AB 1618: Veteran service providers.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2017-10-02
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department with existing funds, as defined, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement these provisions. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
This bill would establish a certification process for California veteran service providers, as defined, applying for the competitive grants. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application and, after certification, on request and reasonable notice by the department.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department with existing funds, as defined, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement these provisions. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
This bill would establish a certification process for California veteran service providers, as defined, applying for the competitive grants. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application and, after certification, on request and reasonable notice by the department.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department with existing funds, as defined, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement these provisions. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
This bill would establish a certification process for California veteran service providers, as defined, applying for the competitive grants. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application and, after certification, on request and reasonable notice by the department.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department with existing funds, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
This bill would establish a certification process for California veteran service providers, as defined, applying for the competitive grants. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application or, and, after certification, at the request of on request and reasonable notice by the department.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department with existing funds, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
This bill would establish a certification process for the certification of California veteran service providers, as defined, by the department. applying for the competitive grants. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application or, after certification, at the request of the department, as prescribed. The bill would authorize the department to charge a fee for certification under these provisions, as specified. department.
The bill would also establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan. The bill would continuously appropriate moneys from the General Fund to the department to administer the program.Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a certification process for the certification of California veteran service providers, as defined, by the department. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application or, after certification, at the request of the department, as prescribed. The bill would authorize the department to charge a fee for certification under these provisions, as specified.
The bill would also establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program. program and to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan. The bill would continuously appropriate moneys from the General Fund to the department to administer the program.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veterans or dependents right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified.
Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition.
This bill would establish a certification process for the certification of California veteran service providers, as defined, by the department. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application or, after certification, at the request of the department, as prescribed. The bill would authorize the department to charge a fee for certification under these provisions, as specified.
The bill would also establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program. The bill would continuously appropriate moneys from the General Fund to the department to administer the program.
Existing law establishes the California Veterans Board, comprised of 7 members, within state government and sets forth its powers and duties, including, but not limited to, advising the Department of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Veterans Affairs on policies for operations of the department.This bill would increase the membership of the board to 8 members.Existing law establishes the California Veterans Board, comprised of 7 members, within state government and sets forth its powers and duties, including, but not limited to, advising the Department of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Veterans Affairs on policies for operations of the department.
This bill would increase the membership of the board to 8 members.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs within state government and sets forth its powers and duties, including, but not limited to, the administration of various programs providing benefits to veterans. Existing law specifies that the term department means the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of those various programs.This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to the latter provision.Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs within state government and sets forth its powers and duties, including, but not limited to, the administration of various programs providing benefits to veterans. Existing law specifies that the term department means the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of those various programs.
This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to the latter provision.
(a)(1)The department shall use existing funds to fund a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department. For purposes of this section, existing funds means funding already appropriated to any state department or agency, other than the department, for the purpose of providing services to veterans. The department may enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement this section.
(2)The department may cover reasonable administrative costs of implementing this section using the funds available for the competitive grant program.
(b)(1)Competitive grants shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 881, for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. Supportive services may include, but are not limited to, housing assistance, health services, including mental and behavioral health services, counseling, small business assistance, case management, employment assistance, and job placement.
(2)Only a certified California veteran service provider is eligible to be awarded funds under the competitive grant program.
(3)Competitive grants shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90.
(c)The department shall, no later than July 1, 2019, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
(d)Prior to awarding competitive grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
881.(a)Certified California veteran service provider means an entity applying to the competitive grant program established pursuant to this chapter and that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Provides supportive services as required by this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to the chapter.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, 2019, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, 2019, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 883.
882.For purposes of certification, the department may accept current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 881.
883.(a)(1)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(2)Certification by the department may be used by other departments or state agencies for any other appropriate purpose.
(b)No later than July 1, 2019, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 881.
(a)(1)The department shall use existing funds to fund a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department. For purposes of this section, existing funds means funding already appropriated to any state department or agency, other than the department, for the purpose of providing services to veterans. The department may enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement this section.
(2)The department may cover reasonable administrative costs of implementing this section using the funds available for the competitive grant program.
(b)(1)Competitive grants shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 881, for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. Supportive services may include, but are not limited to, housing assistance, health services, including mental and behavioral health services, counseling, small business assistance, case management, employment assistance, and job placement.
(2)Only a certified California veteran service provider is eligible to be awarded funds under the competitive grant program.
(3)Competitive grants shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90.
(c)The department shall, no later than July 1, 2019, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
(d)Prior to awarding competitive grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
881.(a)Certified California veteran service provider means an entity applying to the competitive grant program established pursuant to this chapter and that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Provides supportive services as required by this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to the chapter.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, 2019, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, 2019, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 883.
882.For purposes of certification, the department may accept current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 881.
883.(a)(1)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(2)Certification by the department may be used by other departments or state agencies for any other appropriate purpose.
(b)No later than July 1, 2019, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 881.
(a)(1)The department shall use existing funds to fund a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department. For purposes of this section, existing funds means funding already appropriated to any state department or agency, other than the department, for the purpose of providing services to veterans. The department may enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement this section.
(2)The department may cover reasonable administrative costs of implementing this section using the funds available for the competitive grant program.
(b)(1)Competitive grants shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 881, for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. Supportive services may include, but are not limited to, housing assistance, health services, including mental and behavioral health services, counseling, small business assistance, case management, employment assistance, and job placement.
(2)Only a certified California veteran service provider is eligible to be awarded funds under the competitive grant program.
(3)Competitive grants shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90.
(c)The department shall, no later than July 1, 2019, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
(d)Prior to awarding competitive grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
881.(a)Certified California veteran service provider means an entity applying to the competitive grant program established pursuant to this chapter and that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Provides supportive services as required by this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to the chapter.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, 2019, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, 2019, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 883.
