BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �




                   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 16, 2012                          
          Consultant: Maureen Ortiz       
          
          SUSPENSE FILE.  AS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED.
          
          
          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:  Likely one-time costs of approximately $50,000 
          to CDCR for developing a guidance policy applicable to veteran 
          inmates who are released from state prison.

          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 
          service officer or veterans service organizations.








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          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.

          Proposed Amendments:  Require the CDCR to develop guidance 
          policies relating to the release of inmates who are veterans, 
          with the intent of assisting veterans who are inmates in 
          pursuing claims for federal veterans' benefits.