Bills which are considered to be particularly important at this time are highlighted by red vertical borders.

Bills which have recently been added to this list are highlighted by green vertical borders.

 

AB 38 Postsecondary education: resident classification: veterans.  (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)  [UPDATED MAY 31]  [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
Enacts Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2009.  Would entitle a veteran to resident classification status, for purpose of determining tuition and fees at the state universities and colleges, for the length of time the student lives in the state after being discharged from the military service if the student qualifies for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.  Also requires the student to perform community service in a program approved by the school. 

The bill also would repeal existing law which provides that a person who is stationed in the state under military orders and is enrolled at a state university or college, who has been granted state residency status for purpose of determining tuition and fees, and who is released from active duty but continues the education program, may continue receiving the benefit of state residency status for the minimum time required to actually establish state residency.

 

AB 223 Physical Education: Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.  (Fiona Ma, San Francisco)   [UPDATED JUNE 15]   [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
Would require the San Francisco Board of Education to make JROTC courses available to pupils under its jurisdiction.  Would also require any school district which provides a JROTC program to exempt students enrolled in ROTC courses from other courses of physical education.
Amended to state that the JROTC programs would have to be reinstated at those schools where the program was offered during the 2008-2009 school year if it also makes athletic programs available to those pupils.

 

AB 264 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.  (Paul Cook, Yucaipa; and Ted Lieu, Torrance.  Coauthors, Assembly:  Kevin Jeffries, Riverside; Roger Niello, Sacramento; Jim Silva, Huntington Beach.  Coauthors, Senate:  Dave Cogdill, Fresno; Dave Cox, Fair Oaks.)  [UPDATED JUNE 159]
Would require the Governor to annually proclaim establish March 30 of each year as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."
 

AB 265 Office holding: forfeiture.  (Paul Cook, Yucaipa)  [UPDATED MAY 27]
Would require that any elected state officer to forfeit their office upon the conviction of a crime as specified in the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2005, relating to false claim of receipt of any military decoration or medal.

AB 308 Special absentee voters.  (Paul Cook, Yucaipa. Coauthors, Assembly: Bill Berryhill, Stockton; Mike Davis, Los Angeles; Kevin De Leon, Los Angeles; Chuck DeVore, Irvine; Nathan Fletcher, San Diego; Diane Harkey, Laguna Niguel; Stephen Knight, Lancaster; Brian Nestande, Palm Desert.  Coauthers, Senate: Bob Huff, Glendora; George Runner, Antelope Valley.)  [UPDATED MAY 27]
This bill would require local elections officials to prepare a special runoff ballot for each primary, special, or general election to send to special absentee voters that would be counted if there is a runoff election for any of the offices in that election.  Special absentee voters, include members of the armed forces and their spouses and dependents.

 

AB 343 Pupils: military families.  (Lori Saldana, San Diego. Coauthors: Anthony Adams, Hersperia; Kevin Jeffries, Riverside; Ted Lieu, Torrance; Roger Niello, Sacramento.)  [UPDATED June 8]
Establishes the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunities for Military Families (the commission) and ratifies the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (the compact) to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families due to frequent moves and deployment of their parents.

 

AB 351 Physical Education.  (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)  [UPDATED APRIL 18]
Existing law requires all pupils who are not otherwise exempt to attend courses in physical education for a total period of time of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays.
This bill would require that specified programs and courses qualify toward meeting this requirement, including interscholastic athletic programs, marching band, drill team, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
The bill has been amended to remove the requirement for school districts to include these programs as meeting the physical education standards and to authorize the school districts to exempt students for courses in physical education if the student participates in these programs as part of the regular school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
 

 

AB 425 Vehicles: registration: reissuance fee exemption.  (Paul Cook, Yucaipa)  [UPDATED MAY 26]
Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend, cancel, or revoke the registration of a vehicle where the financial responsibility requirements have not been met. The person seeking reinstatement of the vehicle registration is required to pay a fee sufficient to pay the cost of the reissuance as determined by the department.
This bill would, commencing January 1, 2011, exempt a member of the California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces, who was on active duty, serving outside of this state in a military conflict during a time of war at the time of the suspension, cancellation, or revocation of the vehicle registration, from paying the reissuance fee.

 

AB 498 Affordable housing: veterans.  (Mary Hayashi, Hayward) [UPDATED JUNE 15]   [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS]
Existing law authorizes a sponsor of a supportive housing development funded by the Multifamily Housing Program, to restrict occupancy of a project to persons with veteran status under specified circumstances.
This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with the Department of Housing and Community Development to facilitate the development of multifamily housing for military veterans and their families.
The bill would also require a ballot measure to be submitted to the voters at the November 2020 election to modify the Veterans Bond Act of 2008 to provide that the bonds issued can be used for rental housing instead of the Cal-Vet Farm and Home Loan Program.

AB 563 Personal income taxes: contributions: California Military Family Relief Fund.  (Paul Cook, Yucaipa)   [UPDATED MAY 27]
The California Military Family Relief Fund provides financial aid grants to eligible reserve members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are California residents.
This bill would require the California National Guard to establish a nonprofit organization which would be responsible for receiving funds donated to the California Military Family Relief Fund and for making grants to the families.  The bill states the intent of the Legislature that every qualified reserve member, regardless of branch, in need of emergency assistance be able to receive a grant.

AB 565 Department of Veterans Affairs: study: veterans benefits. (Mariko Yamada, Vacaville)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS]
This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs on or before May 1, 2010, to conduct an internal study to evaluate the process by which active duty service men and women receive information regarding veterans benefits, and would require submission of a report to the Legislature.

AB 589 Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation contracts: county veterans service officers: incarcerated veterans.  (Paul Cook, Yucaipa.  Coauthors: Chuck DeVore, Irvine; Danny Gilmore, Hanford; Mary Salas, Chula Vista; Lori Saldano, San Diego; Mariko Yamada, Davis.) [UPDATED JUNE 8]
Would allow the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or a local law enforcement agency to contract with county veterans services officers in the county where the state or local correctional facility is located to assist an incarcerated honorably discharged veteran and the veteran’s dependents in presenting and pursuing any claims, as specified, and in establishing the veteran’s and dependent’s right to any privilege, preference, care, or compensation provided for by the laws of the United States or of this state.
This bill would authorize the department or local enforcement agency to, pursuant to the contract, compensate a county veterans service officer for the assistance provided.

 

AB 674 Criminal procedures: veterans.  (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)  [UPDATED MAY 8]  [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY]
This bill would establish a deferred entry of judgment program and a preconviction drug diversion program for veterans, as specified, who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, and who commit specified offenses.
 

AB 702 Veterans Emergency Housing and Assistance Program Fund. (Mary Salas, Chula Vista) [UPDATED JUNE 8]
This bill would establish the Veterans Housing and Assistance Program, under which the Department of Housing and Community Development would be authorized to make grants from the Veterans Housing and Assistance Fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to local governments and nonprofit organization to provide emergency or temporary housing for homeless veterans.
As amended, requires the Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) to ensure that a percentage of the money in the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) fund is allocated to sponsors of veterans' only homeless projects or projects that give preference to veterans during any fiscal year in proportion to the percentage of homeless veterans represent of the total homeless population.

 

AB 710 Veterans' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Fund.  (Mariko Yamada, Vacaville)  [UPDATED MAY 27]
This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a grant application to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the purposes of funding community-based organizations, certified by the department, to provide substance abuse and mental health services to veterans.
This bill would also require that all grant money awarded to the department by SAMHSA be deposited into the Veterans’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Fund, a special fund the bill would create, and from which moneys would be appropriated by the Legislature to the department for purposes of funding community-based organizations that provide substance abuse and mental health programs that would benefit California veterans and to pay reasonable administrative expenses.

