BILL ANALYSIS Ó Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair AB 2490 (Butler) - Veterans: Correctional Counselors Amended: July 2, 2012 Policy Vote: Pub Saf 5-0 VA 7-0 Urgency: No Mandate: No Hearing Date: August 6, 2012 Consultant: Maureen Ortiz This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File. Bill Summary: AB 2490 requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to assign a correctional counselor to assist veterans who are inmates in pursing claims for federal veterans' benefits. Fiscal Impact: CDCR estimates costs of approximately $1.5 million annually (General) resulting from 0.5PY at each of the 33 institutions, and using a half-time mid-range CCI position including benefits at $3,790 per month for each position. Background: Existing federal law limits the benefits a veteran may receive while he or she is incarcerated for a felony. After a 60 day grace period where full benefits may still be received, benefits are then withheld beginning on day 61. However, dependents are able to continue to receive a portion of those benefits during the incarceration period. According to the CDCR, as of February 2012 there were approximately 3,523 inmates who claim to have military experience that are incarcerated within the various state prisons. Proposed Law: AB 2490 provides that every state prison that is under the jurisdiction of the CDCR assign a correctional counselor 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 due to honorable service in the military. The bill requires the correctional counselor to coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the county veterans > (>) Page 1 service officer or veterans service organizations. The intent of AB 2490 is to assist incarcerated veterans in initiating the process for obtaining state and federal benefits so that they may begin collecting upon release, which will ultimately ease the transition to civilian life.