services, and require two term employees for contract management and outreach. The committee voted 7-1 to give HB 56 a due pass and send it to the next committee.
The committee then heard House Bill 55, which would create an income tax deduction for retirement income earned by first responders, similar to an existing benefit for military retirees. Supporters argued it would help recruit and retain firefighters, law enforcement, and other first responders, and could encourage retirees to move to New Mexico and contribute economically. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal impact, the lack of a sunset, the narrow definition of first responder, and Taxation and Revenue Department concerns that the bill could reduce general fund revenue by about $6.1 million in the first year and might not attract retirees on its own. The sponsor said he had not yet met with Tax and Rev but would do so, and noted he was open to a sunset if it helped the bill move forward. Despite concerns, the committee voted 7-1 to pass HB 55 to the next committee, with members explaining their votes and emphasizing that the bill would receive further vetting in Tax and Revenue.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> division director State veteran division director State veteran cemeteries<00:07:58.199><c> silent
- </c> Kentucky and the state veteran Kentucky and the state veteran cemeteries<00:08:57.720><c> to</c>
- </c> Guard and Reserve component veterans Guard and Reserve component veterans their<00:09:05.920><c>
- off goes back to help the veterans off goes back to help the veterans<00:15:29.079><c> the</c><00:15
- veteran</c> state thousands every veteran state thousands every veteran organization<00:31:52.399><c>
Summary:
The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, would require destruction of firearms used in homicides and allow destruction of certain defaced, hazardous, unsafe, or owner-requested firearms, while prohibiting agencies from intentionally damaging firearms before transfer and requiring written agency policies. Senator Tichenor asked about lost auction revenue; KSP said it could not track homicide weapons separately, that auctions bring in about $1.2 million annually, and that most proceeds support Kentucky Homeland Security. Senators Boswell and others said they generally oppose destroying firearms but supported moving the bill forward; the bill passed favorably with no nays.
House Bill 191, sponsored by Representative Aaron Thompson and presented with state and veterans’ officials, would align Kentucky law with federal changes to allow additional burials in state veteran cemeteries for certain National Guard and Reserve veterans, their spouses, and dependents who were not previously eligible. Testimony explained the bill would cover veterans who served in reserve components without Title 10 activation, including those who assisted during floods, fires, and tornadoes, and clarified eligibility rules for spouses and children. Senators asked about minimum service and dependent eligibility, and the committee passed the bill favorably and unanimously.
Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Senator David Yates, addressed protection of veterans’ benefits by regulating third-party claims consultants. The committee adopted a substitute adding definitions and accreditation-related provisions, and Yates said the bill was intended to curb abusive fee practices and direct penalties to the special license plate fund for veterans. He explained the bill’s fee limits, including a cap tied to three times the monthly increase in benefits and an overall ceiling, while senators questioned whether the cap might discourage good actors and how the dollar limits would work. A veteran witness, Bob Casher, supported the bill and urged more public information on free claims assistance; the committee held further action while allowing guest comments, and the discussion focused on balancing consumer protection with access to legitimate consultants.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:01:48.520><c> group</c> when you meet with your veterans group when you meet with your veterans
- </c><00:05:05.600><c> must</c> taxpayers and especially veterans must taxpayers and especially veterans
- </c> own money um to take care of veterans own money um to take care of veterans and<00:14:01.800><c>
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- </c> of Veterans of Veterans Affairs<00:30:46.279><c> most</c><00:30:46.880><c> of</c><00:30:47.200><
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- So if I am a veteran that has not logged into any of the veterans' websites for over 180 days, how do
- Though if you're surveying just the veterans or disproportionate share of veterans who come to these
- previously the veterans benefits counselors and the staff at a zdvs whenever they encounter a veteran
- services contacts veterans and then it would also greatly alleviate the financial burden on veterans
- that person is a veteran.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2663, which expands military leave protections by aligning state law language with federal military orders and clarifying that state and non-state employees called to service or training are covered. Representative Pena said the bill was intended to remove confusion and had no material impact on benefits. After brief supportive discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2663 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill establishing due process requirements before state or county entities can alter a justice of the peace’s statutory authority and clarifying the limits of administrative control over justice courts. Representative Hernandez and two Pima County justices of the peace testified in support, describing administrative orders that had removed local control without notice, findings, or a clear path to restoration. Leanna Garcia of the Arizona Supreme Court opposed the bill, arguing it conflicted with the Constitution’s grant of administrative supervision to the Supreme Court and that the court already uses complaint-driven oversight, education, and intervention when needed. After extensive debate over constitutional authority, due process, and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to recommend HB 2976 do pass.