 

AB 716 Veteran services: state agencies and departments.  (Alyson Huber, Lodi)   [UPDATED JUNE 8]
This bill would require the Employment Development Department and the Department of Motor Vehicles to collect specified information from individuals that identify themselves as veterans, and to transmit this information, as provided, to the Department of Veterans Affairs so that the department may notify these veterans about state and federal benefits and other veteran programs and services for which the veterans may be eligible.
The Employment Development Department and the Department of Motor Vehicles shall notify the veterans that they are collecting the information for the purpose specified.
This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a veteran data exchange system and enter into memorandums of understanding or interagency agreements with other state agencies and departments to ascertain the veteran status of all persons receiving services, benefits, or assistance from those state agencies and departments.
The purpose of establishing this system would be to have the California Department of Veterans Affairs and other state agencies and departments, as well as local government agencies, that come into regular contact with veterans and returning National Guard members do a better job of informing resident veterans and their dependents of their eligibility for federal benefits so that veterans and their dependents can enroll and begin the application process sooner.

 

AB 776 Veterans.  (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)  [UPDATED APRIL 29]   [FAILED PASSAGE, ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS]
Existing federal law requires the proceeds from tax-exempt bonds, which fund the CAL-VET Farm and Home Loan Program, to be used for the acquisition of a single-family residence. This bill would require the department to urge the Congress of the United States to act immediately to remove this requirement from federal law, as specified, so that the proceeds from the bonds can be used for other types of housing.
Note:  The intent of the bill is to subvert the purposes of the CAL-VET Farm and Home Loan program which has been functioning in this state for over 80 years.

 

 

AB 1051 Veterans: Self-Insurance Fund  (Nathan Fletcher, San Diego)  [UPDATED MAY 26]
This bill would create the Pooled Self-Insurance Fund to receive various reserves and moneys, and would allow the department, from the moneys appropriated from the fund, to purchase insurance related to its veteran home loan program.

 

AB 1077 Income taxes: exclusion: military retirement benefits.  (Joel Anderson, La Mesa)  [UPDATED May 31]  [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON REVENUE AND TAXATION]
This bill would provide an exclusion from gross income for retired pay and survivor annuities received by an individual as a result of the active service of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

 

AB 1088 Taxpayer contributions: ___ Fund.  (Nathan Fletcher, San Diego)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS]
Taxpayers are allowed to contribute amounts in excess of their tax liability for the support of specified funds or accounts, including, among others, the Veterans’ Quality of Life Fund. Moneys contributed to this fund are expended for administrative costs and for distribution into the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund for each of the veterans’ homes.
The authorization for this tax check off item is about to expire.  This bill would replace this with a new fund, as yet unnamed, for the same purpose of supporting the MWR funds for the veterans homes.

 

AB 1190 Military service: benefits.  (Nathan Fletcher, San Diego)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
Existing law authorizes extensions of time for certain liabilities of members of the National Guard who are ordered into active state service and reservists who are called to active duty, as specified.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to that provision.

 

AB 1265 Sales and use taxes: consumers: itinerant venders.  (Fiona Ma, San Francisco)  [UPDATED June 8]
Would exempt an itinerant vendor, who is a service-connected disabled veteran, from collecting sales takes on products being sold.  This bill is intended to address the application of the sales and use tax law to disabled veterans who make sales of goods they own, such as food, handcrafted items, paintings, memorabilia, and blankets. It is meant to acknowledge the sacrifices that these individuals have made to our country and to help remove recordkeeping burdens they face when attempting to earn a living through itinerant vending sales.

 

AB 1306 Veterans buildings, memorials, and cemeteries.  (Danny Gilmore, Hanford)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED TO BE ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE]
Existing law authorizes the formation of memorial districts and commissions for the purposes of providing and maintaining veterans buildings, memorials, and cemeteries.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to consolidate the duties and powers of the commissions formed for the purposes of providing and maintaining veterans buildings, memorials, and cemeteries under the auspices of advisory committees appointed by the California Veterans Board.
Note: If enacted, this bill would remove memorial districts and buildings from local control to state control.

 

AB 1330 Veterans: pilot project: cooperative housing.  (Mary Salas, Chula Vista)   [UPDATED MAY 31]
This bill would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot project for the purpose of operating a cooperative housing project, as provided.
Note: This bill is intended to subvert the use of the bond funds from the CAL-VET Farm and Home Loan program.

