FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5035

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: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, Swecker, Marr, Roach, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Hatfield, McAuliffe and Haugen; by request of Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs).

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Background: The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) was created in 1976. Prior to its creation, veterans were served by the Department of Social and Health Services.

The WDVA provides many services to veterans and their families. Included among the services, the WDVA provides assistance with claims to access VA benefits, Veterans Estate Management Program, post traumatic stress disorder counseling, homeless veterans outreach, and education and employment assistance.

Currently, Washington ranks 12th nationwide for the total number of veterans in the state. As of 2000, the WDVA estimates there may be as many as 670,628 veterans in Washington.

Summary: The WDVA must create a five-year plan to identify all veterans in the state and identify veterans in the state as the veteran population changes.

The WDVA must identify improved referral methods and improved communication tools so veterans can be directed to available state and federal aid programs.

Savings and costs must be itemized and potential legislative needs discussed.

The report is due January 1, 2010.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	97	0