FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1806

C 42 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Addressing the definition of veteran for purposes of veterans' assistance programs.

Sponsors: House Committee on Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Hansen, Magendanz, Appleton, Morrell, Bergquist and Fey).

House Committee on Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Background:

In 2005 legislation was enacted that required each county to establish a veterans' assistance program (VAP) to provide relief for indigent veterans and their families. Each county must create a veterans' advisory board to determine the needs of local indigent veterans and the available resources and programs that could benefit indigent veterans and their families. Counties also must pay for the burial or cremation costs of indigent veterans and their families.

County VAP funding is established in the Veterans' Assistance Fund (Fund). The Legislature authorizes counties to levy a tax for the Fund. The Fund may be used for veterans' assistance programs, the burial or cremation of indigent veterans or their families, and direct or indirect costs of the administration of the Fund.

For purposes of the VAP, "veteran" has the same meaning as the general statutory definitions of veteran, including active service members who have served in an armed conflict and members of the armed forces, reserves, or National Guard who have received an honorable or medical discharge and have fulfilled their military service obligations. Indigent status is determined by each county, based on public assistance received, income level, or ability to afford basic needs.

Summary:

A county may extend its VAP services to any service member who has received a general discharge under honorable conditions or a medical or physical discharge with an honorable record.

Votes on Final Passage: