Transcript Highlights:

• We believe it would help the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs in reaching veterans, and we think
• The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and its oversight body, the State Board of Veterans Affairs
• and our experiences in veterans affairs.
• create the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs to ensure that every... ...of Veteran Affairs to ensure
• . the current Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and State Board of Veterans Affairs.

Bills: HB154, HB153, HB180, SB70

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, governor appointment, board advisory, veteran service organizations, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veteran service officers, district managers, state veterans home trust fund, veterans benefits, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, active-duty service members, state agency reorganization, executive authority, governance reform

Bills: HB584, HB604, HB584, HB604

Keywords: marriage, religious solemnization, probate court, marriage license, traditional practices, HB604, Alabama veteran tag program, distinctive license plate, veteran license tag, radiation-exposed veterans, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, nuclear weapons cleanup, veterans affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, motor vehicle tag, special license plate, military and veterans affairs, Cold War veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Wednesday, February 4th meeting of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans
• back, everyone, to the Wednesday, February 4th meeting of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans
• A very important bill for a lot of combat-injured veterans that would create parity and eliminate an
• arbitrary 20-year rule around something that affects a good number of veterans.
• I think veterans do deserve to be appropriately recognized for their service, and this will help ensure

Bills: HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs, 904, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Department of Commerce’s new state broadband director on Washington’s BEAD broadband program and permitting plans. He said Washington’s final BEAD proposal, submitted to NTIA in September and resubmitted in January after roughly 25 rounds of federal revisions, is still awaiting approval. He explained that the federal program now prioritizes lower-cost technologies more than fiber, and that Washington’s preliminary awards would connect about 166,000 homes and small businesses with roughly 35% fiber, 38% fixed wireless, and 27% low-earth-orbit satellite. He also described the state’s permitting strategy, including a goal of issuing broadband permits within 90 days, use of permitting roundtables, and hiring NEPA expertise to speed environmental and historic review while coordinating with state, local, federal, and tribal partners. Members asked about the relationship between NEPA and SEPA, how the federal funding total changed from earlier expectations, the long-term costs and durability of fiber versus fixed wireless and satellite, and whether broadband permitting lessons could inform other infrastructure work such as transmission. The witness said NEPA can function as an umbrella for other environmental reviews, that the federal allocation has not been rescinded but only a portion is currently available for deployment, and that fiber is the most durable long-term investment even though it is more expensive up front. Members also discussed how density affects the feasibility of fiber deployment, with the witness noting that remote areas become exponentially more expensive to serve. The committee then considered House Bill 2684, which would add Middle Eastern and North African groups to the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises’ socially disadvantaged certification framework. Five proposed amendments were debated, but none were adopted. The amendments would have narrowed the rebuttable presumption by requiring findings of current discrimination, required disaggregated subgroup data analysis, tied the rules to the state constitution, and required consistency with federal law and Attorney General review. After debate, the bill passed the committee on a 7-4 vote with two excused, and was reported out with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee unanimously approved House Joint Memorial 4012, which urges Congress to address the 20-year rule affecting certain combat-injured veterans and create parity in recognition and benefits. The memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation on an 11-0 vote, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs will come to order.
• Chairman, members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I'm Tom Palladino.
• Yes, members, in 2022 the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs was asked, with an interim charge, to study
• Veteran on the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate.
• But before we take these up for voting, so with no further business, the Committee on Veteran Affairs

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• And, again, this is very voluntary, and the veteran actually would have to, you know, would know that
• Members, all this bill does is, as it stands right now in law, if an Oklahoma veteran dies out of state
• , even though he's a veteran or even though he's a resident in Oklahoma, but if he dies out of state
• long as he is a resident of Oklahoma, he's still able to get buried by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans
• Affairs.

