Bill > HB4132

This bill, known as the 2026 Oregon Veterans’ Services Supplemental Investments Initiative, makes several changes to support veterans. It clarifies that the Director of Veterans’ Affairs must be a veteran discharged under other than dishonorable conditions and allows for the appointment of a deputy director, also considering veteran experience. A new grant program will be established by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to fund organizations that provide suicide prevention and workforce training for veterans, aiming to help them transition into civilian employment and community life. The bill also modifies how funds are distributed to county veterans' service officers, requiring quarterly reporting and adjustments based on actual expenditures, and allows for the reduction of funds if state revenue decreases. Additionally, it expands who can access a veteran's discharge papers, allowing individuals with a power of attorney to request them, and increases the maximum grant amount for the Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program from $5,000 to $10,000 for veterans facing financial hardship or delays in their education or training. Finally, the Judicial Department will study ways to expand access to veterans' treatment courts, which are specialized court programs designed for service members and veterans facing legal issues, to better serve residents across the state.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4132