882.For purposes of certification, the department may accept current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 881.
883.(a)(1)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(2)Certification by the department may be used by other departments or state agencies for any other appropriate purpose.
(b)No later than July 1, 2019, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 881.
(a)(1)The department shall use existing funds to fund a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department.
(2)The department may cover reasonable administrative costs of implementing this section using the funds available for the competitive grant program.
(b)(1)Competitive grants shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 881, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families. supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. Supportive services may include, but are not limited to, housing assistance, health services, including mental and behavioral health services, counseling, small business assistance, case management, employment assistance, and job placement.
(2)Only a certified California veteran service provider is eligible to be awarded funds under the competitive grant program.
(3)Competitive grants shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90.
(c)The department shall, no later than July 1, 2019, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
(d)Prior to awarding competitive grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
881.(a)Certified California veteran service provider means an entity applying to the competitive grant program established pursuant to this chapter and that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Should provide at least two of the following supportive services: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services to veterans and their families.(1)Provides supportive services as required by this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to the chapter.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, 2019, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, 2019, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 883.
882.For purposes of certification, the department may accept the following documentation current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 881: 881.
(a)Current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department.(b)Proof of an organizations status as a congressionally chartered veterans service organization.883.(a)(1)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(2)Certification by the department may be used by other departments or state agencies for any other appropriate purpose.
(b)No later than July 1, 2019, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 881.
(a)(1)The department shall use existing funds to fund a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department.
(2)The department may cover reasonable administrative costs of implementing this section using the funds available for the competitive grant program.
(b)(1)Competitive grants shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 881, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families.
(2)Only a certified California veteran service provider is eligible to be awarded funds under the competitive grant program.
(3)Competitive grants shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90.
(c)The department shall, no later than July 1, 2019, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
(d)Prior to awarding competitive grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
880.881.(a)A certified Certified California veteran service provider means an entity applying to the competitive grant program established pursuant to this chapter and that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Should provide at least two of the following supportive services: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services to veterans and their families.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, ____, 2019, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, ____, 2019, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (d) (b) of Section 882. 883.
881.882.For purposes of certification, the department may accept the following documentation as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 880: 881:
(a)Current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department.
(b)Proof of an organizations status as a congressionally chartered veterans service organization.
882.883.(a)(1)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(2)Certification by the department may be used by other departments or state agencies for any other appropriate purpose.
(b)No later than July 1, ____, 2019, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 880. 881.
(c)The department shall adopt a fee to defray the departments reasonable cost of certification, not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).SEC. 3.Section 972.3 is added to the Military and Veterans Code, to read:972.3.(a)Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the sum of ____ dollars ($____) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund each fiscal year commencing July 1, ____, to the department to be available to fund a competitive grant program to be administered by the department. Moneys appropriated pursuant to this subdivision shall only be available for encumbrance and expenditure for one year after the date upon which it first becomes available for encumbrance.(b)(1)Funds awarded under this competitive grant program shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 880, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families. The department shall, no later than July 1, ____, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.(2)Competitive grants awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 880, shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90. Prior to awarding any grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.(a)The Legislature finds and declares that it is necessary to provide the public the means to determine which charitable entities providing supportive services to veterans meet certain minimum standards of cultural competency and financial legitimacy.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a voluntary certification program whereby the Department of Veterans Affairs will certify that certain charitable entities providing supportive services to veterans meet minimum standards.
SEC. 2.Section 972.3 is added to the Military and Veterans Code, to read:972.3.(a)Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the sum of ____ dollars ($____) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund each fiscal year commencing July 1, ____, to the department to be available to fund a competitive grant program to be administered by the department. Moneys appropriated pursuant to this subdivision shall only be available for encumbrance and expenditure for one year after the date upon which it first becomes available for encumbrance.(b)Funds awarded under this competitive grant program shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 999.75, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families. The department shall, no later than July 1, ____, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.SEC. 3.Article 8 (commencing with Section 999.75) is added to Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code, to read:8.Certified California Veteran Service ProvidersSEC. 2.Chapter 3.7 (commencing with Section 880) is added to Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code, to read:3.7Certified California Veteran Service Provider999.75.880.(a)A certified California veteran service provider means an entity that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Provides Should provide at least two of the following supportive services: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services to veterans and their families.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, ____, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, ____, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (d) of Section 999.76. 882.
999.755.881.For purposes of certification, the department may accept the following documentation as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 999.75: 880:
(a)Current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department.
(b)Proof of an organizations status as a congressionally chartered veterans service organization.
999.76.882.(a)(1)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(2)Certification by the department may be used by other departments or state agencies for any other appropriate purpose.
(b)No later than July 1, ____, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 999.75. 880.
(c)The department shall adopt a fee to defray the departments reasonable cost of certification, not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).
SEC. 3.Section 972.3 is added to the Military and Veterans Code, to read:972.3.(a)Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the sum of ____ dollars ($____) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund each fiscal year commencing July 1, ____, to the department to be available to fund a competitive grant program to be administered by the department. Moneys appropriated pursuant to this subdivision shall only be available for encumbrance and expenditure for one year after the date upon which it first becomes available for encumbrance.
(b)(1)Funds awarded under this competitive grant program shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 880, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families. The department shall, no later than July 1, ____, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
(2)Competitive grants awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 880, shall be awarded in support of the states strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance, as described in Section 90. Prior to awarding any grants under this section, the department shall develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the states strategic plan.
(a)The Legislature finds and declares that it is necessary to provide the public the means to determine which charitable entities providing supportive services to veterans meet certain minimum standards of cultural competency and financial legitimacy.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a voluntary certification program whereby the Department of Veterans Affairs will certify that certain charitable entities providing supportive services to veterans meet minimum standards.
