Bill > SB146

This bill establishes a new Veterans' Trust Fund Board and a Grant Evaluation Committee to improve the management and distribution of funds to support veterans in Pennsylvania. The bill creates a nine-member board appointed by the Governor, including representatives from various veterans' organizations, regional programs, and key cities, who will serve four-year terms with staggered initial appointments. The board's primary responsibilities include advising on grant priorities, reviewing grant applications, raising public awareness about the Veterans' Trust Fund, recommending performance audit metrics, and suggesting legislative or policy improvements. Members must be veterans, family members of veterans, or individuals with extensive experience serving veterans, with a focus on subject matter experts in areas like behavioral health, mental health, PTSD, physical disabilities, and housing. Board members will receive no compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they must recuse themselves from discussions involving organizations with potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the bill requires the Department to conduct a performance audit every two years to examine the impacts of funded organizations on veterans. The Grant Evaluation Committee will review and evaluate grant applications and provide recommendations to the Adjutant General, ensuring a more structured and transparent approach to supporting Pennsylvania's veterans.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=146