Video & Transcript : 'veterans cemeteries' :
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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.
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.
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 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
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Aug 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- to meet other veterans.
- If they want to talk to a veteran, they can. They are not the only veterans on campus.
- And yes, we do have veterans here.
- Here are some of our veteran-specific services. Last year, we served 582 veterans.
- I can give one example of a veteran who came in seeking assistance; this veteran was one we helped to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 17th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Veterans Resilience Project serves all veterans, providing trauma-informed care that respects their
- These include women veterans, who are the fastest-growing category of veterans, as well as technical
- And particularly to take care of our veterans in the veterans' homes.
- I stand here as a daughter of a veteran, a granddaughter of a veteran, a sister of a veteran, so you
- So go meet a veteran. Go spend some time with a veteran. It's really not that hard.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- veterans.
- He said the Missouri Veterans Commission has 52 veteran service officers, and the veteran service organizations
- I think more options for veterans is important. And we are all veterans here.
- I think more options for veterans is important. And we're all veterans here.
- Veterans United is an example of a service that works for veterans.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met with a quorum and began with remarks honoring veterans on the committee, including presentation of Capitol-flown flags and certificates. The chair also announced new decorum rules, including a ban on hats except religious headwear, and reminded members about the importance of truthful testimony. The committee then moved into executive session to consider several bills related to veterans’ issues and benefits.
The committee first took up House Bill 3029, which dealt with regulating veterans benefits matters and limiting bad actors who charge veterans for claims assistance. Members discussed concerns about private companies, accredited service officers, veterans’ choice, and whether the bill would reduce access or create future problems with VA reviews. Amendments were adopted to clarify that the bill would not cover housing loans and to remove a paragraph affecting certain registered providers. After debate, the committee voted 14-7 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for HB 3029. The committee then approved House Bill 3280, concerning spouse disability license plates, by a unanimous 21-0 vote.
Next, the committee considered House Bill 2306 along with related bills HB 2276 and HB 2089 in a combined committee substitute. The measure would create property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses based on assessed value, with categories tied to disability ratings. Members asked detailed questions about how the exemption would interact with short-term rentals, remarriage, unoccupied homes, and the senior tax freeze. The sponsor explained the exemption would apply to a qualified primary residence and continue in certain cases such as assisted living or veterans homes. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted 18-2 to do pass the combined bill package.
After the votes, the committee heard testimony from Heather, founder and executive director of Healing House and New Beginnings, a Christ-centered recovery program for women with substance use disorder. She described the program’s housing, recovery support, accreditation, and community outreach, and members praised its work. The committee also heard from Steve Baker of the Cass County Veterans Coalition, who described a local volunteer network that connects veterans to jobs and services. He emphasized that the coalition does not provide services itself but helps veterans find the right resources. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a lot of veterans that can be served and can have an impact on. 20, 25% of veterans are experiencing
- Veterans are experiencing that PTSD.
- So the veteran can I mean, uh, Them.
- So our veterans are all across the countries.
- And if you're not a veteran, but you have a family member who has been a veteran, I greatly appreciate
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The Veterans and Armed Forces Committee heard presentations from three organizations focused on veteran support and mental health. Dogs for Our Brave described its service-dog program for veterans with mobility limitations and PTSD, emphasizing the dogs’ daily assistance with tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, bracing, and getting help, as well as the emotional benefits for veterans and their families. The group said each dog costs about $50,000 to train, with total lifetime support for a veteran-dog team estimated at $75,000 to $125,000, and noted it serves veterans nationwide from a St. Louis base. Committee members asked about fundraising, expansion, and what happens to a dog if a veteran dies; the organization said it relies mainly on private donations and grants, is moving into a larger facility that will increase capacity, and would try to repurpose a dog when appropriate, with family wishes considered first.
Dalton Schmidt of Warriors’ Hoof Haven outlined a newer, free program for combat veterans and their families centered on horses, farming, outdoor recreation, and community outreach. He said the group is based near Thomas Hill Lake in Huntsville on 13 acres and is building activities such as horse handling and riding, meat chicken and produce farming, fishing, kayaking, jet skis, boats, firewood delivery, food bundles, and farm-tool lending. He said the organization funds its work through grants, donations, and sponsors, and that its goal is to reduce financial barriers and get veterans back into the community. Members asked about fundraising and the venison-for-vets effort, which Schmidt said is run by Truman VA and is supported by his group through incentives and outreach.
Brian Nooner, founder of the Mental Health Huddle and a commissioner with the Department of Mental Health, gave a personal account of his own depression, anxiety, PTSD, and isolation after a serious fall and a prolonged COVID-related recovery. He said his experience led him to create the Mental Health Huddle to encourage people to seek help, reduce stigma, identify triggers, avoid one-way relationships, and find hope through faith, family, or other supports. He stressed that he is not a medical professional but a patient sharing resources and said the effort is aimed at making help free and confidential. Committee members thanked him for his testimony and courage, and the chair adjourned the committee after the presentations.
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,
- Today I rise, not because, you know, I'm a veteran, but because I'm a veteran, but because I'm a...
- Today I rise, not because, you know, I'm a veteran, but because I'm a veteran, but because I'm a...