SEC. 2.Section 972.3 is added to the Military and Veterans Code, to read:972.3.(a)Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the sum of ____ dollars ($____) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund each fiscal year commencing July 1, ____, to the department to be available to fund a competitive grant program to be administered by the department. Moneys appropriated pursuant to this subdivision shall only be available for encumbrance and expenditure for one year after the date upon which it first becomes available for encumbrance.
(b)Funds awarded under this competitive grant program shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 999.75, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families. The department shall, no later than July 1, ____, develop regulations for the implementation of the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the grant application criteria, application scoring process, data collection, and accountability for grant program expenditures and metrics for evaluation of grants made.
SEC. 3.Article 8 (commencing with Section 999.75) is added to Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code, to read:8.Certified California Veteran Service Providers999.75.(a)A certified California veteran service provider means an entity that is certified by the department as having an established history of providing supportive services and that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Provides at least two of the following supportive services: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services to veterans and their families.
(2)Demonstrates, through the submission of appropriate supporting data, that the veteran service provider has the knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
(3)Demonstrates, through audits and employment history, the fiscal and management capacity to capably perform supportive services to veterans and their families.
(4)Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(5)Demonstrates through the submission of appropriate supporting data that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran or veterans and their families.
(6)Demonstrates that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current. Demonstrates that the entity meets or exceeds the provisions of Article 1.3 (commencing with Section 17510) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code and complies with the standards included in the Attorney Generals Guide for Charities.
(b)A certified California veteran service provider shall provide to the department all of the following up-to-date documents upon application for certification and at any time during the certification period on request and reasonable notice by the department:
(1)Articles of incorporation and all amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(2)IRS Letter of Determination.
(3)Taxpayer identification number.
(4)Independent audit reports dating back three years.
(c)(1)In order to obtain certification as a certified California veteran service provider, the applicant shall apply to the department, in a form and manner as required by the department.
(2)Beginning July 1, ____, the department shall begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification on the basis of the requirements set forth in subdivision (a).
(d)The department shall maintain a list of certified California veteran service providers on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers.
(e)On or before April 1, ____, the department shall provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations required by subdivision (d) of Section 999.76.
999.755.For purposes of certification, the department may accept the following documentation as supporting evidence of the applicants qualifications under the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 999.75:
(a)Current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department.
(b)Proof of an organizations status as a congressionally chartered veterans service organization.
999.76.(a)A certification approved by the department shall be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified California veteran service provider.
(b)No later than July 1, ____, the department shall adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a veteran service provider, and to decertify a certified California veteran service provider prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the requirements set forth in Section 999.75.
(c)The department shall adopt a fee to defray the departments reasonable cost of certification, not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).
SECTION 1.Section 65 of the Military and Veterans Code is amended to read:65.The California Veterans Board shall consist of eight members who shall be appointed by the Governor subject to the confirmation of the Senate.The California Veterans Board shall consist of seven eight members who shall be appointed by the Governor subject to the confirmation of the Senate.
SECTION 1.Section 690 of the Military and Veterans Code is amended to read:690.For purposes of this division, department means the Department of Veterans Affairs.As used in For purposes of this division, department means the Department of Veterans Affairs.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2017 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 416, Statutes of 2017. |
| Oct 2, 2017 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 19, 2017 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m. |
| Sep 11, 2017 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Sep 6, 2017 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after September 8 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Sep 6, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Sep 5, 2017 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Sep 1, 2017 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (September 1). |
| Aug 21, 2017 | In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Jul 18, 2017 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jul 17, 2017 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (July 11). |
| Jun 14, 2017 | Referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Jun 1, 2017 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 31, 2017 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 1975.) |
| May 30, 2017 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| May 26, 2017 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (May 26). |
| May 10, 2017 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Apr 26, 2017 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 1.) (April 25). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 20, 2017 | Re-referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Apr 19, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on V.A. Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 4, 2017 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Mar 28, 2017 | Re-referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Mar 27, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on V.A. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 22, 2017 | Re-referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Mar 21, 2017 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on V.A. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 20, 2017 | Referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Feb 19, 2017 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 21. |
| Feb 17, 2017 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2017 | AB 1618 CERVANTES Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Sep 6, 2017 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB1618 Cervantes By Hueso | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Sep 1, 2017 | Do pass as amended | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 21, 2017 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jul 11, 2017 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs |
Passed |
|
| May 31, 2017 | AB 1618 CERVANTES Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 26, 2017 | Do pass as amended. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 25, 2017 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California Association of Veteran Service Agencies | ** Support | Sep 5, 2017 |
| California State Commanders Veterans Council | * Against Unless Amend | Apr 25, 2017 |
| The Veterans Of Foreign Wars, Department Of California | * Support | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Veterans of Foreign Wars | ** Support | Sep 5, 2017 |
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 1618
Author:(Cervantes)
As Amended Ver:September 1, 2017
Majority vote
ASSEMBLY: | 73-0 | (May 31, 2017) | SENATE: | 40-0 | (September 6, 2017) |
Original Committee Reference: V.A.
SUMMARY: This bill establishes a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs) and a process for certifying VSPs which apply to participate in the competitive grants.
The Senate amendments:
- Clarify the meaning of existing funds under the bill to mean funding already appropriated to any state department or agency, other than the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
- Provide that CalVet may enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments or agencies in order to implement the bill.
- Delete a provision allowing proof of an organization's status as a congressionally chartered veterans service organization to serve as proof of qualification as a "Certified California veterans service provider."
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes CalVet and authorizes it to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in obtaining privileges, preferences, care, or compensation provided by federal and state law.
- Authorizes CalVet to contract with veterans service organizations (VSOs) and compensate the VSO for services within the scope of this section rendered by VSO to any veteran, dependent, or survivor,
- Finds and declares that services provided by VSOs play an important role in the CalVet's responsibilities to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States, and that it is an efficient and reasonable use of state funds to provide compensation to VSOs for these services.
