Existing law authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a county veterans service officer to perform duties relating to the administration of benefits to veterans. Existing law authorizes the board to prescribe the qualifications of a county veterans service officer and fix the compensation of that officer. Existing law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (department) annually to prepare a report of the activities of county veterans service officers, including information on the number of veterans and their family members who have contacted or utilized the services of the county veterans service offices and the benefits received by veterans and their dependents as a result of the efforts of the county veterans service offices.

This bill would require that a veterans service officer vacancy be filled within 12 months after the date of the vacancy and would require the appointee to obtain and maintain accreditation from the department, as specified, within 9 months after that appointment.

The bill would additionally require the department to establish minimum training requirements for accreditation that would, among other things, improve public awareness of free disability claim resources and ensure proper data collection to track system improvements. The bill would also require the department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by no later than January 1, 2029, to develop and implement a statewide work queue, as defined, for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans. By increasing the duties on local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the department to disburse funds, appropriated to the department for the purpose of supporting county veterans service officers pursuant to the annual Budget Act, on a pro rata basis to a county that complies with certain conditions.

This bill would require the department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for county veterans service offices. The bill would require the department to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact, as specified. The bill would additionally require the department, by no later than January 1, 2029, and every 3 years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office and transmit the report, as specified, to the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.

The bill would require the department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to create a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans for services provided at service offices. The bill would authorize the department to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both guidelines and terms to implement these provisions and would exempt that review, adoption, amendment, or repeal from the Administrative Procedure Act.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a county veterans service officer to perform duties relating to the administration of benefits to veterans. Existing law authorizes the board to prescribe the qualifications of a county veterans service officer and fix the compensation of that officer. Existing law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (department) annually to prepare a report of the activities of county veterans service officers, including information on the number of veterans and their family members who have contacted or utilized the services of the county veterans service offices and the benefits received by veterans and their dependents as a result of the efforts of the county veterans service offices.

This bill would require that a veterans service officer vacancy be filled within 12 months after the date of the vacancy and would require the appointee to obtain and maintain accreditation from the department, as specified, within 9 months after that appointment.

The bill would additionally require the department to establish minimum training requirements for accreditation that would, among other things, improve public awareness of free disability claim resources and ensure proper data collection to track system improvements. The bill would also require the department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by no later than January 1, 2029, to develop and implement a statewide work queue, as defined, for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans. By increasing the duties on local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the department to disburse funds, appropriated to the department for the purpose of supporting county veterans service officers pursuant to the annual Budget Act, on a pro rata basis to a county that complies with certain conditions.

This bill would require the department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for county veterans service offices. The bill would require the department to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact, as specified. The bill would additionally require the department, by no later than January 1, 2029, and every 3 years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office and transmit the report, as specified, to the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.

The bill would require the department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to create a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans for services provided at service offices. The bill would authorize the department to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both guidelines and terms to implement these provisions and would exempt that review, adoption, amendment, or repeal from the Administrative Procedure Act.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a county veterans service officer to perform duties relating to the administration of benefits to veterans. Existing law authorizes the board to prescribe the qualifications of a county veterans service officer and fix the compensation of that officer. Existing law requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs (department) annually to prepare a report of the activities of county veterans service officers, including information on the number of veterans and their family members who have contacted or utilized the services of the county veterans service officers offices and the benefits received by veterans and their dependents as a result of the efforts of the county veterans service officers. offices.

This bill would require that any a veterans service officer vacancy be filled within 12 months after the date of the vacancy and would require the appointee to obtain and maintain accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, department, as specified, within 9 months after that appointment.

The bill would additionally require the California Department of Veterans Affairs department to establish minimum training requirements for accreditation that would, among other things, improve public awareness of free disability claim resources and ensure proper data collection to track system improvements. The bill would also require the California Department of Veterans Affairs, department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by no later than January 1, 2028, 2029, to develop and implement a statewide work queue queue, as defined, for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans. By increasing the duties on local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs department to disburse funds, appropriated to the department for the purpose of supporting county veterans service officers pursuant to the annual Budget Act, on a pro rata basis, basis to a county that complies with certain conditions.

This bill would require the California Department of Veterans Affairs, department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for county veterans service offices. The bill would require the department to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact, as specified. The bill would additionally require the department, by no later than January 1, 2028, 2029, and every 3 years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office and to transmit the report, as specified, to the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.

The bill would also require the California Department of Veterans Affairs, department, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to create a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans for services provided at service offices. The bill would authorize the department to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both guidelines and terms to implement these provisions and would exempt that review, adoption, amendment, or repeal from the Administrative Procedure Act.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a county veterans service officer to perform duties relating to the administration of benefits to veterans. Existing law authorizes the board to prescribe the qualifications of a county veterans service officer and fix the compensation of that officer. Existing law requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs annually to prepare a report of the activities of county veterans service officers, including information on the number of veterans and their family members who have contacted or utilized the services of the county veterans service officers and the benefits received by veterans and their dependents as a result of the efforts of the county veterans service officers.

Existing law authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a county veterans service officer to perform duties relating to the administration of benefits to veterans. Existing law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs annually to prepare a report of the activities of county veterans service officers, including information on the number of veterans and their family members who have contacted or utilized the services of the county veterans service officers and the benefits received by veterans and their dependents as a result of the efforts of the county veterans service officers.

This bill would make a technical, nonsubstantive change to these provisions.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2219

Author: Schiavo (D), et al.

Amended: 4/8/26 in Assembly

Vote: 21

SENATE MILITARY & VETERANS COMMITTEE: 4-0, 6/22/26

AYES: Archuleta, McNerney, Menjivar, Umberg

NO VOTE RECORDED: Grove

SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Durazo, Choi, Arreguín, Ashby, Cervantes, Laird, Seyarto

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/13/26

AYES: Cervantes, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/13/26

AYES: Cervantes, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 70-0, 5/21/26 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Veterans

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill modernizes and standardizes the county veterans service officer program by requiring timely vacancy appointments, California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) accreditation and training standards, improved data collection, a statewide work queue, a service capacity and performance framework, and a statewide digital survey to measure veteran feedback on County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) services.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Permits the board of supervisors of each county to appoint, prescribe the qualifications of, and fix the compensation of a county veterans service officer, who must be a veteran. (Military and Veterans Code Section 970(a).)
2. Requires a county veterans service officer to administer aid provided under state law, investigate claims, applications, or requests for aid, and perform any other veteran-related services requested by the county board of supervisors. (Military and Veterans Code Section 970(b).)
3. Permits two or more counties to jointly establish a single county veterans service office to serve all counties that agree to the joint office. (Military and Veterans Code Section 970(c).)
4. Requires a county veterans service officer to assist veterans, qualified former members of the Armed Forces, and dependents of deceased veterans or qualified former members in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States and establishing rights to benefits, privileges, preferences, care, or compensation under federal or state law. (Military and Veterans Code Section 971(a) and (c).)
5. Requires the compensation and expenses of county veterans service officers to be a county charge, but requires CalVet, out of available state moneys, to pay each county a portion of those costs in an amount determined by CalVet. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972(b).)
6. Provides that funds for county veterans service officers are to be provided in the annual Budget Act, and declares that 50 percent of the amount annually budgeted for county veterans service officers is approximately $11 million. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(a) and (d).)
7. Provides that funds appropriated to CalVet for county veterans service officers are to be disbursed each fiscal year on a pro rata basis to counties that have established and maintain a county veterans service office, in accordance with staffing levels and workload under a performance-based formula developed by CalVet. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(b).)
8. Requires CalVet to annually determine the amount of new or increased monetary benefits paid to eligible veterans by the federal government that are attributable to the assistance of county veterans service officers, and to report that determination to the Department of Finance and the Legislature on or before October 1 of each year. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(c).)
9. Requires the Department of Finance to review CalVet’s determination in time to use the information in the annual Budget Act for CalVet’s budget for the next fiscal year. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(c).)
10. Requires CalVet to annually prepare a report on the activities of county veterans service officers, including the number of veterans and family members served, the number of claims filed, the annualized monetary value of benefits received by veterans and dependents due to county veterans service officer efforts, and a summary of other services, outreach events, Stand Downs, and job fairs. (Military and Veterans Code Section 974(a).)

This bill:

1. Requires a county veterans service officer vacancy to be filled within 12 months after the position becomes vacant.
2. Requires a newly appointed county veterans service officer to obtain and maintain accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through CalVet within nine months after appointment.
3. Requires CalVet to establish minimum training requirements to obtain and maintain accreditation through CalVet. The training requirements must, without limitation, do all of the following:
4. Identify and, where supported by data, address disparities in access to earned benefits based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
5. Improve public awareness of free disability claim resources.
6. Ensure proper data collection to track system improvements.
7. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by no later than January 1, 2029, to develop and implement a statewide work queue for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans.
8. Requires the statewide work queue, by no later than January 1, 2029, to be operational and accessible to all county veterans service officers.
9. Requires CalVet to coordinate with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers on the design, data-sharing protocols, implementation, and integration of the statewide work queue with existing data systems.
10. Provides that participation in the statewide work queue shall not negatively impact performance-based funding calculations.
11. Requires CalVet to establish a separate workload unit category for services provided through the statewide work queue.
12. Defines “statewide work queue” to mean an electronic workload management system under CalVet’s authority that distributes disability claims and appeals among county veterans service offices across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.
13. Authorizes CalVet to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both, to implement these provisions, and exempts those guidelines or terms from the Administrative Procedure Act.
14. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for county veterans service offices.
15. Requires CalVet, before implementing any substantial modification to the funding allocation methodology, to submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact.
16. Requires the service capacity and performance framework to consider factors including, but not limited to:
17. The size of the veteran population.
18. Workload activity.
19. Geographic access.
20. The participation rate of veterans at that office.
21. The value of new or increased federal benefits obtained.
22. The organizational structure of the office.
23. Service-related measures that indicate the experience of a veteran receiving services from an office.
24. Prohibits the framework from treating participation in the statewide work queue as a negative metric when measuring a county veterans service office’s performance.
25. Requires CalVet, by no later than January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office.
26. Requires the report to include all of the following:
27. The location of each county veterans service office, including satellite, mobile, and remote capabilities, and hours of operation for in-person and virtual appointments.
28. The number of employees in each office, including employees whose primary duties support veterans benefits claims, employees in administrative roles, supervisors, and employees dedicated to outreach or specialized service populations.
29. The organizational placement of the county veterans service office within county government and its reporting relationship.
30. The primary sources of funding supporting the office, including county general fund support, state allocations, federal grants, and other grant-based or restricted funding streams.
31. A description of cross-program collaboration and services provided in coordination with employment services, behavioral health services, housing and homelessness programs, justice-involved veteran programs, and other initiatives serving at-risk veteran populations.
32. Requires CalVet to transmit the report to the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.
33. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices.
34. Requires the survey platform to measure access, trust, service effectiveness, and overall experience while minimizing administrative burdens on counties.
35. Requires CalVet, to the extent feasible, to use existing reporting mechanisms and data systems to minimize administrative burdens on counties.
36. Provides that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill contains state-mandated costs, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to existing law.

Background

County veterans service officers are the primary local point of contact for many veterans and their families seeking assistance with federal, state, and local benefits. Their services are provided free of charge and include assistance with disability compensation, pensions, health care, education, employment, housing-related referrals, family support, and other services that help veterans successfully transition to and remain stable in civilian life.

To assist veterans and their families in navigating the claims process, 29 states, including California, use the county veterans service officer model, while six states use a state service officer model. California’s system is locally administered, which means that services may vary significantly by county. Offices may differ in staffing levels, county government placement, appointment availability, walk-in access, after-hours services, virtual services, satellite or mobile service options, outreach capacity, and coordination with other local programs.

CalVet currently collects certain annual information on county veterans service office activity, including the number of veterans and family members served, claims filed, benefits obtained, and other services provided. However, the current reporting structure does not fully capture the configuration, structure, staffing, operating model, funding sources, demographic information, or veteran experience across offices. These gaps can make it more difficult to compare service capacity across counties, identify barriers to access, or determine where additional support, training, coordination, or resources may be needed.

County veterans service officers also generate measurable financial benefits for veterans and their families by helping them obtain new or increased federal benefits. According to the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers’ annual report, “California county veterans service officers secured more than $687 million in new and increased federal benefits for veterans and their families.” Beyond the direct monetary value of claims, county veterans service officers help veterans and dependents access long-term health care, education benefits, family stability, and recognition of service-connected conditions or other earned benefits.

Comments

According to the author: “AB 2219, the Faster Service for Veterans Act! Last year, while working on SB 694, I made it my mission to connect with colleagues, stakeholders, and our amazing veterans. It was vital to me to hear what we’re doing right in linking veterans and their families with the benefits and services they've earned, as well as to discover areas where we can create impactful enhancements.

CVSOs, are incredible local champions who embody the spirit of duty! They stand at the dynamic crossroads where policy merges with the brave individuals who have served our nation. But they do so much more than just advocate for benefits! CVSOs are essential in linking veterans to amazing opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, and family support—helping to foster a strong sense of purpose, stability, and belonging.

AB 2219 will accelerate the modernization of assistance delivery to veterans, facilitate easier access to their benefits, and provide more efficient support to those who have selflessly served our nation. This bill improves collaboration between CalVet and CVSOs to ensure that California’s veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they truly deserve.”

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

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

• The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) estimates one-time General Fund costs of approximately $500,000 over two years for two research staff and administrative support to conduct the study regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each CVSO. Subsequent reports that are due every three years will each result in additional, unknown General Fund costs that are likely to be less than the cost of the initial report.
• This bill could result in additional, unknown local costs to counties to administer the digital veteran satisfaction survey designed to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices. These activities could be determined to be reimbursable by the Commission on State Mandates.

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/14/26)

American Legion, Department of California
AMVETS, Department of California
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
California Association of Veterans Service Agencies (CAVSA)
California State Commanders Veterans Council
City of Fairfield
Los Angeles County
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
Shasta County Board of Supervisors
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/14/26)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 70-0, 5/21/26

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

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Chen, Gabriel, Garcia, Hoover, Lackey, Lowenthal, Ramos, Celeste Rodriguez, Wilson

Prepared by: Diego Nelson / M.&V.A. / (916) 651-1503

8/14/26 15:38:19

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Sabrina Cervantes, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular Session

AB 2219 (Schiavo) - Veterans

Bill Summary:

This bill makes various changes intended to modernize the county veterans service officer program, including the requirement for timely vacancy appointments, CalVet accreditation and training standards, and a statewide digital survey to measure veteran feedback on County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) services.

Fiscal Impact:

• The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) estimates one-time General Fund costs of approximately $500,000 over two years for two research staff and administrative support to conduct the study regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each CVSO. Subsequent reports that are due every three years will each result in additional, unknown General Fund costs that are likely to be less than the cost of the initial report.
• This bill could result in additional, unknown local costs to counties to administer the digital veteran satisfaction survey designed to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices. These activities could be determined to be reimbursable by the Commission on State Mandates.

Background:

Existing law permits the board of supervisors of each county to appoint, prescribe the qualifications of, and fix the compensation of a county veterans service officer, who must be a veteran.

Existing law requires a county veterans service officer to administer aid provided under state law, investigate claims, applications, or requests for aid, and perform any other veteran-related services requested by the county board of supervisors.

Existing law permits two or more counties to jointly establish a single county veterans service office to serve all counties that agree to the joint office.