 

AB 1340 Absentee voters.  (Bonnie Lowenthal, Long Beach, and  V. Manuel Perez, Cathredral City.  Coauthor, Senate: Denise Moreno Ducheny, San Diego)  (Sponsored by Secretary of State Debra Bowen.)  [UPDATED MAY 31]
Existing law provides that a special absentee voter must return his or her ballot to the appropriate elections official by the close of the polls on election day to have that ballot counted.
This bill would give that voter 10 days after the election to return his or her ballot to the appropriate elections official and have it counted.

 

AB 1367 Elections: vote by mail ballots.  (Nathan Fletcher, San Diego; Paul Cook, Yucaipa; Chuck DeVore, Irvine; Danny Gilmore, Hanford; and Steve Knight, Lancaster. Principal coauthor, Senate: George Runner, Antelope Valley.)  [UPDATED MAY 26]  [FAILED PASSAGE, ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
Existing law requires that a vote by mail ballot be received by the issuing elections official or the precinct board no later than the close of polls on election day.
This bill would make an exception for specified members of the military stationed outside of the United States, and instead require that their vote by mail ballot be postmarked on or before election day and received by their elections official not later than 21 days after election day.

 

AB 1378 California Workforce Investment Board: veterans workforce program.  (V Manuel Perez, Cathedral City)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED PASSAGE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE ECONOMY] 
This bill would, until January 1, 2012, establish the veterans’ Workforce Program for the purpose of providing a targeted workforce training assessment and referral program for veterans to identify needs for skill enhancement training for military veterans that is intended to assist those veterans with the transition to the civilian workforce. The bill would require the board, in consultation with the Employment Training Panel and representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to implement and administer the program.

 

AB 1459 Multifamily Housing Program: veterans.  (Mike Davis, Los Angeles)   [UPDATED JUNE 15]
This bill would provide that a sponsor of a supportive housing development may restrict occupancy to persons with veteran status if, in addition to meeting other requirements, the development is located on property that is owned or leased by a city, county, or city and county.

 

AB 1509 Veterans.  (Joel Anderson, La Mesa)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
Existing law requires the state to pay a death benefit of $10,000 to the surviving spouse or designated beneficiary of any member of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia who dies or is killed after March 1, 20003, in the performance of duty, as determined by the Military Department.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to this death benefit provision.

AB 1567 Employment training panel: 3-year plan: training programs: veterans.  (Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mary Salas, Chula Vista, Chair; Ted Lieu, Torrance; V. Manuel Perez, Cathedral City; Lori Saldana, San Diego; and Mariko Yamada, Vacaville.)  [UPDATED MAY 26]
Existing law requires the Employment Training Panel (ETP) in the Employment Development Department, in carrying out its responsibilities related to a 3-year plan to maintain a system to continuously monitor economic and other data required under the plan, and requires that the plan include specified components to identify and address employment training needs in the state.
This bill would additionally require that the plan include a statement desorbing the employment training goals, objectives, and strategies that may be implemented to support target populations in need of employment training, including military veterans.

 

AB 1568 Veterans: benefits.  (Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mary Salas, Chula Vista, Chair; Paul Cook, Yucaipa, Vice Chair; Alyson Huber, Lodi; Ted Lieu, Torrance; V. Manuel Perez, Cathedral City; Lori Saldana, San Diego; and Mariko Yamada, Vacaville.)   [UPDATED June 8]
This bill would declare legislative intent to implement the Public Assistance and Reporting Information System (PARIS) interstate-federal match to allow the department to identify veterans enrolled in the Medi-Cal program who could receive medical benefits through the federal Veterans Health Administration that would either replace or supplement Medi-Cal benefits. The bill would require the department to work in conjunction with designated state and local entities in utilizing the PARIS to identify veterans enrolled in the Medi-Cal program, and to assist them in obtaining federal veterans’ health care benefits. The bill also would require the department to work in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a plan for the dissemination of PARIS match results, and to establish outreach standards and performance criteria for county veteran services offices that receive information regarding veterans identified by the PARIS.

