HB 2670-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/13/04)

Declares an intent that each county develop programs or procedures that are consistent with the welfare of the indigent and suffering veteran and eligible family members and that adequately include the veterans' community at large and provide for the public good.

Recognizes that the current practices of the counties in providing relief to indigent veterans and their families must not be disrupted. Counties, with or without veterans' advisory boards, may continue practices and programs that: (1) Provide services to veterans other than financial assistance and aid;

(2) Allow the use of nonprofit organizations and coalitions to provide indigent veterans' services;

(3) Allow funding from collections made under RCW 73.08.080 to support current programs providing life changing services; and

(4) Allow funding from collections made under RCW 73.08.080 to reimburse the county for reasonable administrative costs of providing veterans' services.

Expires July 1, 2005.

Directs the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs, created in RCW 73.04.150, to conduct a study of matters affecting the administration of the veteran's assistance fund and shall inform the governor and the legislature on its findings. The joint committee on veterans' and military affairs shall meet in the interim preceding the 2005 legislative session to study, investigate, and weigh the options available with regard to providing relief to indigent veterans and their families.

Expires July 1, 2005.