Expands the veterans' services commission

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic2
• Republican1

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jessica Scarcella-Spanton says this is needed

The Veterans' Services Commission was first established in 1945. Although the Commission's membership has changed over time, its mission, has always been the same, to advise the head of DVS on matters of policy concerning veterans' issues and to coordinate State programs related to veterans' affairs. The division became a department on April 1, 2023, and at that time no changes were made to the Commission. The time now seems appropriate to make changes. This legislation seeks to improve the operation of the commission and make it a more useful tool to the Commissioner of Veterans Services in formulating policies and coordinating services for the veterans and military families by requiring the commission to hold regular meetings and delineating new powers and responsibilities of the commission, including studying issues of concerns to veterans, service members and their families. This bill would also allow new perspectives to be represented in the commission's work by increasing its membership to allow for the appointment of individuals with useful experience and expertise such as the family members of service members and veterans as well as additional ex office members representing relevant state agen- cies.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.