- Finds and declares that contracts shall not be undertaken until the annual budget for county veterans service officers (CVSOs) reaches a minimum of $5,000,000.
- Requires certain documentation and reporting concerning these contracts.
- Defines VSO to mean an organization to include only an organization which:
- Is formed by and for United States military veterans.
- Is chartered by the United States Congress.
- Has regularly maintained an established committee or agency in a regional office of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) in California rendering services to veterans and their dependents and survivors
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
- One-time costs to CalVet to develop regulations for the administration of the grant program. These costs are likely to be minor and absorbable to CalVet. (GF)
- Absorbable costs to various state departments or agencies to fund awards for the competitive grant program. The grant(s) must come from funds already appropriated for the purpose of providing services to veterans. (GF)
- One-time, potentially significant costs to CalVet for additional workload to adopt the rules, procedures, and regulations to certify or decertify a VSP. (GF)
COMMENTS:
This bill would create a certification for charitable entities that serve veterans, certifying that the entity meets certain minimum standards and the entity is thus a "Certified California Veteran Service Provider" (VSP). The bill would also create a competitive grant program under CalVet to provide grants to VSPs.
The scope of the certification is limited to entities serving veterans with supportive services as specified: health and mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, and job training services. These entities must demonstrate knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
CalVet currently administers a state subvention which in part funds the activities of County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). An important role of CVSOs is to assist veterans in obtaining their earned benefits; they are the primary people in the state who do such work. As a rule, CVSOs do not provide other direct services to veterans, for example, they do not provide alcohol or substance abuse counseling, nor do they operate housing programs for veterans. The state subvention funding is distributed to CVSOs using a formula set by CalVet that assigns workload units to various activities performed by the CVSOs.
The advantage of this approach is that it is predictable and there is an annual, ongoing minimum funding level provided by the state. Disadvantages are that the subvention is not nimble or designed to facilitate targeted initiatives or innovation. Moreover, the subvention is only available to counties, not to private non-profit entities.
The grant program provided for in this bill is available to entities other than CVSOs, and could support the work and activities of the wide variety of private non-profit entities which provide critical direct services and support to veterans.
Analysis Prepared by: Christian Burkin / V.A. / (916) 319-3550 FN: 0001954
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 1618
:
SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: 6-0, 7/11/17
AYES: Newman, Dodd, Hueso, Nguyen, Roth, Wilk
NO VOTE RECORDED: Nielsen
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 9/1/17
AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Nielsen, Wiener
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 5/31/17 - See last page for vote
SOURCE: Veterans of Foreign Wars
DIGEST:
This bill establishes a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs) and a process for certifying VSPs which apply to participate in the competitive grants.
Existing law:
- Establishes the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and authorizes it to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in obtaining privileges, preferences, care, or compensation provided by federal and state law.
- Authorizes CalVet to contract with veterans service organizations (VSOs) and compensate the VSO for services within the scope of this section rendered by VSO to any veteran, dependent, or survivor,
- Finds and declares that services provided by VSOs play an important role in the CalVet's responsibilities to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States, and that it is an efficient and reasonable use of state funds to provide compensation to VSOs for these services.
- Finds and declares that contracts shall not be undertaken until the annual budget for county veterans service officers (CVSOs) reaches a minimum of $5,000,000.
- Requires certain documentation and reporting concerning these contracts.
- Defines VSO to mean an organization to include only an organization which:
- Is formed by and for United States military veterans.
- Is chartered by the United States Congress.
- Has regularly maintained an established committee or agency in a regional office of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) in California rendering services to veterans and their dependents and survivors.
This bill:
- Establishes a competitive grant program, to be administered by CalVet with existing funds, to award grant moneys to certified VSPs for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified, and requires the grants to be awarded in support of the state's strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance.
- Defines “existing funds” as funding already appropriated to any state department or agency, other than CalVet, for the purpose of providing services to veterans.
- Clarifies that CalVet may enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to establish and administer the grant program.
- Defines a certified California VSP to mean an entity applying to the competitive grant program that is certified by CalVet with an established history of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families.
- Provides that the supportive services may include, but are not limited to, housing assistance, health services, including mental and behavioral health services, counseling, small business assistance, case management, employment assistance, and job placement.
- Establishes a process by which CalVet can certify VSPs to participate in the grant program:
- Requires an applicant for certification to demonstrate a program history in relevant supportive services.
- Requires an applicant for certification to provide specified information to CalVet upon application, or after certification, at the request of the department.
- Requires CalVet to develop regulations for implementation by July 1, 2019.
Background
Veterans benefits. In recent years the rate at which military veterans have been relocating to California has increased. These veterans vary in age, years of service, combat service, education, physical and mental health, and transferability of military skills to civilian employment. While most veterans simply need education (college or technical training) and job-seeking assistance, others face physical, emotional, and family challenges, often directly related to their military service, which are barriers to full reintegration into civilian society.
Federal, state and local governments provide veterans a wide variety of benefits. In addition, non-profit organizations offer an array of services, many of which are tailored to meet the specific needs of discrete subpopulations of the veteran community: housing, supportive services, training, employment assistance, transportation, child care, etc.
Examples of state certification for other veteran programs. Under federal law, the USDVA certifies and accredits veteran service officers. The veteran service officers are trained, accredited professionals, who can legally represent veterans in the federal benefits claims process, and also help connect veterans with state and local benefits.
Under state law, the California Department of General Services certifies disabled veteran business enterprise contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers for participation in the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) state contracting program.
Under federal and state law, the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE), a division within CalVet, certifies veterans' education and training programs to determine if they provide sufficient quality and benefit to veteran students that the students should be able to expend their federal GI Bill resources on the programs. CSAAVE operates under contract with the USDVA and acts as a state regulatory proxy for the federal government.