Next, the committee considered HB 2406, which directs the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study veterans’ awareness of available state, local, and federal benefits and report recommendations to improve outreach. Supporters said many veterans do not know the full range of benefits and that the study could identify gaps in awareness and help guide future outreach. Members questioned what exactly would be studied and whether a study was necessary, but several said the testimony clarified the bill’s purpose. The committee approved HB 2406 with a 5-1-1 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance to ask whether a defendant is a veteran so eligible cases can be referred to veterans programs or treatment/diversion options. Testimony in support said the inquiry would help identify veterans early and connect them to services at no cost. A member raised a Fifth Amendment concern that veteran status could be incriminating in some cases; the bill’s supporter agreed to an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The transcript ends during discussion of that proposed amendment, before a final committee vote on HB 2226 is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- support veteran-owned businesses.
- We strongly support initiatives to create opportunities for veteran owned businesses, our veterans, and
- A report from the Texas Veterans Commission found that among 24,000 veteran-owned businesses, there's
- I am a constant advocate for veterans and their businesses, veteran families, and I think y'all have
- owned businesses or any veteran businesses.
Committee:
Senate Veteran Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans Affairs heard several bills related to veterans and military installations. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to Texas spaceports, with exceptions for authorized operators; there was brief supportive testimony and the bill was left pending. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, allowing Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations to improve handling of juvenile offenses through state and local involvement; no public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. SB 390, by Senator Middleton and explained by Senator Menendez, would expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include veteran-owned businesses certified by the SBA, regardless of disability rating, to increase veteran participation in state contracting. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from veterans and business advocates, while Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB programs.
The committee also took up pending bills later in the meeting. SB 651 was advanced after adoption of a committee substitute and received a unanimous committee vote to do pass and be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 897 likewise had a committee substitute adopted and was reported favorably by a unanimous vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar by a unanimous vote. SB 1197 was also voted out favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 and SB 390 were left pending at the end of the meeting, and the committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We owe it to our veterans.
- Veterans Service Officers, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, AARP, PORAC, SEIU,
- It doesn't allow you to get a veteran to go after a veteran straight out of their service.
- Today I rise, not because, you know, I'm a veteran, but because I'm a veteran, but because I'm a...
- for free to veterans.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-10-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Association for Veterans Rights.
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- </c> Department of Veterans Affairs. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- </c> with their veteran service organization. with their veteran service organization.
- </c> somebody else other than that veteran. somebody else other than that veteran.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We owe it to our veterans.
- It doesn't allow you to get a veteran to go after a veteran straight out of their service.
- My colleague, also a veteran, Senator Grove, is someone who has fought for veterans, and so her words
- Today I rise, not because, you know, I'm a veteran, but because I'm a veteran, but because I'm a...
- Some arguments against the bill say it limits veterans' choice, yet this bill actually protects veterans
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Alex Prettie, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes.
The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures that passed included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on public contracts and contractor payment claims, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 to strengthen protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 on community land trusts and affordable housing, SB 479 allowing certain cities to share information in homeless response teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 on contractor license lapse rules, SB 490 on inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities, SB 828 requiring better state-local permit verification after the Esparto fireworks tragedy, SB 849 barring physician license renewal after specified sexual misconduct, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electrical lines and wildfire risk, SB 96 on over-amplified streaming and digital ads, SB 677 as a technical cleanup to last year’s housing law, and SB 58 on hydrogen sulfide monitoring and public health. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with overwhelming support; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some no votes but still passed.
The most extended debate centered on SB 694, which would align California law with federal VA accreditation rules for those assisting veterans with benefits claims and impose penalties for unauthorized claims assistance and data access. Supporters argued it would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and ensure only accredited providers charge fees; opponents said it would reduce veterans’ choice and could limit access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 on a 29-10 vote. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the consent calendar and adjournment until January 27, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 20th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Through our Veterans Helping Veterans campaign, residents assemble care packages for homebound veterans
- You've got veterans. You have sons of veterans, daughters of veterans. You have a Gold Star father.
- That can help both veterans and the veteran that's sheltered. And my last thing is veteran suicide.
- So, and that's key, I think, veterans helping veterans.
- So, and that's key, I think, veterans helping veterans.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair and members, House Bill 2960 establishes the Veterans Specialty Court grant program and the Veterans
- House Bill 2960 establishes the Veterans Specialty Grant Program and the Veterans Treatment Court Fund
- lists of incarcerated veterans to assist with veterans benefits and services.
