BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 315
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 16, 2013
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Al Muratsuchi, Chair
AB 315 (Veterans Affairs) - As Introduced: February 12, 2013
SUBJECT : State parks: veteran of war: Purple Heart recipient
SUMMARY : This bill expands the application of the
Distinguished Veteran Pass. Specifically, this bill : Adds
Purple Heart recipients to those who are eligible for a
Distinguished Veteran Pass. This pass allows the bearer to use
all basic facilities (including day use and camping) in
California State Park operated units at no charge. It is not
valid at units operated by local government, private agencies or
concessionaires. It is not valid for group use or sites, special
events, commercial use, or for supplemental fees and cannot be
used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount.
EXISTING LAW : Establishes the Distinguished Veteran Pass.
1)A veteran of a war in which the United States has been, or may
be engaged, who is a resident of this state, upon presentation
to the department of Parks and Recreation:
a) Proof of disability, or
b) Proof of being held captive as a prisoner of war, or
c) Proof of being a recipient of a Congressional Medal of
Honor, and
d) Proof of an honorable discharge from service, upon
application therefor, shall be issued a pass entitling the
bearer to the use of all facilities, including boat
launching facilities, in units of the state park system.
2)"Veteran" means a former member of the Armed Forces of the
United States who has a 50 percent or greater
service-connected disability, or who was held as a prisoner of
war by forces hostile to the United States, as certified by
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and who was
honorably discharged from service.
3)"War" means that period of time commencing when Congress
declares war or when the Armed Forces of the United States are
engaged in active military operations against a foreign power,
whether or not war has been formally declared, and ending upon
the termination of hostilities as proclaimed by the President
AB 315
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of the United States.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown at this time.
COMMENTS : The Purple Heart is a United States military
decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who
have been wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of
the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or
opposing armed forces while serving on or after April 5, 1917
with the U.S. military.
As a result of being wounded, many Purple Heart recipients would
already be eligible for the Distinguished Veteran Pass due to
resulting disability. However, this bill seeks to recognize the
sacrifice of all those who put themselves in harm's way for our
Nation and were wounded, regardless of their ultimate disability
rating. This measure is a way to show gratitude to all veterans
who have been wounded in combat.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
AMVETS, Department of California
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
California State Commanders Veterans Council
VFW, Department of California
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
Rural County Representatives of California
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by : John Spangler / V. A. / (916) 319-3550