Bill > HB1102

This bill aims to increase support and services for veterans by expanding the veterans service officer program in Washington state. The legislature recognizes that many veterans are unaware of or struggle to access federal benefits, with only about 32 percent of veterans nationwide receiving disability compensation. Currently, Washington has 530,000 resident veterans, but only 158,000 are receiving federal benefits. The bill requires the state department of veterans affairs to proactively contact veterans within 90 days of their military discharge to provide information about available benefits and services. It also mandates biennial reporting to the governor and legislature about veterans services, including detailed information about veterans in each county, services available, and the number of veterans receiving benefits. The bill modifies the existing veterans service officer program to focus on counties with the lowest percentage of veterans receiving federal disability or pension compensation, with the goal of expanding the program by one to two veterans service officers per biennium until all counties reach or exceed the national average. Additionally, the bill ensures that veterans service officers in participating counties must provide assistance to veterans from adjacent counties. The legislation is designed to help veterans access critical federal benefits, which can provide significant financial support, with the average veteran receiving over $1,700 per month in service-connected disability compensation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1102&Year=2025&Initiative=false