BILL REQ. #:  S-3707.4 

Read first time 01/31/08.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to combat bonuses for veterans; adding a new section to chapter 73.04 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature to show gratitude to our combat troops and military families for their outstanding service to our country. The legislature strives to be committed to our combat troops and military families. The legislature recognizes that military service entails many sacrifices, including significant personal and family financial sacrifices. The legislature acknowledges that military families often bear the emotional and financial costs of relocating to new areas, transferring homes, changing schools, and starting new jobs, all in the call of service. The legislature finds that a combat bonus will help assist military families in their time of need. The legislature intends that the money appropriated in this act will be used as a one-time service bonus to assist combat veterans and their families.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 73.04 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Within funds appropriated for this purpose, the department of veterans affairs shall pay each combat veteran a one-time service bonus in the amount of three thousand five hundred dollars.
     (2) As used in this section, "combat veteran" means a person who:
     (a) Served or is serving in any branch of the armed forces of the United States in the following conflicts: Operation Enduring Freedom, Persian Gulf, or Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
     (b) Can show proof of receiving one of the following: (i) The global war on terrorism expeditionary medal; (ii) award of hostile fire pay; or (iii) a leave and earning statement listing hostile fire pay.
     (3) The veteran must show proof that Washington state is his or her home of record. Documentation may include a copy of the military discharge papers or enlistment papers showing Washington state as the home of record.
     (4) If the veteran is no longer serving in the military, he or she must have been honorably separated or discharged in order to receive the bonus.
     (5) A person who has already received extra compensation or other benefits based upon claimed residence at the time of entry into such active service from any other state or territory is not entitled to compensation under this section.
     (6) If the veteran is deceased, payment shall be made to his or her beneficiary.
     (7) No claim for payment under this section is subject to garnishment, attachment, levy, or execution.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of veterans affairs for the purposes of this act.