Existing law creates the Department of Veterans Affairs, headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, imbued with certain powers and duties with regard to providing services and support to veterans and their dependents and survivors. The department is authorized to cooperate and contract with the duly authorized representative of the United States government in carrying out its duties. Existing law provides various benefits to veterans and their dependents including opportunities for veterans to continue their education. Existing federal law provides educational awards for eligible active duty members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.

This bill would create the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) within the department. The bill would require the CSAAVE to implement federal requirements and administer state requirements for an organization that is seeking authorization to offer education awards under federal law, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to adopt and amend regulations to implement these provisions. This bill would provide that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has signatory authority for the CSAAVE.

Existing law creates the Department of Veterans Affairs, headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, imbued with certain powers and duties with regard to providing services and support to veterans and their dependents and survivors. The department is authorized to cooperate and contract with the duly authorized representative of the United States government in carrying out its duties. Existing law provides various benefits to veterans and their dependents including opportunities for veterans to continue their education. Existing federal law provides educational awards for eligible active duty members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.

This bill would create the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) within the department. The bill would require the CSAAVE to implement federal requirements and administer state requirements for an organization that is seeking authorization to offer education awards under federal law, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to adopt and amend regulations to implement these provisions. This bill would provide that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has signatory authority for the CSAAVE.

Existing law creates the Department of Veterans Affairs, headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, imbued with certain powers and duties with regard to providing services and support to veterans and their dependents and survivors. The department is authorized to cooperate and contract with the duly authorized representative of the United States government in carrying out its duties. Existing law provides various benefits to veterans and their dependents including opportunities for veterans to continue their education. Existing federal law provides educational awards for eligible active duty members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.

This bill would create the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) within the department. The bill would require the CSAAVE to implement federal requirements and administer state requirements for an organization that is seeking authorization to offer education awards under federal law, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to adopt and amend regulations to implement these provisions. This bill would provide that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has signatory authority for the CSAAVE.

 CONSENT  

Bill No: AB 1509

Author: Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs

Introduced: 3/3/25

Vote: 21

SENATE MILITARY & VETERANS COMMITTEE: 5-0, 7/14/25

AYES: Archuleta, Grove, McNerney, Menjivar, Umberg

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0, 5/8/25 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Veterans: educational assistance

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

Codifies the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) under the authority of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and gives CalVet the ability to administer the program and promulgate, amend, and repeal regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

ANALYSIS:

Existing federal law provides federal educational benefit awards members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. (38 United States Code § 3001 et al.)

Existing state law:

1. Establishes that CalVet within the state government has specific powers and duties relating to veterans benefits, including education benefits. (Military and Veterans Code § 699.5 et al.)
2. Establishes the Title 38 award program, which provides student financial aid to military veterans under the administration of CSAAVE. Requires an institution headquartered or operating in California desiring to enroll students eligible for federal Title 38 awards to apply for approval of its courses to CSAAVE, and authorizes CSAAVE to approve the application of the school when the school and its courses satisfy specified criteria and any additional reasonable criteria established by CSAAVE. (Education Code § 67100 et al.)

This bill establishes in statute that CalVet has the authority to administer and promulgate, amend, or repeal regulations under the Administrative Procedures Act relating to CSAAVE.

Background

Institutions that wish to provide Title 38 educational offerings in California must apply and be approved by CSAAVE before offering any educational courses. CSAAVE is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, and overseeing schools and training facilities to ensure state and federal quality criteria are met for veterans using their G.I. Bill funds under Title 38. CSAAVE advocates for quality and diverse education and training opportunities. CSAAVE also assists the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in administering the G.I. Bill.

GI Bill education benefits may be used at qualifying institutions of higher learning (colleges and universities), non-degree institutions (vocational and technical schools), apprenticeship or on-the-job training, flight schools, and licensing and certification exams, where CSAAVE has granted approval. CSAAVE reviews the applications of institutions and entities seeking approval to train and educate eligible recipients of G.I. Bill benefits administered by the VA.

As a condition of approval, CSAAVE conducts on-site and technical visits to monitor compliance with approval standards and the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. CSAAVE also conducts liaison activities designed to provide information, interpretation, or assistance with understanding VA programs and compliance with Title 38. Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting on-site compliance visits to educational institutions and training organizations with approved programs of study.
• Promote and safeguard quality education and training programs for veterans.
• Providing technical assistance with applications for approval.

In the event CSAAVE suspends or disapproves an institution or program based on a violation of Title 38, formal notification is provided to the institution. Notification of school action is also made available to veterans or beneficiaries using GI Bill benefits, by posting information on the CalVet website. CSAAVE reports to USDVA on the status of each institution in California approved for the training and education of veterans and beneficiaries using GI Bill® benefits

Comments

Previously, CSAAVE administration was moved to CalVet from the Department of Consumer Affairs, as one of CalVet's direct missions to provide programs that benefit Veterans within the State of California. This was done through an executive order, rather than legislation. The Office of Administrative Law within CalVet identified a statutory authority issue when the department promulgated regulations relating to CSAAVE.

This bill affirmatively places CSAAVE under the authority of CalVet, including the ability to administer the program and promulgate, amend, and repeal regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, CalVet estimates minor and absorbable costs, if any. CSAAVE has been housed in CalVet since 2007, and is federally funded, operating under an annual reimbursement contract with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT 8/18/25

American Legion

Department of California

Amvets

Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Peace Officers Research Association of California

Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

OPPOSITION 8/18/25

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0, 5/8/25

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Boerner, Carrillo, Ellis, Jeff Gonzalez, Irwin, Celeste Rodriguez

Prepared by: Bill Herms / M.&V.A. / (916) 651-1503

8/21/25 16:45:48

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Senator Bob Archuleta, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: AB 1509 Hearing Date: 7/14/25

Subject: Veterans: educational assistance

DESCRIPTION

Summary:

Codifies the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) under the authority of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and gives CalVet the ability to administer the program and promulgate, amend, and repeal regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

Existing law:

Existing federal law:

1. Provides federal educational benefit awards members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. (38 United States Code § 3001 et al.)

Existing state law:

1. Establishes that CalVet within the state government has specific powers and duties relating to veterans benefits, including education benefits. (Military and Veterans Code § 699.5 et al.)
2. Establishes the Title 38 award program, which provides student financial aid to military veterans under the administration of CSAAVE. Requires an institution headquartered or operating in California desiring to enroll students eligible for federal Title 38 awards to apply for approval of its courses to CSAAVE, and authorizes CSAAVE to approve the application of the school when the school and its courses satisfy specified criteria and any additional reasonable criteria established by CSAAVE. (Education Code § 67100 et al.)

This bill:

Establishes in statute that CalVet has the authority to administer and promulgate, amend, or repeal regulations under the Administrative Procedures Act relating to CSAAVE.

BACKGROUND

Institutions that wish to provide Title 38 educational offerings in California must apply and be approved by CSAAVE before offering any educational courses. CSAAVE is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, and overseeing schools and training facilities to ensure state and federal quality criteria are met for veterans using their G.I. Bill funds under Title 38. CSAAVE advocates for quality and diverse education and training opportunities. CSAAVE also assists the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in administering the G.I. Bill.

GI Bill education benefits may be used at qualifying institutions of higher learning (colleges and universities), non-degree institutions (vocational and technical schools), apprenticeship or on-the-job training, flight schools, and licensing and certification exams, where CSAAVE has granted approval. CSAAVE reviews the applications of institutions and entities seeking approval to train and educate eligible recipients of G.I. Bill benefits administered by the VA.

As a condition of approval, CSAAVE conducts on-site and technical visits to monitor compliance with approval standards and the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. CSAAVE also conducts liaison activities designed to provide information, interpretation, or assistance with understanding VA programs and compliance with Title 38. Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting on-site compliance visits to educational institutions and training organizations with approved programs of study.
• Promote and safeguard quality education and training programs for veterans.
• Providing technical assistance with applications for approval.

In the event CSAAVE suspends or disapproves an institution or program based on a violation of Title 38, formal notification is provided to the institution. Notification of school action is also made available to veterans or beneficiaries using GI Bill benefits, by posting information on the CalVet website. CSAAVE reports to USDVA on the status of each institution in California approved for the training and education of veterans and beneficiaries using GI Bill® benefits

COMMENT

Previously, CSAAVE administration was moved to CalVet from the Department of Consumer Affairs, as one of CalVet's direct missions to provide programs that benefit Veterans within the State of California. This was done through an executive order, rather than legislation. The Office of Administrative Law within CalVet identified a statutory authority issue when the department promulgated regulations relating to CSAAVE.

