summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Expands the Act to permit the creation of Jurisdictional Veterans Assistance Commissions (JVAC) in counties that did not have a Veterans Assistance Commission prior to January 1, 2026, and in which there exists a judicial circuit whose jurisdictional boundaries include multiple counties. Provides that veteran service organizations located within any of those counties that are within the judicial circuit's jurisdictional boundaries may come together and create a JVAC that shall provide services to veterans and their families and shall be known as the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of that judicial circuit. Contains provisions on the selection process for the JVAC superintendent and delegates; and other matters. Expands the Act to provide assistance for military veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States, as defined, and did not receive a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge or other equivalent discharge. Provides that if a supervisor of general assistance or county board fails or refuses to provide assistance recommended by the assistance committee of a veterans service organization, VAC, or JVAC, then the veterans service organization, VAC, or JVAC may request that all parties involved enter into an arbitration agreement. Permits any person who is eligible for assistance under the Act to bring a civil action against the county for failing or refusing to provide such assistance. Prohibits the disbursement or transfer of VAC or JVAC funding to any not-for-profit corporation or any other such organization. Contains provisions on annual voting reporting requirements; mandatory training for VAC and JVAC delegates and alternates; a prohibition on a VAC or JVAC establishing or operating a not-for-profit corporation that has a name substantially similar to the name of the VAC or JVAC; permission to receive gifts or donations in furtherance of veterans' interests; benefits for VAC and JVAC employees; the establishment of a Veterans Assistance Provost within the Office of the Attorney General; audit reports; and other matters.
AI Summary
This bill expands assistance for military veterans by allowing the creation of Jurisdictional Veterans Assistance Commissions (JVACs) in counties that did not previously have a Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) and are part of a judicial circuit spanning multiple counties, enabling veteran service organizations within those circuits to form a JVAC to serve veterans and their families. It clarifies that eligibility for assistance includes those who served in the armed forces and did not receive a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge, broadening the definition of "military veteran." The bill also introduces a process for arbitration if a supervisor of general assistance or county board fails to provide recommended assistance, and allows eligible individuals to file civil lawsuits against counties for refusing assistance. Furthermore, it prohibits the disbursement of VAC or JVAC funds to not-for-profit corporations or similar entities, mandates annual voting reporting, requires training for VAC and JVAC delegates, prohibits VACs or JVACs from operating similar-named not-for-profit corporations, permits them to receive gifts, and establishes benefits for their employees. A new Veterans Assistance Provost will be created within the Office of the Attorney General to oversee training, dispute resolution, and enforcement of the Act, with provisions for audit reports and other administrative matters.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Revenue (on 02/17/2026)
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