 

AB 1569 Postsecondary education: tuition: veterans. (Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mary Salas, Chula Vista, Chair; Paul Cook, Yucaipa, Vice Chair; Alyson Huber, Lodi; Ted Lieu, Torrance; V. Manuel Perez, Cathedral City; and Mariko Yamada, Vacaville.)   [UPDATED MAY 11]
California law entitles an undergraduate student at the University of California or the California State University, who is a dependent of a member of the Armed Forces stationed in this state on active duty, to resident classification for purposes of determining the amount of tuition and fees. Existing law entitles a graduate student, under the same circumstances, to resident classification for no more than one academic year, after which he or she is subject to the general provisions otherwise establishing student residency requirements.
Existing law allows a student dependent of a member of the Armed Forces to keep his or her resident classification until he or she has resided in the state for the minimum time necessary to become a resident in the event the member of the Armed Forces upon whom they are dependent is transferred outside of the state or retires as an active member of the Armed Forces.
California law also grants a member of the Armed Forces who is stationed in the state on active duty to resident classification for tuition purposes. A member of the Armed Forces seeking a graduate degree is entitled to resident classification for no more than 2 academic years.
This bill would amend state law to conform with federal law by granting a member of the Armed Forces, or his or her dependent, once enrolled in the university, entitlement to resident classification for so long as he or she is continuously enrolled.

AB 1570 Veterans: service providers. (Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mary Salas, Chula Vista, Chair; Ted Lieu, Torrance; V. Manuel Perez, Cathedral City; Lori Saldana, San Diego; and Mariko Yamada, Vacaville.)   [UPDATED JUNE 15]
Would require each entity of state government to give preference to a qualified entity, as defined, when awarding a grant for a project that would provide, or when entering into a contract to provide, social services to veterans, including housing services, mental health services or employment and job training services. This bill would require a qualified entity to submit with the application for the grant or the bid for the contract a certification, as provided, from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to charge a fee for the actual costs incurred by the department in reviewing each application.
Some of the requirements that an organization would have to meet to qualify for grants or contracts for the state include:
(1) Demonstrate the knowledge, experience, and capacity to provide desired services to veterans.
(2) Demonstrate through audits and employment history the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform public contracts.
(3) Is incorporated with the primary purpose of providing services to veterans and their families.
(4) Demonstrate that the majority of the entity’s resources are dedicated to serving the needs of veterans and their families.
(5) Be a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
A "qualified entity" is defined as an entity that provides services to veterans and is capable of managing the grant moneys provided or the contract funds allocated in a fiscally prudent manner, and meets the stated requirements.
 

AB 1571 Veterans mental health: county plans.  (Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mary Salas, Chula Vista, Chair; Ted Lieu, Torrance; V. Manuel Perez, Cathedral City; Lori Saldana, San Diego; and Mariko Yamada, Vacaville.)  [UPDATED MAY 26]
Existing law requires each county mental health program to prepare and submit a 3-year plan to be updated at least annually and approved by the State Department of Mental Health after review and comment by the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Existing law requires the plan to be developed with specified local stakeholders.
This bill would require the local stakeholder planning group to include a representative from a legitimate veterans organization and would require the plan to specifically include recognition of the mental health needs of veterans and how those needs are, or are not, being met.

ACR 12 National Purple Heart Trail.  (Sam Blakeslee, San Luis Obispo)
Designates the segment of SR 101 from the City of San Luis Obispo to San Ardo  Monterey County to San Luis Obispo County for inclusion in the National Purple Heart Trail.
Requests the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to determine the cost of appropriate signs, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing that special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

 

SB 15 Student financial aid: members and former members of the Armed Forces.  (Gil Cedillo, Los Angeles.  Coauthors, Senate: Mark DeSaulnier, Antioch; Dean Florez, Shafter; and Patricia Wiggins, Santa Rosa.  Coauthors, Assembly: Joan Buchanan, San Ramon; Wesley Chesbro, Eureka; Joe Coto, San Jose; Mike Eng, Monterey Park; Cathleen Galgiani, Tracy; Ed Hernandez, Baldwin Park; Paul Krekorian, Burbank; William Monning, Santa Cruz; Brian Nestande, Palm Desert; Roger Niello, Sacramento; Anthony Portantino, Pasadena; Curren Price, Inglewood; Ira Ruskin, Redwood City; Mary Salas, Chula Vista; and Jim Silva, Huntington Beach.)   [UPDATED MAY 31]   [FAILED PASSAGE SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
This bill would provide some guaranteed financial aid, under the Cal-Grant Program, for servicemembers and veterans who are attending a university or college in California, who would meet the eligibility requirements regarding graduation from high school, and personal and family income limits. 
Under the existing Cal Grant Entitlement Program eligible applicants who apply within one year of high school graduation are guaranteed a Cal Grant. Students who opt to join the military directly out of high school forego this guarantee. This bill is an effort to "defer" this "guarantee" for those students so it is available once they leave the military.