This bill affirmatively places CSAAVE under the authority of CalVet, including the ability to administer the program and promulgate, amend, and repeal regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, CalVet estimates minor and absorbable costs, if any. CSAAVE has been housed in CalVet since 2007, and is federally funded, operating under an annual reimbursement contract with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

POSITIONS

Sponsor: Author.

Support: American Legion, Department of California

Amvets, Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)

Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

Oppose: None on File.

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 1509

Author:(Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs)

As Introduced Ver:March 3, 2025

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Places the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) under the authority of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). Gives CalVet the ability to administer the program and promulgate, amend, and repeal regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

Major Provisions

COMMENTS

CSAAVE, California's State Approving Agency, is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, and overseeing schools and training facilities to ensure state and federal quality criteria are met for veterans using their G.I. Bill funds under Title 38. CSAAVE advocates for quality and diverse education and training opportunities. CSAAVE also assists the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in administering the G.I. Bill. Since 1944, the G.I. Bill has helped qualifying veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.

CSAAVE evaluates and approves specific educational programs for the use of veterans' education and training benefits, and its goal is to ensure these programs meet minimum quality standards and comply with all federal and state laws and regulations.

Institutions that wish to provide Title 38 educational offerings in California must apply and be approved by CSAAVE before offering any educational courses.

According to the Author

CSAAVE administration was moved to CalVet from the Department of Consumer Affairs, as one of CalVet's direct missions to provide programs that benefit Veterans within the State of California. This was done through an executive order, rather than legislation. CSAAVE is a federally required accrediting body in California.

Arguments in Support

This bill is supported by the American Legion-Department of California, the Vietnam Veterans of America-California State Council, and the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). Supporters state that this bill corrects an issue identified by the Office of Administrative Law when CalVet promulgated regulations relating to CSAAVE. CSAAVE is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, and overseeing schools and training facilities to ensure state and federal quality criteria are met for veterans using their G.I. Bill funds. CSAAVE advocates for quality and diverse education and training opportunities and assists the VA in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in administering the G.I. Bill. PORAC writes that this bill strengthens California's infrastructure for delivering education benefits to veterans. Ensuring there is a dedicated, well-structured agency to oversee veterans' education programs helps guarantee that veterans and their dependents receive high quality, accredited training and educational opportunities.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, CalVet estimates minor and absorbable costs, if any. CSAAVE has been housed in CalVet since 2007, and is federally funded, operating under an annual reimbursement contract with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

VOTES

ASM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS: 7-0-1

YES: Schiavo, Davies, Ávila Farías, Jeff Gonzalez, Michelle Rodriguez, Sharp-Collins, Valencia

ABS, ABST OR NV: Carrillo

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0

YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Elhawary, Fong, Mark González, Hart, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

UPDATED

VERSION: March 3, 2025

CONSULTANT: Patty Patten / M. & V.A. / (916) 319-3550 FN: 0000266

Date of Hearing: April 23, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1509

Author:(Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs) – As Introduced Ver:March 3, 2025

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill codifies the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) under the authority of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), and affirmatively gives CalVet the ability to administer the program and to adopt and amend regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

This bill also provides that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has signatory authority for CSAAVE in adherence with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

FISCAL EFFECT:

CalVet estimates minor and absorbable costs, if any. CSAAVE has been housed in CalVet since 2007, and is federally funded, operating under an annual reimbursement contract with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. This bill seeks to codify CSAAVE to expressly establish in state statute that CalVet has the authority to administer and promulgate, amend, or repeal regulations under the APA relating to CSAAVE. According to the author, this bill addresses an issue identified by the Office of Administrative Law when CalVet promulgated regulations relating to CSAAVE.
2. Background. CSAAVE, housed within CalVet since 2007, is California’s State Approving Agency (SAA), a federally required agency, responsible for the review, evaluation, approval, and oversight of schools and training facilities for veterans using G.I. Bill funds under Title 38 of the United States Code. The GI Bill provides educational awards for eligible active-duty members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Under the authority of federal law, CSAAVE reviews colleges and universities, vocational schools, business schools, professional schools, and licensing and certification training and tests, to ensure these programs meet minimum quality standards and comply with all federal and state laws and regulations. Institutions that wish to provide Title 38 educational offerings in California must apply to and be approved by CSAAVE before offering any educational courses.

Federal law authorizes states to establish state-level "reasonable criteria" for approval. AB 2099 (Frazier), Chapter 676, Statutes of 2014, established minimum requirements for institutions approved by CSAAVE to participate in federal veteran's education benefits; these requirements ensure degree-granting programs are accredited, that for-profit colleges are approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (providing students a complaint resolution process), and that CSAAVE can enact additional reasonable criteria as appropriate.

AB 1731 (Davies), Chapter 380, Statutes of 2022, required CSAAVE, by January 1, 2024, to establish regulations requiring postsecondary educational institutions to provide specified information to CSAAVE as part of an application for approval or renewal.

This bill affirmatively places CSAAVE under the authority of CalVet, clarifying the authority of CalVet to promulgate regulations relating to CSAAVE.

Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Swenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 8, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Pilar Schiavo, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1509 (

Author:Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs) – As Introduced Ver:March 3, 2025

SUBJECT: Veterans: educational assistance.

SUMMARY: Places the California State Accrediting Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) under the authority of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). Gives CalVet the ability to administer the program and promulgate, amend, and repeal regulations as necessary to operate the program in accordance with state and federal laws.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Provides federal educational benefit awards for certain members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. (38 United States Code § 3001 et al.)
2. Establishes that CalVet within the state government has specific powers and duties relating to veterans, including those relating to education benefits. (Military and Veterans Code § 699.5 et al.)
3. Establishes the Title 38 award program, which provides student financial aid to military veterans under the administration of CSAAVE. Requires an institution headquartered or operating in California desiring to enroll students eligible for federal Title 38 awards to apply for approval of its courses to CSAAVE, and authorizes CSAAVE to approve the application of the school when the school and its courses satisfy specified criteria and any additional reasonable criteria established by CSAAVE. (Education Code § 67100 et al.)

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill has not been analyzed by a fiscal committee.

COMMENTS:

1. PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. CSAAVE administration was moved to CalVet from the Department of Consumer Affairs, as one of CalVet’s direct missions to provide programs that benefit Veterans within the State of California. This was done through an executive order, rather than legislation. CSAAVE is a federally required accrediting body in California.
2. BACKGROUND.CSAAVE, California’s State Approving Agency, is responsible for the review, evaluation, approval, and oversight of schools and training facilities to ensure state and federal quality criteria are met for veterans using their G.I. Bill funds under Title 38. CSAAVE advocates for quality and diverse education and training opportunities. CSAAVE also assists the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in the administration of the G.I. Bill. Since 1944, the G.I. Bill has helped qualifying veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.
   
   CSAAVE evaluates and approves specific educational programs for the use of veterans' education and training benefits, and its goal is to ensure these programs meet minimum quality standards and comply with all federal and state laws and regulations.
   
   Institutions that wish to provide Title 38 educational offerings in California must apply and be approved by CSAAVE before offering any educational courses.
3. SUPPORT. This bill is supported by veteran’s organizations such as the American Legion-Department of California and the Vietnam Veterans of America-California State Council and the Peace Officers Research Association of California. Supporters state that this bill corrects an issue identified by the Office of Administrative Law when CalVet promulgated regulations relating to CSAAVE. CSAAVE is responsible for the review, evaluation, approval, and oversight of schools and training facilities to ensure state and federal quality criteria are met for veterans using their G.I. Bill funds. CSAAVE is the advocate for quality and diverse education and training opportunities and assists the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in the administration of the G.I. Bill. PORAC writes that this bill strengthens California’s infrastructure for delivering education benefits to veterans. Ensuring there is a dedicated, well-structured agency to oversee veterans' education programs helps guarantee that veterans and their dependents receive high quality, accredited training and educational opportunities.
4. PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
   1. AB 1731 (Davies), Chapter 380, Statutes of 2022, requires CSAAVE, on or before January 1, 2024, to establish regulations requiring postsecondary educational institutions to provide specified information to CSAAVE as part of an application for approval or renewal.
   2. AB 2099 (Frazier), Chapter 676, Statutes of 2014, established minimum requirements for postsecondary institutions approved by CSAAVE to participate in federal veterans' education benefits.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

American Legion, Department of California

Amvets, Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)

Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Patty Patten / M. & V.A. / (916) 319-3550