SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6478

BYSenators Patterson, Conner, Rasmussen, DeJarnatt, Owen, Saling, Metcalf, Lee, Smith and Bauer

Extending the period for payment of Viet Nam veterans' bonuses.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

After previous wars and military conflicts, the state has provided bonuses or other monetary benefits to veterans.  The veterans of the Viet Nam conflict have not received such a bonus or other benefit.

SUMMARY:

A veteran's bonus of $250 is payable to an honorably discharged or separated person from the United States armed forces during the period of August 5, 1964 through March 28,1973.  The general eligibility requirement to receive the bonus is the claimant not have received extra compensation or other benefits based on claimed residence at the time of entry into military service from any state or territories of the United States.  Having met this requirement, there are two other categories of eligible recipients.  The first is those veteran claimants have the necessary service, but such military service includes less than five years prior to August 5, 1964, and were bona fide citizens of the state of Washington for one year immediately prior to entry into military service.  The second group is prisoners of war, dependents of those missing in action, and survivors of military personnel who served five or more years prior to August 5, 1964, who are granted an exception to the prohibition to the service of five or more years prior to August 5, 1964.  The service cannot be active duty for training purposes.

In lieu of receipt of the bonus, any qualified person may elect to receive credit for tuition, incidental fees, or other fees in such amount at either public or private four year institutions of higher education, community colleges or vocational technical institutions.

If a person died prior to March 28, 1973, or at such time as to be otherwise eligible, a similar amount is payable upon an authorized claim, in descending order of distribution to the person's surviving, not remarried, spouse, surviving children, parents, and grandparents.  A surviving parent, however, who has lost custody of a surviving child is not eligible.  Any payment made is complete settlement and satisfaction of claim thereafter made on behalf of the deceased.

It is a gross misdemeanor for any agency, notary public or attorney to charge for any service in connection with obtaining a certificate to obtain the bonus, or to discount or attempt to discount, or for a consideration, advance money upon any certificate or certificates issued under this act.  Also it is a gross misdemeanor for garnishing, attaching, levying, or executing any claim for payment of this bonus.

Claims must be made by an unspecified date.  No warrant may be drawn for payment unless formal application has been made.

Appropriation:    Unspecified, general fund-state

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available