FINAL BILL REPORT

EHB 1049

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, Angel, Kelley, Smith, Conway, Hope, Hunt, Dammeier, Dunshee, Herrera, Seaquist, Armstrong, Moeller, Parker, Van De Wege, Johnson, Simpson, Rodne, Orwall, Haler, Liias, Short, Kirby, Green, Kenney, Goodman, Williams, Dickerson, McCoy, Appleton, Chase, Morrell, Sullivan, Sells, Newhouse, Upthegrove, Kessler, Roach, Wallace, Bailey, Maxwell, McCune, Kretz, Condotta and Campbell; by request of Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs.

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Background:

The legislative authority of a county with a city, town, or precinct containing qualifying indigent and suffering veterans or family members must provide funds for the relief of these veterans and family members. The legislative authority must consult with and solicit recommendations from the applicable Veterans' Advisory Board to determine the appropriate services needed for local indigent veterans. Veterans' assistance programs must partially be funded by the Veterans' Assistance Fund established in the county through a tax levy.

The statutory definitions of veteran include honorably discharged veterans of wars and armed conflicts, as well as honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the service.

Summary:

The definition of "veteran" for purposes of veterans' relief programs is expanded to include current members of the National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves who have been deployed to serve in an armed conflict.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	96	0
Senate	48	0