SB 361 Public postsecondary education: Armed Forces service (George Runner, Antelope Valley)   [UPDATED JUNE 15]
Existing law requires the California State University and each community college district, and requests the University of California, with respect to each campus in their respective jurisdictions that administers a priority enrollment system, to grant priority for registration for enrollment to any member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States for any academic term attended at one of these institutions within 2 years of leaving active duty.
This bill would specify that these priority registration provisions would apply only to any member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has received an discharge other than dishonorable.

 

SB 369 Prisoner-of-War/Missing-in-Action Flag: state-owned buildings and facilities.  (Abel Maldonado, Santa Maria.  Coauthers, Senate:  Lou Correa, Santa Ana; Gloria Negrete McLeod, Chino.  Coauthors, Assembly: Bill Berryhill, Stockton; Danny Gilmore, Hanford; Kevin Jeffries, Riverside; Jim Silva, Huntington Beach.)  [UPDATED MAY 11]
Existing law requires the flag of the National League of POW/MIA Families to be flown over specified state buildings where the United States flag and the California state flag currently fly on certain dates during business hours.
The specified buildings include, among others, the National Guard Armories, Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Department, and State Capitol.
This bill would instead require the flag to be flown during business hours at all state-owned buildings and facilities where the United States flag and the California state flag currently fly, if the flag can be attached to existing flag poles or other structures on which the U.S. Flag or the California Flag fly.  The bill also provides that the state may accept donations of POW/MIA flags and related materials.

 

SB 370 Elections: voting.  (George Runner, Antelope Valley)  [UPDATED APRIL 24]   [FAILED PASSAGE IN COMMITTEE]
Existing law requires vote by mail ballots to be received by elections officials by the close of the polls on election day.
This bill would require that a vote by mail ballot of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is stationed outside of the United States be cast by election day and received by elections officials no later than 25 21 days after election day.

SB 417 Military and Veterans.  (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO A COMMITTEE]
This bill states the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would revise and modernize various provisions of the Military and Veterans Code.
This is a spot bill which will be amended at a later date.

 

SB 418 Department of Veterans Affairs: contracts: veterans service organizations.  (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)   [UPDATED APRIL 24]
Existing law specifies certain procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with veterans service organizations for the purpose of providing services to veterans.
This bill would revise those procedures with regard to the use of General Fund moneys.
 

 

SB 419 County Veterans Service Officers: funding.  (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)   [UPDATED APRIL 24]
Existing law states that the state subvention funding to Counties for the Veterans Service Offices should be $5 million annually.
This bill would increase that target amount to $11 million.

 

SB 420  Veterans benefits: Department of Veterans Affairs. (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)   [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
Existing law authorizes the California Veterans’ Educational Institute, which is under the management and control of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to provide opportunities for veterans to continue their education. Existing law authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with authorized agencies of the United States in providing those opportunities.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to this provision.
This is a spot bill which will be amended at a later date.

 

SB 421 Veterans benefits: Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1943.  (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]  [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
The Veterans’ Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1943, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides veterans with the opportunity to acquire farms and homes. Existing law provides that when a veteran has been authorized by the department to select a farm or home, the veteran shall submit the selection to the department, as provided.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to this provision.
This is a spot bill which will be amended at a later date.

 

SB 422 National Defense.  (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)   [UPDATED JUNE 15]   [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
Existing law for national defense provides for the Sabotage Prevention Act of 1950 and includes definitions for terms therein, including a definition for "defense preparation."
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to this provision.
This is a spot bill which will be amended at a later date.

