BILL NUMBER: AB 2490	ENROLLED
	BILL TEXT

	PASSED THE SENATE  AUGUST 23, 2012
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 28, 2012
	AMENDED IN SENATE  AUGUST 22, 2012
	AMENDED IN SENATE  JULY 2, 2012
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 25, 2012

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Butler

                        FEBRUARY 24, 2012

   An act to add Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1840) to Division
8 of the Military and Veterans Code, and 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, Butler. Veterans: correctional counselors.
   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 the Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation to develop guidance policies to assist 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 bill would authorize the department to
coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs and county
veterans service officers or veterans service organizations in
developing the policies.


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

  SECTION 1.  Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1840) is added to
Division 8 of the Military and Veterans Code, to read:
      CHAPTER 4.  VETERANS IN STATE PRISON


   1840.  The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall
develop guidance policies relative to the release of veterans who are
inmates. The policies shall be developed with the intent to assist
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. In developing the
policies, the department may coordinate with the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the county veterans service officer or veterans
service organizations.
  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 In State Prisons


   2695.  The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall
develop guidance policies relative to the release of veterans who are
inmates. The policies shall be developed with the intent to assist
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. In developing the
policies, the department may coordinate with the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the county veterans service officer or veterans
service organizations.