Related/Prior Legislation
AB 671 (Chávez, Chapter 197, Statutes of 2017) authorizes a veterans memorial district to provide funding to providers of supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, and permits use of existing bond moneys for these services only if the voters agree to repurpose them.
AB 1029 (Frazier, 2015) would have created a program to certify organizations that provide specified services to military veterans and their families. (Held on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Suspense File)
SB 112 (Roth, 2015) would have established a California Veterans’ Bill of Rights, which specifies that veterans possess the rights to housing, education, job training, and physical and mental health services, as prescribed. (Held at the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee)
SB 130 (Roth, 2015) would have required specified state departments to establish and implement a grant process to fund supportive services for veterans, who reside in housing provided by the State via the VHHP Act. (Held at the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee)
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
- One-time costs to CalVet to develop regulations for the administration of the grant program. These costs are likely to be minor and absorbable to CalVet. (GF)
- Absorbable costs to various state departments or agencies to fund awards for the competitive grant program. The grant(s) must come from funds already appropriated for the purpose of providing services to veterans. (GF)
- One-time, potentially significant costs to CalVet for additional workload to adopt the rules, procedures, and regulations to certify or decertify a VSP. (GF)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (source)
California Association of Veteran Service Agencies
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 5/31/17
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Bigelow, Brough, Chávez, Chen, Choi, Eggman, Melendez
9/5/17 9:41:46
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular Session
AB 1618 (Cervantes) - Veteran service providers
Version: | Policy Vote: |
Urgency: | Mandate: |
Hearing Date: | Consultant: |
*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********
The following information is revised to reflect amendments
adopted by the committee on September 1, 2017
Bill Summary:
AB 1618 would establish a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs) and a process for certifying VSPs applying for the competitive grant.
Fiscal Impact:
- One-time costs to CalVet to develop regulations for the administration of the grant program. These costs are likely to be minor and absorbable to the department. (GF)
- Absorbable costs to various state departments or agencies to fund awards for the competitive grant program. The grant(s) must come from funds already appropriated for the purpose of providing services to veterans. (GF)
- One-time, potentially significant costs to CalVet for additional workload to adopt the rules, procedures, and regulations to certify or decertify a veteran service provider. (GF)
Author Amendments:
- Clarify that “existing funds” means funding already appropriated to any state department or agency, other than CalVet, for the purpose of providing services to veterans.
- Clarify that CalVet may enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to establish and administer the grant program.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular Session
AB 1618 (Cervantes) - Veteran service providers
Version: | Policy Vote: |
Urgency: | Mandate: |
Hearing Date: | Consultant: |
This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.
Bill Summary:
AB 1618 would establish a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs) and a process for certifying VSPs applying for the competitive grant.
Fiscal Impact:
- One-time costs to CalVet to develop regulations for the administration of the grant program. These costs are likely to be minor and absorbable to the department. (GF)
- Significant, unknown, ongoing costs to CalVet to fund awards for the competitive grant program. Though the grant(s) must come from existing funds, a significant amount of funding, would be needed to properly fund the program. (GF)
- One-time, potentially significant costs to CalVet for additional workload to adopt the rules, procedures, and regulations to certify or decertify a veteran service provider. (GF)
Background:
Federal, state, and local governments as well as nonprofit organizations provide veterans a wide variety of supportive services, many of which are specific to the needs of discrete subpopulations of the veteran community.
There are existing examples of certification for specified veterans programs. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifies and accredits veteran service officers who are trained professionals who can legally represent veterans in the federal benefits claims process. The California Department of General Services certifies contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers for participation in the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise. Additionally, the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education certifies veterans’ education and training programs to determine if they provide sufficient quality and benefit to veterans students.
County Veteran Service Officer (CVSOs) assist veterans in connecting with the benefits, but do not provide other direct services to veterans.
Proposed Law:
This bill would establish a competitive grant program for certified California VSPs and develop a process of certifying certified VSPs. Specifically, this bill would:
- Require CalVet to use existing funds to fund a competitive grant program administered by the department;
- Permit CalVet to cover reasonable administrative costs of implementing this section using the funds available for the competitive grant program;
- Require competitive grants to be awarded to certified VSPs for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and to be awarded in support of the state’s strategic plan for providing veterans with transitional assistance;
- Require CalVet to develop regulations to define criteria for supporting the state’s strategic plan prior to awarding competitive grants;
- Require a Certified VSP to provide supportive services; to demonstrate the knowledge, experience, cultural competency, and fiscal and management capacity to provide supportive services; to be a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income taxation; to demonstrate that the entity has effectively served the needs of veteran(s) and their families, to demonstrate that all required filings with the Secretary of State, the office of the Attorney General, and the Franchise Tax Board are current;
- Require a VSP to apply to CalVet for certification and require a certified VSP to submit specified documentation to CalVet upon application for certification;
- Require CalVet to begin processing and approving or rejecting all applications for certification beginning July 1, 2019;
- Require CalVet to maintain a list of certified VSPs on its Internet Web site, including the type of supportive services provided by the providers;
- Require CalVet, by April 1, 2019, to provide the Senate and Assembly Committees on Veterans Affairs with a progress report on the status of the regulations necessary to certify a VSP;
- Provide that CalVet may accept current certifications and licenses from any other state entity, agency, or department as supporting evidence of the applicant’s qualifications;
- Provide that a certification approved by CalVet be valid for three years from the date the department accepts credentials for certification unless the department decertifies the certified VSP;
- Authorize other departments or state agencies to use the certification;
- Require CalVet to adopt rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to certify a VSP and to decertify a certified VSP prior to the expiration of a current certification when the certified California veteran service provider no longer meets the specified requirements.