Bills: SB1533, SB2026

Keywords: veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans, Dignity in Burial Act, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access

Summary: The committee heard two veterans-related bills. Senate Bill 2026 would allow county clerks to retain military discharge papers and expand who may access them after a veteran’s death from the current family members to include grandchildren. The bill sponsor said the change is voluntary and intended to help grandchildren handle burial and benefits matters. After a brief question about who could access the records, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1533, which would require the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to provide burial services for an Oklahoma veteran who dies out of state, so long as the veteran remains an Oklahoma resident. The sponsor explained that current law does not obligate the state in those circumstances. With no questions or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to pass the bill. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that these were the last bills expected for the committee at that time, unless additional measures were brought forward later.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Veteran Affairs will come to order at this time.
• million jobs for veterans each year.
• The Committee on Veteran Affairs will come to order at this time.
• I'm a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran and I serve as the Government Affairs Task Force Chair for the
• Members, all right, there being no further business before the Committee of Veteran Affairs, we stand

Bills: SB 390, SB 1197, SB 1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Mike Limbaugh, and I am a 60% disabled veteran and also an ATV enthusiast.
• Many disabled veterans rely on ATVs as a means of mobility and access to the outdoors.
• This bill helps those veterans stay engaged with their communities.
• This bill helps those veterans stay engaged with their communities.
• disabled veterans.

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, this is very voluntary, and the veteran actually would have to, you know, would know that
• Members, all this bill does is, as it stands right now in law, if an Oklahoma veteran dies out of state
• , even though he's a veteran or even though he's a resident.
• as he's a resident of Oklahoma, that he's still able to get buried by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans
• Affairs.

Bills: SB1533, SB2026

Keywords: veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans, Dignity in Burial Act, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Veterans Affairs.
• for the Minnesota Department of Affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans<00:07:14.640><c> Affairs
• </c> Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs.
• And we've been of Veterans Affairs.
• and military affairs, Minnesota veterans and military affairs, uh,<00:19:57.600><c> omnibus</c><00:19

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Transcript Highlights:

• House Veterans and Military Affairs Division to order. A quorum is present.
• </c><00:17:51.520><c> Affairs</c><00:17:51.840><c> policy</c> a Department of Veteran Affairs policy
• </c> for the Department of Veteran Affairs. for the Department of Veteran Affairs.
• Veterans Affairs having a modernized leadership team.
• Division</c> Veterans and Military Affairs Division Veterans and Military Affairs Division will<00:41

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• What we've got here is H.J.R. 1074, which is the Veterans Lottery Bill trust fund.
• And basically what we're going to do is set up a lottery game to fund veterans' needs.
• But this is step one of a two-step process setting up the Veterans Lottery.
• want their money to go to the veterans, they could play the veterans game; or if they want their money
• Why fund these veteran service organizations, and granted there is definitely a need?

Bills: HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070

Keywords: Oklahoma veterans lottery, veterans trust fund, constitutional amendment, lottery proceeds, veterans services, military families, veteran assistance, emergency relief, indigent veteran funerals, veterans outreach, service organizations, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Guard, Air National Guard, Purple Heart, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma Veterans Council

Summary: The committee began with HJR 1074, a proposed Veterans Lottery Trust Fund measure. After adopting a scrivener’s-error amendment, the author explained it would create a veterans lottery game as a two-step process: first establishing the trust fund and board structure, then returning later to authorize the game itself. Members questioned how the money would be appropriated and whether the legislature could direct spending, as well as whether the lottery would compete with existing education lottery revenue. The author said the intent was for the funds to go to the Veterans Lottery Trust Fund and then be distributed by the board, and argued it would create recurring revenue for veterans without relying on annual appropriations. The committee approved the measure 7-1 and reported it do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 3501, which would allow the ABLE Commission to issue multiple manufacturing licenses for one premises. A PCS was adopted as the working draft without objection, and the bill passed 8-1 after brief discussion and no substantive debate. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1070, which would require the Attorney General to be a licensed attorney. An amendment was adopted to change the required practice threshold from 10 years to 5 years to align with requirements for district judges and Supreme Court justices. Members asked about residency, whether the requirement would apply to current candidates, and why the change was needed now. The author said it would not affect current candidates but was intended for future elections so the chief law enforcement officer would be an actual attorney. The resolution passed unanimously, 9-0, and was reported do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Veterans</c><00:13:29.920><c> Affairs.
• Um, so, Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Department of Veterans Affairs.
• </c><01:00:53.520><c> Affairs</c> for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Department of Veterans
• I serve as the director of government affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bills: HF3919, HF3467, HF3741