- available for free to veterans.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guest delegations, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming 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 approved included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on prompt payment for public works contractors, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 strengthening protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 expanding support for community land trusts, SB 479 authorizing city-based homeless response multidisciplinary 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 limiting forfeiture when a contractor’s license lapses, SB 490 allowing local inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities with state approval, SB 828 requiring permit-data verification for fireworks and explosives facilities, SB 849 barring physicians who committed sexual misconduct from license renewal, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electric lines in response to the Altadena fire, SB 96 regulating amplified advertising on streaming and related platforms, and SB 58 updating hydrogen sulfide monitoring and response standards. Most passed unanimously; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some opposition, and SB 222 passed 38-3.
A major floor debate centered on SB 694, which would restrict unaccredited private firms from charging fees to assist veterans with VA benefits claims and align state law with federal accreditation rules. Supporters argued the bill would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and preserve access through accredited providers, while opponents said it would limit veterans’ choice and could reduce 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 by a 39-0 vote. The session ended with unanimous approval of the consent calendar items and adjournment until January 27, 2026.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a lot of veterans that can be served and can have an impact on. 20 to 25% of veterans are experiencing
- Veterans are experiencing that PTSD.
- So our veterans are all across the countries.
- Like I said, we're dedicated to combat veterans.
- And if you're not a veteran, but you have a family member who has been a veteran, I greatly appreciate
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/17/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of all veterans.
- Um these veterans are involved veterans. Um these veterans are uniquely<00:31:23.840><c> complex.
- </c> care of our veterans in the um veterans care of our veterans in the um veterans homes.<00:32:53.840
- I stand here as a daughter of a veteran, a granddaughter of a veteran, a sister of a veteran, so you
- So, go meet a veteran. Go spend fall. So, go meet a veteran.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1201 helps protect veterans from these cuts by directing the state to... ...helps protect veterans
- SB 1201 also ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county veteran service
- Across California, County Veterans Services Officers work on the front lines with veterans and their
- Second, it requires counties to give veterans who apply for benefits a direct referral to county veteran
- My son is a veteran.
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1201 helps protect veterans from these cuts by directing the state to... ...helps protect veterans
- SB 1201 also ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county veteran service
- Second, it requires counties to give veterans who apply for benefits a direct referral to county veteran
- My son is a veteran.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars, its auxiliary, and the 1.6 million California veterans we serve.
Summary:
The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee met and considered several measures, with most of the discussion focused on veterans’ access to food assistance, overseas voting, and veteran mental health research. SB 1201, the “No Hungry Heroes Act,” would seek federal waivers to protect certain veterans from CalFresh time limits and require referrals to county veteran service officers; supporters said federal SNAP cuts are leaving vulnerable veterans at risk of hunger, while no opposition testified. Members spoke strongly in favor, emphasizing the need to support service members and their families.
SB 970 addressed ballot access for military and overseas voters after the federal DOD fax service was discontinued. The bill would direct the Secretary of State to develop regulations for a secure ballot return method. County election officials and veterans groups supported the measure, while the Secretary of State’s office and Verified Voting raised concerns about cybersecurity and urged a more deliberate process, including a possible task force. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 970 and send it to Appropriations.
SB 1224 proposed a California Emerging Therapies Research Partnership to help the state compete for federal research funding for alternative therapies, including treatments relevant to PTSD, depression, and substance use among veterans. Veterans advocates described the bill as a way to expand options for those not helped by traditional treatment, and the author noted amendments to address conflicts of interest and administrative issues. The committee approved the bill and referred it to Appropriations.
The committee also approved the consent calendar, including HR 120, SB 892, SB 1188, SJR 14, and SJR 17, and later voted SB 1201 and SB 970 out of committee as well. Overall, the meeting reflected broad bipartisan support for veteran-focused measures, with the main policy debate centered on how to balance access and security in overseas voting.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans Crisis Line and Veterans Health Administration, and making drastic cuts to programs that veterans
- VETERANS CRISIS LINE AND VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, AND MAKING DRASTIC CUTS TO PROGRAMS THAT VETERANS
- As a disabled veteran, I'm proud to lead this legislation on behalf of our veterans community.
- We've worked closely with the Peltz family, veteran service organizations, the Department of Veterans
- We've worked closely with the Peltz family, veteran service organizations, the Department of Veterans
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Feb 19th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- As a veteran and a disabled veteran, for the record, I'm only 70%.
- I heard things like, what if the veteran has 5,000 acres? What if the veteran is wealthy?
- But let's take a veteran with Agent Orange, Vietnam veterans, diabetes—you got Agent Orange, Vietnam
- For many disabled veterans living on fixed incomes, property taxes For many disabled veterans living
- From the Veterans Committee, or from the veterans community, we love you.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tax Reform
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- loans for veterans.
- Part of the problem we have is we have state, the Missouri Veterans Commission has 52 veteran service
- I think more options for veterans is important. And we're all veterans here.
- Veterans won't talk to us. Do you know why that is?" "And I said, well, are you a veteran?