Related Legislation:
AB 1029 (Frazier, 2015) would have created a program to certify California veteran service providers, as specified, and require the Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to maintain a list of certified veterans service providers on it Internet Web site. This bill was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
SB 130 (Roth, 2015) would have required specified state departments to establish and implement a grant process to fund supportive services for veterans who reside in housing provided by the State, as specified. This bill was held in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Josh Newman, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: Hearing Date: 7/11/17
Author: | Cervantes | ||
Version: | Amended | ||
Urgency: | Fiscal: | ||
Consultant: | |||
Subject:
DESCRIPTION
Summary:
Establishes a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs) and a process for certifying VSPs applying for the competitive grants.
Existing law:
- Establishes the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and authorizes it to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in obtaining privileges, preferences, care, or compensation provided by federal and state law.
- Authorizes CalVet to contract with veterans service organizations (VSOs) and compensate the VSO for services within the scope of this section rendered by VSO to any veteran, dependent, or survivor,
- Finds and declares that services provided by VSOs play an important role in the CalVet's responsibilities to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States, and that it is an efficient and reasonable use of state funds to provide compensation to VSOs for these services.
- Finds and declares that contracts shall not be undertaken until the annual budget for county veterans service officers (CVSOs) reaches a minimum of five million dollars ($5,000,000).
- Requires certain documentation and reporting concerning these contracts.
- Defines VSO to mean an organization to include only an organization which:
- Is formed by and for United States military veterans.
- Is chartered by the United States Congress.
- Has regularly maintained an established committee or agency in a regional office of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in California rendering services to veterans and their dependents and survivors.
This bill:
- Defines a certified California VSP to mean an entity applying to the competitive grant program that is certified by CalVet with an established history of providing supportive services in at least two of the following: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services.
- Establishes a process for the certification of VSPs by CalVet, and requires an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the CalVet upon application, or after certification, at the request of the department.
- Establishes a competitive grant program, to be administered by CalVet with existing funds, to award grant moneys to certified VSPs for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified, and requires the grants to be awarded in support of the state's strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance.
- Requires CalVet to develop regulations for implementation by July 1, 2019.
BACKGROUND
Veterans Benefits. In recent years the rate at which military veterans have been relocating to California has increased. These veterans vary in age, years of service, combat service, education, physical and mental health, and transferability of military skills to civilian employment. While most veterans simply need education (college or technical training) and job-seeking assistance, others face physical, emotional, and family challenges, often directly related to their military service, which are barriers to full reintegration into civilian society.
Federal, state and local governments provide veterans a wide variety of benefits. In addition, non-profit organizations offer an array of services, many of which are tailored to meet the specific needs of discrete subpopulations of the veteran community: housing, supportive services, training, employment assistance, transportation, child care, etc.
Examples of State Certification for Veteran Programs. Under federal law, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) certifies and accredits veteran service officers. The veteran service officers are trained, accredited professionals, who can legally represent veterans in the federal benefits claims process, and also help connect veterans with stat and local benefits.
Under state law, the California Department of General Services certifies disabled veteran business enterprise contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers for participation in the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) state contracting program.
Under federal and state law, the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE), a division within CalVet, certifies veterans' education and training programs to determine if they provide sufficient quality and benefit to veteran students that the students should be able to expend their federal GI Bill resources on the programs. CSAAVE operates under contract with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and acts as a state regulatory proxy for the federal government.
COMMENT
Committee Comments:
- Potential amendments:
- The author might consider amending the bill (at page 3, line 17) to clarify up front that the services are supportive services with language similar to that adopted in this year’s AB 671 (Chávez) , pertaining to veterans memorial districts. The amended language would read:
(b) (1) Competitive grants shall be awarded to certified California veteran service providers, as defined in Section 881, for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families. supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. Those supportive services may include, but are not limited to, housing assistance; health services, including mental and behavioral health services; counseling; small business assistance, case management, housing assistance, and employment assistance, and job placement.
- The author also might consider striking lines 15-16 on page 5. If an applicant organization happens to be a congressionally chartered VSO, that status has nothing to do with the organization’s history or competency in providing supportive services. The presence of that information may cloud of the minds of those performing the certifications and determining the grant awardees.
- Question:
From page 3, line 39 through page 4, line 2, the bill requires an applicant to the competitive grant program to provide at least two of the listed supportive services. What is the justification for not accepting an applicant that provides only one service? If an organization focuses exclusively on mental health services, should they be disqualified from applying for a grant focusing on mental health?
- Comment:
The certification program established in AB 1618 could have uses other than the bill’s competitive grant program. For example, see AB 671 (Chávez, 2017) below in the Prior/Related Legislation section. If AB 671 becomes law, the veterans memorial districts could use the CalVet certifications to help identify service providers worthy of district funding.
Prior/Related Legislation:
AB 671 (Chávez, 2017) authorizes a veterans memorial district to provide funding to providers of supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, and permits use of existing bond moneys for these services only if the voters agree to repurpose them. (Pending, Senate Third Reading)
AB 1029 (Frazier, 2015) creates a program to certify organizations that provide specified services to military veterans and their families. (Held on Suspense, Senate Appropriations Committee)
SB 112 (Roth, 2015) establishes a California Veterans’ Bill of Rights, which specifies that veterans possess the rights to housing, education, job training, and physical and mental health services, as prescribed. (Held, Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee)
SB 130 (Roth, 2015) requires specified state departments to establish and implement a grant process to fund supportive services for veterans, who reside in housing provided by the State via the VHHP Act. (Held, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee)
POSITIONS
Sponsor: Veterans of Foreign Wars
Support: California Association of Veteran Service Agencies
Oppose: None received
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ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 1618
Author:(Cervantes)
As Amended Ver:May 30, 2017
Majority
Committee | Votes | Ayes | Noes |
Veterans Affairs | 9-1 | Irwin, Daly, Frazier, Gloria, Mathis, Muratsuchi, Quirk-Silva, Salas, Voepel | Brough |
Appropriations | 13-0 | Gonzalez Fletcher, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Calderon, McCarty, Quirk, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gray, Muratsuchi, Reyes |
SUMMARY: Establishes a certification process and a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs). Specifically, this bill:
- Defines a "certified California veteran service provider (VSP)" to mean an entity applying to the competitive grant program that is certified by CalVet with an established history of providing supportive services in at least two of the following: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services.
