SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5030


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, January 18, 2007

Title: An act relating to veterans' benefits.

Brief Description: Addressing veterans' benefits.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Fairley, Roach, Kastama, Swecker, Pridemore, Sheldon, Keiser, Kilmer, Rasmussen, Shin and Franklin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/16/07, 1/18/07 [DP].


SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Amy Van Horn (786-7784)

Background: The state provides assistance to indigent veterans in several ways. Qualified veterans and their spouses may reside in one of three veterans' homes in the state. In addition, each county is required by law to operate a veterans assistance program to aid indigent veterans and their families. Current law stipulates that counties may not send veterans and their families to almshouses or orphan asylums except under certain circumstances.

Summary of Bill: The statute that prohibits sending veterans and their families to almshouses or orphan asylums is repealed. A reference to the repealed provision is removed from the definition of "veteran."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is purely a housekeeping measure. The Veterans Legislative Coalition supports this bill.

CON: None.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Hobbs; Dennis Primoli, Veterans Legislative Coalition (VLC).

CON: No one.