BILL ANALYSIS �
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.