BILL NUMBER: AB 2490	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Butler

                        FEBRUARY 24, 2012

   An act to add Article 6 (commencing with Section 2695) to Chapter
4 of Title 1 of Part 3 to the Penal Code, relating to veterans.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2490, as introduced, Butler. Veterans service officers:
correctional facilities.
   Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs, which
is responsible for administering various programs and services for
the benefit of veterans. Existing law also authorizes each county
board of supervisors to appoint a county veterans service officer to
perform specified veterans-related services, including assisting
veterans in pursuing claims for federal or state veterans' benefits.
   This bill would require a parole agent to be appointed as a
veterans service officer at any facility that is under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The
veterans service officer would be responsible for assisting veterans
who are inmates in pursuing claims for veterans' benefits, as
specified. The bill would require the veterans service officer to
coordinate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and county veterans service
officers, as specified.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  It is the intent of the Legislature to help inmates who
have served in the military to access federal and state veterans'
benefits earned from military service so that inmates who have served
in the military are better equipped to successfully reintegrate into
the community, thereby reducing costs to the state.
  SEC. 2.  Article 6 (commencing with Section 2695) is added to
Chapter 4 of Title 1 of Part 3 of the Penal Code, to read:

      Article 6.  Veterans Service Officers


   2695.  At any facility that is under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, there shall be a parole
agent who shall be appointed as a veterans service officer.
   2695.1.  The veterans service officer shall be responsible for
assisting veterans who are inmates in pursuing claims for federal
veterans' benefits, or in establishing rights to any other privilege,
preference, care, or compensation provided under federal or state
law because of honorable service in the military. The veterans
service officer shall be authorized to appoint inmates who have
served in the military to assist with these responsibilities.
   2695.3.  The veterans service officer shall coordinate with the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs in order to best access
earned veterans' benefits.
   2695.4.  The veterans service officer shall coordinate with the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the county veterans service
officer in the county in which the facility is located for advice,
assistance, and training, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the
program.