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, veterans affairs, food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, state resources, reporting requirements, agency initiatives, veterans, educational assistance, tuition waiver, spouses, children, military service, benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• That's my prior life and as government affairs.
• I'm a Marine Corps veteran and Iraq War veteran and service-connected disabled veteran, though I should
• Oftentimes, it's called the wounded veteran tax.
• I'm with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
• The Veterans Legislative Coalition represents over 24 different veteran organizations throughout Washington

Bills: HB2523, HB2606, HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Summary: The House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee met on February 3 to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning performance measures and reporting for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, and then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 that would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, expand Commerce’s reporting and tribal consultation duties, add Office of Equity and WSIPP responsibilities, and require more detailed plan updates and oversight. During executive session, the committee adopted Amendment 285 to require the community reinvestment plan to be updated every five years instead of every 10, but rejected amendments that would have barred recipients from other state down payment programs, restricted grants to officers and family members, required an independent third-party audit, or expanded the WSIPP study. The proposed substitute HB 2523 then passed out of committee on an 8-5 vote. HB 2606, which responds to a JLARC audit by streamlining overlapping duties among the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, the state broadband office, and the Office of Equity, was moved out of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation. Members described it as a modest but useful efficiency measure, and the vote was 13-0. The committee then heard HB 2684, which would create rebuttable presumptions that people in 10 specified groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification. Supporters, including Middle Eastern and North African business owners, argued the bill would correct exclusion of MENA-owned firms from certification and contracting opportunities; opponents argued it would entrench identity-based classifications and raise constitutional concerns. OMWBE testified that the bill would be workable and that social disadvantage is only one factor in certification. The committee also heard HJM 4012, which asks Congress to bring the Major Richard Starr Act to a floor vote to allow combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and disability compensation. Veterans advocates strongly supported the memorial, and the committee closed the hearing without taking final action on either public-hearing item, noting both would be considered again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it just if someone is a veteran and they become 100% disabled due to medical malpractice at a
• This is a constituent request bill that allows veterans to attend their public school sporting events
• As you know, we've got a lot of veterans in Oklahoma.
• Affairs' amendment submitted by Representative Fugate.
• One example is last year we had a veteran that passed away.

Bills: HB3257, HB3428, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940, HB3432

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, veterans benefits, workplace poster, human resources, employment law, mental health resources, educational resources, HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Affairs, amendment submitted by Representative Fugate.
• Affairs.
• For that and send it over to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
• One example is last year we had a veteran that passed away.
• One example is last year we had a veteran that passed away.

Bills: HB3257, HB3428, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940, HB3432

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, veterans benefits, workplace poster, human resources, employment law, mental health resources, educational resources, HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits

Summary: The committee heard several veterans-related bills. House Bill 3257 would treat 100% disabilities caused by medical malpractice at a VA facility as service-connected for purposes of Oklahoma state benefits, aligning state treatment with federal benefits; members asked about the bill’s scope and its relation to military service and citizenship, and it passed 6-0. House Bill 3432 would allow veterans to attend public school sporting events without paying gate admission; one member spoke against the idea of preferential treatment for veterans, but the bill passed 5-1. House Bill 3428 would require the Department of Labor, working with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, to create a workplace poster for employers with more than 50 employees listing veteran benefits and contact information for assistance programs. The author emphasized it was not a recruitment effort and said the poster would mainly provide hotline numbers and claims assistance information; it passed 7-0. House Bill 3043 would let ODVA hire PRN, seasonal, or as-needed employees during peak periods instead of relying on full-time staff, and members discussed possible reporting additions; it passed 7-0. The committee also considered House Bill 3044, which continues the existing tax return donation option for the ODVA equipment capital improvement program, and it passed 7-0. House Bill 3078, as amended, changed the donation mechanism to a direct link to the ODVA website rather than a checkbox on state transaction forms, and the amendment was adopted before the bill passed 8-0. Finally, House Bill 3940, a broad cleanup/omnibus measure revising National Guard and State Guard provisions, retention and education assistance rules, museum-related authority, and other technical matters, was presented as a follow-up to prior legislation, amended by PCS, and passed 7-0 with one member absent/abstaining; the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our first meeting of Veterans and Military Affairs.
• This bill establishes a program to provide any eligible person, veteran, or veteran of the Oklahoma National
• Only veterans home where we're having trouble finding staff.
• I'm so appreciative of all you do for our veterans.
• Make sure we're doing the right thing as we move forward for veterans, for our veteran homes, and for

