The 2016 Regular and Special Session has come to a close and several important pieces of legislation will be enacted in June.
Below is a recap, but visit http://www.dva.wa.gov/about-wdva/legislative-updates for a more in-depth review.
ESHB 1213 County veterans assistance fund:
Modifies the definitions of "veteran" and "family" for the purposes of the Veterans' Assistance Fund.
Deletes references to RCW 41.04.005 and .007. Gives Counties the ability to pass bylaws so that they can expand eligibility for the fund. Effective 6/9/2016
ESHB 1351 National Guard hunting license: Requires the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue three types of recreational hunting licenses to resident full-time members of the Washington State Guard and National Guard at no charge. Effective 6/9/2016 HB 2637 Historic cemetery preservation: Creates the Washington state Historic Cemetery Preservation Capital Grant program in the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. $50,000 grants may be awarded biennially, subject to appropriation. Effective 6/9/2016
E2SHB 2793 Suicide education: Establishes a Safe Homes Task Force (including WDVA participation) to develop suicide awareness and prevention education messages and training and implement advocacy efforts with key stakeholders to pair suicide prevention training with distribution of devices for safe storage of lethal means. Effective 6/9/2016
SB 6202 National Guard employment rights: Requires the Attorney General to take enforcement action to protect a state service member's employment rights after the Adjutant General has attempted to resolve the matter with the employer. Effective 6/9/2016
SSB 6254 Purple Heart license plates: Allows individuals qualified to display Purple Heart special license plates to purchase additional plates for use on more than one motor vehicle. Additional funds are deposited into the Stewardship account to be used for the State Veterans Cemetery and homeless veteran services. (Effective date not available at time of printing)
SB 6405 Civilian health program: Exempts the Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) from the definition of "health plans." Permits CHAMPVA coverage to be offered to groups other than to those set forth in statute. (Effective date not available at time of printing)