- Establishes a process for the certification of VSPs by CalVet, and requires an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the CalVet upon application, or after certification, at the request of the department.
- Establishes a competitive grant program, to be administered by CalVet with existing funds, to award grant moneys to certified VSPs for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified, and requires the grants to be awarded in support of the state's strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance.
- Requires CalVet to develop regulations for implementation by July 1, 2019.
EXISTING LAW: Military and Veterans Code section 699.5:
- Authorizes CalVet to contract with any veterans service organization and compensate the organization for services within the scope of this section rendered by it to any veteran or dependent or survivor of a veteran.
- Requires that the contract shall not be made unless the department determines that, owing to the confidential relationships involved and the necessity of operating through agencies that the veterans, dependents, or survivors involved will feel to be sympathetic toward their problems, the services cannot satisfactorily be rendered otherwise than through the agency of the veterans organization and that the best interests of the veterans, dependents, or survivors involved will be served if the contract is made.
- Finds and declares that services provided by veterans service organizations play an important role in the department's responsibilities to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States, and that it is an efficient and reasonable use of state funds to provide compensation to veterans service organizations for these services.
- Finds and declares that contracts shall not be undertaken until the annual budget for county veterans service officers reaches a minimum of five million dollars ($5,000,000).
- Requires certain documentation and reporting concerning these contracts, as specified
- Defines "Veterans service organization" means an organization to include only an organization which:
- Is formed by and for United States military veterans.
- Is chartered by the United States Congress.
- Has regularly maintained an established committee or agency in a regional office of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in California rendering services to veterans and their dependents and survivors.
FISCAL EFFECT: Ongoing administrative costs to CalVet to administer the competitive grant program, likely in the range of $100,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on the size of the program.
COMMENTS:
This bill would create a certification for charitable entities that serve veterans, certifying that the entity meets certain minimum standards and the entity is thus a "Certified California Veteran Service Provider" (VSP). The bill would also create a competitive grant program under CalVet to provide grants to VSPs.
Certification:
The scope of the certification is limited to entities serving veterans with supportive services as specified: health and mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, and job training services. These entities must demonstrate knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
The language before the Committee is the result of much discussion and collaboration between the author, staff, and experienced veteran service providers. It represents an attempt to recognize that there is a particular value and special expertise from having a proven track record of serving veterans primarily or exclusively but that there are also experienced, legitimate, high quality service providers who serve many veterans but also serve other populations and have broader missions.
The language is an attempt to provide a means for the public, contracting officials, and others to know that certain entities providing supportive services to veterans meet a certain minimum acceptable level of quality, direct experience serving veterans, and legitimacy.
Grant Program:
CalVet currently administers a state subvention which in part funds the activities of County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). Somewhat oversimplified, the extremely important role of CVSOs is to assist veterans in connecting to their earned benefits; they are the primary people in the state who do such work. As a rule, CVSOs do not provide other direct services to veterans, for example, they do not provide alcohol or substance abuse counseling, nor do they operate housing programs for veterans. The state subvention funding is distributed to CVSOs using a formula set by CalVet that assigns workload units to various activities performed by the CVSOs.
The advantage of this approach is that it is predictable and there is an annual, ongoing minimum funding level provided by the state. Disadvantages are that the subvention is not nimble or designed to facilitate targeted initiatives or innovation. Moreover, the subvention is only available to counties, not to private non-profit entities.
The grant program contemplated by the bill addresses some of these concerns. A grant program is not formulaic, it can be tailored and it is nimble. CalVet can issue an RFP on a certain issue, for example, reaching incarcerated veterans, outreach to native American veterans, or improving veterans benefit access for rural veterans. The grant program is available to entities other than CVSOs, and can support the work and activities of the wide variety of private non-profit entities who provide critical direct services and support to veterans. Grant programs, however, are not a good method for ongoing programs, as, by their nature, they are time-limited, often one-time funding sources. Moreover, the grant program will require arguably greater oversight than the subvention; the grants will be to private, non-profit entities with perhaps less transparency and accountability than local governmental entities.
Analysis Prepared by: John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550 FN: 0000892
Date of Hearing: May 10, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1618
Author:(Cervantes) – As Amended Ver:April 19, 2017
Policy Committee: | Veterans Affairs | Vote: | 9 - 1 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY: This bill establishes a certification process and a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs). Specifically, this bill:
- Defines a “certified California veteran service provider (VSP)” to mean an entity certified by Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) as having an established history of providing supportive services in at least two of the following areas: housing assistance, health services, mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, or job training services to veterans and their families, among other criteria.
- Establishes a process for the certification of VSPs by CalVet, and requires an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the CalVet upon application, or after certification, at the request of the department, as prescribed.
- Requires CalVet to charge a fee for certification, not to exceed $750.
- Requires CalVet to maintain a list of certified VSPs on its website, including the type of supportive services provided.
- Establishes a competitive grant program, to be administered by CalVet, to award grant moneys to certified VSPs for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified, and requires the grants to be awarded in support of the state’s strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance.
- Requires CalVet to adopt regulations, by an unspecified date, to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the state’s strategic plan.