Bills: SB2026, SB1376, SB1355, SB2115, SB1533

Keywords: military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, Oklahoma National Guard, education assistance, military benefits, dependents, CareerTech Assistance Act, burial grant, memorial headstone, eligibility requirements, funding, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, fiscal management, state law, veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and advanced several bills related to veterans records, National Guard benefits, burial honors, and veterans home operations. Senate Bill 2026 would allow grandchildren, with proof of lineage, to access a veteran’s DD-214 filed with a county clerk; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1376, amended to be named the CW5 Chris Rowe Act, would revise National Guard retirement and pay provisions, including a five-year Oklahoma Guard service minimum for retirement eligibility and language intended to ensure full-time Guard members are paid at their rank; despite concerns raised about the five-year threshold and out-of-state members, it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1355 would create a program and funds to provide memorial headstones, markers, or medallions for eligible veterans and National Guard veterans; it also passed 9-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2115, a broad measure affecting Oklahoma veterans homes and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill would allow more flexible hiring of part-time health care staff, create revolving funds for quicker purchasing of supplies, and exclude certain purchases from the state Purchasing Act. Members questioned the canceled warrant fund, the scope of the purchasing exemption, and how donations and federal funds would be handled. The author and ODVA representatives said the bill was still a work in progress and emphasized the need for flexibility and safeguards. The bill passed 9-0. Finally, Senate Bill 1533, described as cleanup language for the Dignity and Burial Act, would change eligibility to require a veteran to have been a resident of Oklahoma rather than dying in the state. It also passed 9-0. Near the end of the meeting, Chair Stanley noted plans for another committee meeting the following week and Senator Peterson mentioned an upcoming floor substitute related to the Strategic Military Planning Commission sunset issue.

Bills: SB341, SB340

Keywords: SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our first meeting of Veterans and Military Affairs.
• He was a veteran of the Iraq War, having served 43 years in the guard.
• Let's just help if you will help me to help our veterans that have passed.
• I'm so appreciative of all you do for our veterans.
• Forward for veterans, for our veteran homes, and for ODVA.

Bills: SB2026, SB1376, SB1355, SB2115, SB1533

Keywords: military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, Oklahoma National Guard, education assistance, military benefits, dependents, CareerTech Assistance Act, burial grant, memorial headstone, eligibility requirements, funding, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, fiscal management, state law, veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we'll call our Veterans Military Affairs and Public Safety meeting to order.
• Uh, and this is to say that they are atomic veterans. Question? Yep.
• Now, nationally, federally, they're considered an atomic veteran if they... ...considered an atomic veteran
• It mirrors the federal standards in the Veterans Atomic Veterans Act.
• It doesn't have to be World War II veterans. It just has the tag right now. ...veterans.

Bills: HB506, HB480, HB105, HB403, HB513, SB341

Keywords: emergency vehicles, off-road vehicles, public safety, liability, regulations, foreign nationals, voter identification, driver licenses, immigration documentation, Alabama election law, law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, criminal enterprise, database, data privacy, criminal justice, background check

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs, I am pleased to be here today to present our views on
• Melissa Cohen, Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Veterans Affairs. for Policy and Oversight, Veterans
• The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and whistleblower protection act of 2017 provided the
• The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 provided VA with
• , and it aligns directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bills: SB124, SB201, SB275, SB410, SB478, SB607, SB610, SB611, SB654, SB702, SB787, SB831, SB892

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments

Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.