SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5036

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 19, 2009

Title: An act relating to veterans' relief.

Brief Description: Concerning veterans' relief.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Roach, Hobbs, Swecker, Kauffman, Marr, Kastama, Hatfield, McAuliffe, Shin and Haugen; by request of Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/15/09, 1/19/09 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5036 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

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 at least partially be funded by the Veterans' Assistance Fund established in the county through a tax levy. The county legislative authority may authorize other entities to administer a veterans' assistance program or programs through grants, contracts, or inter-local agreements.

For purposes of veterans' relief programs, "veteran" has the same meaning as in RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.007. Generally, the definitions include honorably discharged veterans of wars and armed conflicts, as well as honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the service.

Veterans' assistance programs include financial assistance; employment services; both long-term and short-term transitional housing; mental health counseling; trauma services; and the veterans' incarcerated project.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The definition of "veteran" for purposes of veterans' relief programs is expanded to include current members of the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves who have been deployed to serve in an armed conflict.

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: It is very important that we get services and resources to those who need them. If you serve your country, your country should have your back. When a soldier serves and places himself in harms way, the least we can do is assist that person's family. When that soldier returns, the least we can do is assist that veteran.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Dale Movius, Veterans Legislative Coalition.