- Continuously appropriates an unspecified amount from the General Fund to CalVet to fund the competitive grant program.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Beginning July 1 of an unspecified year, continuously appropriates an unspecified amount from the General Fund to CalVet to fund the competitive grant program.
COMMENTS:
Purpose and Background. CalVet receives annual finding in the state budget ($5.6 million in 2016) to fund the activities of County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). CVSOs receive about 25% of their funding from the state, and among other things, assist veterans in connecting with their benefits. As a rule, CVSOs do not provide other direct services to veterans. For example, they do not provide alcohol or substance abuse counseling, nor do they operate housing programs for veterans. The state subvention funding is distributed to CVSOs using a formula set by CalVet that assigns workload units to various activities performed by the CVSOs.
The existing ongoing minimum funding level provided by the state is a predictable source of revenue, but is only available to counties (not to private non-profits) and is limited by its authorized uses.
This bill is intended to provide a complimentary grant program that is available to entities other than CVSOs, and that can be tailored to support the work and activities of the wide variety of private non-profit entities that provide critical direct services and support to veterans.
California is home to approximately 1.8 million of the estimated 21 million veterans in the United States, more than any other state. As of 2016, it is estimated that 90% of California's veterans are male, more than half are over the age of 60, and veterans who served in the Vietnam war make up the largest share of the veteran population.
Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Swenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 4, 2017
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Jacqui Irwin, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1618 (
Author:Cervantes) – As Amended Ver:March 27, 2017
SUBJECT: Veteran service providers
SUMMARY: This bill would establish a certification process and a competitive grant program for California veteran service providers (VSPs). Specifically, this bill:
- Requires an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application or, after certification, at the request of the department, as prescribed.
- Authorizes the department to charge a fee for certification under these provisions, as specified.
- Establishes a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing support to veterans and their families, as specified.
- Requires the department to adopt regulations to implement the program.
- Continuously appropriates funds from the General Fund to the department to administer the program.
EXISTING LAW: Military and Veterans Code section 699.5:
- Authorizes CalVet to contract with any veterans service organization and compensate the organization for services within the scope of this section rendered by it to any veteran or dependent or survivor of a veteran.
- Requires that the contract shall not be made unless the department determines that, owing to the confidential relationships involved and the necessity of operating through agencies that the veterans, dependents, or survivors involved will feel to be sympathetic toward their problems, the services cannot satisfactorily be rendered otherwise than through the agency of the veterans organization and that the best interests of the veterans, dependents, or survivors involved will be served if the contract is made.
- Finds and declares that services provided by veterans service organizations play an important role in the department’s responsibilities to assist veterans and their dependents and survivors in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States, and that it is an efficient and reasonable use of state funds to provide compensation to veterans service organizations for these services.
- Finds and declares that contracts shall not be undertaken until the annual budget for county veterans service officers reaches a minimum of five million dollars ($5,000,000).
- Requires certain documentation and reporting concerning these contracts, as specified
- Defines “Veterans service organization” means an organization to include only an organization which:
- Is formed by and for United States military veterans.
- Is chartered by the United States Congress.
- Has regularly maintained an established committee or agency in a regional office of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in California rendering services to veterans and their dependents and survivors.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown at this time.
COMMENTS:
This bill would create a certification for charitable entities that serve veterans, certifying that the entity meets certain minimum standards and the entity is thus a “Certified California Veteran Service Provider” (VSP). The bill would also create a competitive grant program under CalVet to provide grants to VSPs.
Certification:
The scope of the certification is limited to entities serving veterans with supportive services as specified: health and mental health services, small business assistance, employment services, and job training services. These entities must demonstrate knowledge, experience, and cultural competency to provide supportive services to veterans and their families.
The language before the Committee is the result of much discussion and collaboration between the author, staff, and experienced veteran service providers. It represents an attempt to recognize that there is a particular value and special expertise from having a proven track record of serving veterans primarily or exclusively but that there are also experienced, legitimate, high quality service providers who serve many veterans but also serve other populations and have broader missions.
The language is an attempt to provide a means for the public, contracting officials, and others to know that certain entities providing supportive services to veterans meet a certain minimum acceptable level of quality, direct experience serving veterans, and legitimacy.
Grant Program:
CalVet currently administers a state subvention which in part funds the activities of County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). Somewhat oversimplified, the extremely important role of CVSOs is to assist veterans in connecting to their earned benefits; they are the primary people in the state who do such work. As a rule, CVSOs do not provide other direct services to veterans, for example, they do not provide alcohol or substance abuse counseling, nor do they operate housing programs for veterans. The state subvention funding is distributed to CVSOs using a formula set by CalVet that assigns workload units to various activities performed by the CVSOs.
The advantage of this approach is that it is predictable and there is an annual, ongoing minimum funding level provided by the state. Disadvantages are that the subvention is not nimble or designed to facilitate targeted initiatives or innovation. Moreover, the subvention is only available to counties, not to private non-profit entities.
The grant program contemplated by the bill addresses some of these concerns. A grant program is not formulaic, it can be tailored and it is nimble. CalVet can issue an RFP on a certain issue, for example, reaching incarcerated veterans, outreach to native American veterans, or improving veterans benefit access for rural veterans. The grant program is available to entities other than CVSOs, and can support the work and activities of the wide variety of private non-profit entities who provide critical direct services and support to veterans. Grant programs, however, are not a good method for ongoing programs, as, by their nature, they are time-limited, often one-time funding sources. Moreover, the grant program will require arguably greater oversight than the subvention; the grants will be to private, non-profit entities with perhaps less transparency and accountability than local governmental entities.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Veterans of Foreign Wars (Sponsor)
California Association of Veteran Service Agencies
Opposition
None on File.
Analysis Prepared by: John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Assembly Floor
1MIN
Senate Floor
1H
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
1MIN
Assembly Floor
1H
Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
8MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):