- what veterans services are available to him.
- What happens is when a veteran is going through the system, if they are a veteran, and the prosecutorial
Committee:
Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So if I may now, ladies and gentlemen and veterans, first off, I'd like to thank all the veterans that
- its veterans.
- Veterans Service Officers.
- Veterans Council, a coalition of 22 veterans organizations, all strongly support this bill.
- Veterans Council, a coalition of 22 veterans organizations, all strongly support this bill.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met on June 22 with several members initially absent, so the committee began as a subcommittee and later established a quorum. The committee first heard AB 1775, which would provide California support for transgender service members and veterans affected by a federal executive order requiring their separation from service. The author and witnesses described the policy as discriminatory and destabilizing, and supporters from civil rights and LGBTQ+ organizations urged passage. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair and members expressed support for helping affected veterans with discharge upgrades, housing assistance, and expedited professional licensing.
The committee then heard AB 2022, which expands the disabled veterans property tax exemption by creating a full exemption for certain totally disabled veterans meeting income limits and a 50% exemption for others, while preserving existing benefits. The author, a disabled Marine veteran, and multiple veterans’ organizations testified that the measure would help veterans remain in their homes and keep them in California; a Gold Star spouse also spoke in support. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations, with the roll held open until additional members arrived, and the consent calendar was later approved 4-0.
Next, the committee heard AB 2054, which updates the definition of covered active duty for paid family leave purposes so military families can qualify when service members are deployed, activated for emergencies such as wildfires, or sent to extended training. Supporters, including Department of Defense and veterans’ representatives, said the bill reflects modern military service and protects families during disruptions. The committee also heard AB 2531, which would expand an existing uncompensated care grant program so veterans denied abortion care through the federal VA system can access support, and would add abortion resource information to CalVet materials. Support came from Planned Parenthood, the California Medical Association, the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and others; one member of the public raised concerns about coercion but did not clearly oppose the bill. All three bills were advanced on due pass motions to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after the final votes.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- who are almost all veterans, spouses of veterans, and spouses of active duty.
- Obviously, you know, my dad, too, was a veteran and a disabled veteran.
- our veterans, and for doing everything that you can for our veterans.
- our veterans and for doing everything that you can for our veterans.
- And I think, at the end of the day, they're veterans, they're veterans helping other veterans.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 29, which would extend a sunset on California’s survival-action pain and suffering remedy and require additional reporting on settlements and cases. Senator Laird and supporters, including a family member describing a medical malpractice death and labor/building trades representatives, argued the bill protects victims whose claims would otherwise die with them and that there has been no demonstrated increase in malpractice rates. Opponents from the health care, hospital, and business sectors said the measure would increase costs, create a third category of damages, and could harm access to care, especially for clinics and rural providers. After extensive discussion about the sunset and data collection, the committee passed SB 29 to Appropriations on a divided vote.
The committee then approved SB 294, which requires employers to notify workers about rights if they are arrested or detained and directs the Labor Commissioner to create an annual notice template. Supporters said the bill is needed because workers often do not know their rights amid weakened federal enforcement and workplace intimidation; there was no opposition on file after amendments removed prior concerns. SB 697, which updates stream adjudication procedures to allow the State Water Board to use modern technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations, also passed without opposition after stakeholders worked out concerns.
Later, the committee took up SB 37 on attorney advertising, which would strengthen rules against misleading ads and allow consumer lawsuits. Consumer attorneys and supporters said the State Bar’s current enforcement is too weak, while joint-advertising businesses said they support the goal but want amendments to protect their model. The bill passed to Appropriations as negotiations continue. SB 645, dealing with peremptory challenges in civil cases and extending anti-bias procedures to certain discrimination-related matters, also advanced after supporters described it as a compromise and opponents said they were still working toward agreement. SB 303, narrowing protections for bias-mitigation trainings so good-faith admissions in those trainings are not treated as FEHA discrimination, passed after several groups moved to neutral. SB 464, requiring specified state workers to be included in annual pay-data reporting to better track racial pay gaps and promotion disparities, was presented as a reparations-related transparency measure and was heard with support from civil rights advocates.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans across the state is about making sure California stands with veterans, veterans across the state
- its veterans.
- Veterans Service Officers.
- Veterans Council, a coalition of 22 veterans organizations, all strongly support this bill.
- Veterans Service Officers.
Committee:
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs