BILL ANALYSIS Ó Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair SB 1413 (Negrete McLeod) - Adjutant General: support programs. Amended: As Introduced Policy Vote: VA 5-0 Urgency: No Mandate: No Hearing Date: May 14, 2012 Consultant: Maureen Ortiz This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File. Bill Summary: SB 1413 authorizes the Adjutant General to seek donations that will fund the establishment of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs for members of the military and their families; and creates a special fund for receipt of the money. Fiscal Impact: Unknown, potentially significant costs for program, but dependent upon the level of donations received (Private Funds). Minor costs for department rules/regulations, annual report, and outreach (General Fund). Background: Existing federal law provides for a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program for members of the military and their families. However, the federal regulations are designed for large military installations and do not fit the environment of the California National Guard with its more than 100 small armories located across the state. The existing Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program serves the needs, interests and responsibilities of each individual in the Army community for as long as they are associated with the Army. Some of the recreational activities provided include entertainment such as dining, post clubs, bowling alleys, outdoor recreational facilities, and outdoor recreational equipment rental. Also provided within the program are Child and Youth Services that include childcare centers on post, off-post certified in-home childcare services, youth services on post, after school and summer programs, as well as partnerships with organizations such as 4-H and community youth centers off post. Family programs include counseling and support services, Family Readiness Groups, and mutual support systems. SB 1413 (Negrete McLeod) Page 1 Proposed Law: SB 1413 will provide a funding mechanism to allow the California Military Department to offer Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs to members of the National Guard. The programs will be entirely funded by private donations solicited by the Adjutant General and the Military Department. The money will be deposited into the Military Department Morale and Welfare Fund, which is created in the bill, and will be available upon appropriation by the Legislature. The department will be required to adopt rules and regulations for the establishment of the program, and for the solicitation and acceptance of funds. The Adjutant General will be required to report annually beginning on March 1, 2014 to the Department of Finance after conducting an internal audit of the fund. The purpose of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program is to support operational effectiveness, recruitment and retention, qualify of life, promote mental and physical fitness, foster community pride, morale, family wellness, and to possibly enhance and support the unique youth programs administered by the California Military Department. The intent of SB 1413 is to provide the department with flexibility to offer different support programs in different parts of the state depending on need. These programs could include recreational activities, daycare, and job placement training. Staff Comments: The Military Department intends to perform various outreach efforts to seek donations including a newsletter to all members or hosting charity events.