 

SB 423 Veterans educational assistance: dependents.  (Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]   [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
Existing law defines "veterans" for the purposes of the various programs bestowing benefits upon veterans, including, but not limited to, educational assistance for dependents of veterans.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to that definition.
This is a spot bill which will be amended at a later date.

 

SB 469 Northern California Veterans Cemetery: fees.  (Sam Aanestad, Grass Valley)   [UPDATED MAY 27]
Existing law authorizes honorably discharged veterans and their spouses and children to be interred at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, and requires a fee of $500 to be charged for each spouse or child interred at the cemetery.
This bill would authorize the fee for the interment of the spouses and children of honorably discharged veterans to be waived if the cemetery administrator determines that the families do not have sufficient means to pay for the costs of interment, and would require any costs for these interments to be paid from nonstate funds.

 

SB 582 Elections: vote by mail voting: military personnel.  (Bob Dutton, Inland Empire, and George Runner, Antelope Valley)   [UPDATED APRIL 24]  [FAILED PASSAGE SENATE COMMITTEE]
Existing law requires vote by mail ballots to be received by elections officials by the close of the polls on election day.
This bill would require that a vote by mail ballot of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is stationed outside of the United States be cast by election day and received by elections officials no later than 25 days after election day.

 

SB 595 Homeless Veterans Housing and Supportive Services Act of 2010.  (Gil Cedillo, Los Angeles.  Coauthors, Senate: Lou Correa, Santa Ana; Dean Florez, Shafter; Patricia Wiggins, Santa Rosa.  Coauthor, Assembly:  Wilmer Carter, Rialto.)   [UPDATED MAY 31]  [FAILED PASSAGE SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
This bill would enact the Homeless Veterans Housing and Supportive Services Act of 2010, which, if adopted, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $1.5 million pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. Proceeds from the sale of these bonds would be used to finance supportive housing projects for homeless veterans, or veterans at risk of homelessness, with incomes below limits determined by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
The bill would provide for submission of the bond act to the voters at the November 2, 2010, statewide general election.

 

SB 611 Student Financial aid: Cal Grant A Entitlement Awards: veterans.  (Lou Correa, Santa Ana)   [UPDATED APRIL 18]
Existing law requires that students who receive the CalGrant education awards use the funds only for tuition or student fees, or both.
This bill would authorize a student whose tuition or fees, or both, are paid in full by the Post 9/11 GI Bill to use the CalGrant award funds for living expenses and expenses for transportation, supplies and books.

 

SB 643 California prompt payment act: disabled veteran business enterprises.  (Jeff Denham, Merced)   [UPDATED MAY 31]   [FAILED PASSAGE SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
Existing law requires a state agency that acquires property or services pursuant to a contract with a business to make payment to the person or business on the date required by the contract and as specified, or be subject to a late payment penalty. These provisions require a state agency to pay specified penalties to a claimant if the agency fails to submit a correct claim schedule to the Controller by the required payment approval date. These provisions also require the Controller to pay a specified penalty to a claimant if the Controller fails to make a payment within 15 calendar days of receipt of the claim schedule from a state agency, as specified. Those penalties accrue at a higher rate if the claimant is a certified small business, a nonprofit organization, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, or a small business or nonprofit organization that provides services or equipment under the Medi-Cal program, as specified.
This bill would include a disabled veteran business enterprise among the entities to whom those higher penalties are payable.

 

SB 644 Civil Service Examinations: veterans' preference.  (Jeff Denham, Merced)   [UPDATED MAY 27]
Existing law provides that disabled veterans who become eligible for certification from eligible lists by attaining the passing mark established for an entrance examination held on an open, nonpromotional basis are allowed 10 additional points. Other veterans are allowed 5 additional points.
This bill would instead provide that disabled veterans shall be allowed 20 15 additional points and other veterans shall be allowed 15 10 additional points.

 

SB 645 Public higher education: training programs at military facilities. (Jeff Denham, Merced)  [UPDATED MAY 11]
This bill would declare that the University of California and the California State University may coordinate with the United States Armed Forces to establish training programs at military facilities.