- or is married to a veteran.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Veterans and military affairs panel approves HF194 2/12/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Surviving spouses of disabled veterans continue to receive this exclusion benefit after the veteran dies
- were as follows: $300,000 for 100% totally and permanently disabled veteran, $150,000 for a veteran
- I've been hearing from so many... veterans um Homestead Property um tax veterans um Homestead Property
- having</c><00:01:20.280><c> a</c> Veteran Veterans Affairs as having a Veteran Veterans Affairs as having
- We owe our veterans, our disabled veterans, this.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Feb 19th, 2026
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- As a veteran and a disabled veteran, for the record, I'm only 70%.
- I heard things like, what if the veteran has 5,000 acres? What if the veteran is wealthy?
- But let's take a veteran with Agent Orange, Vietnam veterans, diabetes... ...Agent Orange, Vietnam veterans
- Back in 2019, there were 14,487 veterans they would have qualified for the 100% disabled veteran portion
- From the Veterans Committee, or from the veterans community, we love you. You have been a bulldog.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tax Reform
Summary:
The Special Committee on Tax Reform heard three measures focused on property tax relief and tax administration. House Bill 2869, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, would authorize counties to offer up to a 100% property tax credit on the primary residence of 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans, with a $500,000 value cap, surviving-spouse carryover, no stacking with other credits, and protections for bonded indebtedness. Jones and supporting witnesses from Missouri veterans organizations said the bill is a practical, county-option approach that recognizes veterans’ service and could help keep federal retirement and disability income in Missouri. The Department of Revenue noted the bill could reduce eligibility for the existing property tax credit and urged timely fiscal-note review. No opposition testified.
The committee also heard H.J.R. 115, sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith, which would place a constitutional amendment before voters to exempt 100% disabled veterans from personal property tax and homestead-related taxes, with surviving-spouse protections. Griffith said the measure has been pursued for years, would affect a relatively small number of veterans, and should be treated as a common-sense benefit for service-connected disabilities. Veterans’ groups strongly supported the resolution, describing it as overdue relief for veterans on fixed incomes and urging the committee to move it forward. Several members discussed whether the policy should be in the Constitution or statute, but all testimony was in favor.
Finally, the committee heard HB 3303 from Rep. Cecily Williams, a cleanup bill to clarify that state and local sales or use taxes are exempt when the General Assembly purchases goods or lodging for official business and is reimbursed with public funds. Williams said the current statute lists outdated tax categories and leaves some local taxes on reimbursable expenses, causing the state to pay unnecessary taxes. Members generally supported the concept, and the Department of Revenue testified only on the need for timely fiscal-note requests and said the fiscal impact appeared minimal. No one testified in opposition to any of the three bills, and the committee concluded its hearing without taking final action or votes in the transcript provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- veterans and to the entire state of California, all the Veterans Service officers.
- 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.
- I know it said before, we all care about veterans. Opposition cares about veterans.
- And I think at the end of the day, they're veterans, their veterans helping other veterans.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote.
SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously.
The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 4th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , including the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, COBSA, and Vietnam Veterans
- of America. ...veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America.
- Veterans should have a choice.
- And so veterans are desperate.
- money from veterans.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included moving several bills to the inactive file, waiving the floor amendment deadline for certain measures, rescinding prior action on SB 733, and approving a motion to withdraw AB 710 from committee to the third reading file by a 42-12 vote. The chamber also re-referred AB 406 to Labor and Employment and later AB 754 to Housing, while taking up numerous Senate and Assembly measures out of order to accommodate authors and guests.
The body adopted several resolutions recognizing October 2025 as California Promotoras Month (HR 58), National Fried Rice Day and National Rice Month (HR 71), Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (HR 70), and All California Day (HR 67). Members also concurred in Senate amendments on a wide range of bills covering insurance, horses, emergency vehicles, health facilities, restitution, education, tribal regalia at graduation, behavioral health, air pollution, energy, dams, greenhouse gases, foster youth, court interpreters, tenancy language access, patient privacy notices, discrimination in school facility rentals, hospital visitation rights, diversion, agriculture, insurance studies, electricity, and environmental stewardship. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew recorded noes.
Several higher-profile policy bills drew debate. SB 694 on veteran claim assistance generated the most extensive discussion, with supporters arguing it would stop predatory, unaccredited companies from charging veterans for VA claims help, and opponents warning it could reduce veterans’ choices and should be paired with broader fixes to county VSO access; the bill ultimately passed 46-0. Other notable actions included concurrence on SB 576 limiting loud streaming ads, SB 512 on transportation tax initiatives, and SB 785 creating a tax credit for durable medical equipment for children with complex medical needs. The Assembly also concurred in SB 250 on Medi-Cal provider directories, SB 831 on the Geological Survey, SB 788 on CPA regulation, SB 456 on muralist licensing, SB 72 on the California Water Plan, SB 76 on used-car fee protections, SB 246 on rural health workforce support, SB 484 on coastal affordable housing, SB 680 on sex offender registration, SB 695 on climate-resilient highway projects, and SB 783 on outdoor advertising. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable across the board, with the chamber repeatedly adopting Senate amendments and resolutions by voice vote or recorded roll call.