 

SB 646 Student financial aid: veterans and dependents.  (Jeff Denham, (Merced).   [UPDATED MAY 31]  [FAILED PASSAGE SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS]
Enacts the Golden State GI Bill of Rights for Higher Education, also known as the Cal GI Bill of Rights. Would prohibit any campus of the University of California, the California State University, or the California Community Colleges from charging any mandatory systemwide tuition or fees, including enrollment fees, registration fees, differential fees, or incidental fees, to a California resident, as defined, who is an undergraduate student or a graduate student seeking a postbaccalaureate degree, and who, irrespective of income level or need, was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who enlisted therein while he or she was a California resident and who was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, or is, or has been, on active duty as a member of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia, and has demonstrated, in a prescribed manner, that he or she has no remaining months of educational benefits for which he or she is eligible under the federal GI Bill. Would also specify that no person may obtain a waiver of fees for a number of academic semester or equivalent quarters that is longer than the number of semesters or quarters for which he or she previously received educational benefits under the federal GI Bill.
An amendment was added to the bill to specify that the benefits would be available only in those fiscal years in which funds were specifically appropriated for this purpose.

 

SB 647 California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program.  (Jeff Denham, Merced)  [UPDATED MAY 31]  [FAILED PASSAGE SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION]
It is the intent of the Legislature that, in order to fulfill the public program of maintaining required strength in the California National Guard, an inducement be provided to members of the California National Guard by making educational assistance awards available to California National Guard members seeking to improve themselves through higher education. These assistance awards are to be available to California National Guard members who serve the state faithfully commencing with the 2010–11 academic year.

Note:  See also SB 815, below.

 

SB 703 Military and Veterans. (Jeff Denham, Merced)  [UPDATED JUNE 15]   [FAILED TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEE]
Under existing law the Department of Veterans Affairs has specified powers and duties relating to military veterans, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is in charge of the department.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive, changes and correct an obsolete reference.
This is a spot bill which may be amended at a later date.

 

SB 815 Student financial aid program: military services California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program.  (Dave Cogdill, Fresno)   [UPDATED JUNE 8]
This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a program to provide student financial aid assistance to members of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, and the Naval Militia.
This is a spot bill which will be amended at a later date.
This bill would establish the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program on behalf of qualifying members of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, and the Naval Militia under the administration of the commission. The bill would require the Military Department, in consultation with the commission, to adopt emergency rules and regulations for the purpose of implementing the program.
The bill states the intent of the Legislature that, in order to fulfill the public program of maintaining required strength in the California National Guard, an inducement be provided to members of the California National Guard by making education assistance awards available to California National Guard members seeking to improve themselves through higher education. It is the intent of the Legislature that these assistance awards be available to California National Guard members who serve the state faithfully.
An amendment was added to the bill to provide that the program would become operative only if funds are appropriated for the purpose of the program.

 

SB 817 Elections: special vote by mail voter.  (Senate Committee on Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments: Loni Hancock, Oakland, Chair; Mimi Walters, Laguna Hills, Vice Chair; Carol Liu, Glendale; Mark DeSaulnier, Concord; Dave Cogdill, Fresno.)   [UPDATED MAY 31]
Existing law authorizes members of the Armed Forces, their spouses and dependents; a United States citizen temporarily residing outside the country; and crew members of a United States merchant vessel to cast their votes as "special absentee voters."
This bill would change the term for these voters from "special absentee voters" to "special vote by mail voters."

 

SB 818 California State Military Museum and Resource Center.  (Committee on Veterans Affairs, Jeff Denham, Merced, Chair; Gil Cedillo, Los Angeles; Lou Correa, Santa Ana; Abel Maldonado, Santa Maria; Gloria Negrete McLeod, Chino; Patricia Wiggins, Santa Rosa; Mark Wyland, Escondido.)   [UPDATED MAY 11]
Existing law authorizes the Adjutant General, the commander of all state military forces, to establish a California State Military Museum and Resource Center as a repository for military artifacts, memorabilia, equipment, documents, and other items relating to the history of the California National Guard.
This bill specifies various requirements for actions by the Board of Trustees of the Museum.