Existing law requires a county veterans service officer to assist veterans, qualified former members of the Armed Forces, and dependents of deceased veterans or qualified former members in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States and establishing rights to benefits, privileges, preferences, care, or compensation under federal or state law. It requires the compensation and expenses of county veterans service officers to be a county charge, but requires CalVet, out of available state moneys, to pay each county a portion of those costs in an amount determined by CalVet.

Proposed Law:

This bill requires a county veterans service officer vacancy to be filled within 12 months after the position becomes vacant.

This bill requires a newly appointed county veterans service officer to obtain and maintain accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through CalVet within nine months after appointment.

This bill requires CalVet to establish minimum training requirements to obtain and maintain accreditation through CalVet, as specified.

This bill requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by no later than January 1, 2029, to develop and implement a statewide work queue for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans. It requires the statewide work queue, by no later than January 1, 2029, to be operational and accessible to all county veterans service officers.

This bill requires CalVet to coordinate with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers on the design, data-sharing protocols, implementation, and integration of the statewide work queue with existing data systems. It provides that participation in the statewide work queue shall not negatively impact performance-based funding calculations.

This bill requires CalVet to establish a separate workload unit category for services provided through the statewide work queue.

This bill defines “statewide work queue” to mean an electronic workload management system under CalVet’s authority that distributes disability claims and appeals among county veterans service offices across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.

This bill authorizes CalVet to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both, to implement these provisions, and exempts those guidelines or terms from the Administrative Procedure Act.

This bill requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for county veterans service offices.

This bill requires CalVet, before implementing any substantial modification to the funding allocation methodology, to submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact.

This bill requires the service capacity and performance framework to consider factors, as specified. It prohibits the framework from treating participation in the statewide work queue as a negative metric when measuring a county veterans service office’s performance.

This bill requires CalVet, by no later than January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office, as specified. CalVet shall transmit the report to the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.

This bill requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices. It requires the survey platform to measure access, trust, service effectiveness, and overall experience while minimizing administrative burdens on counties.

This bill requires CalVet, to the extent feasible, to use existing reporting mechanisms and data systems to minimize administrative burdens on counties.

Staff Comments:

County veterans service officers are the primary local point of contact for many veterans and their families seeking assistance with federal, state, and local benefits. Their services are provided free of charge and include assistance with disability compensation, pensions, health care, education, employment, housing-related referrals, family support, and other services that help veterans successfully transition to and remain stable in civilian life. According to the author: “County Veteran Service Officers, or CVSOs, are incredible local champions who embody the spirit of duty! They stand at the dynamic crossroads where policy merges with the brave individuals who have served our nation. But they do so much more than just advocate for benefits! CVSOs are essential in linking veterans to amazing opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, and family support—helping to foster a strong sense of purpose, stability, and belonging.

AB 2219 will accelerate the modernization of assistance delivery to veterans, facilitate easier access to their benefits, and provide more efficient support to those who have selflessly served our nation. This bill improves collaboration between CalVet and CVSOs to ensure that California’s veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they truly deserve.”

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Senator María Elena Durazo, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Veterans

Modernizes and standardizes the county veterans service officer program.

Background

County governance. Counties fall into two types: “general law” and “charter.” General law counties are organized according to the generally applicable laws for county governance established by the Legislature that set the number, appointment, and election procedures for county officials, including the board of supervisors.

Charter counties have greater leeway to determine their own governance structure, including to elect additional supervisors and appoint or elect additional officers. A new charter, or the amendment of an existing charter, may be proposed by the board of supervisors, a charter commission, or an initiative petition. There are 14 charter counties: Alameda, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Tehama. Most large counties are charter counties: eight of the ten largest counties by population have adopted charters.

All counties elect or appoint a variety of county officials. The California Constitution requires all counties to elect a sheriff, district attorney, assessor, and board of supervisors, and provides that the board of supervisors sets the number, compensation, tenure, and appointment of employees. State law lists the officers that general law counties must have.

County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO). State law allows, but does not require, counties to appoint CVSOs. CVSO’s are the primary local point of contact for many veterans and their families seeking assistance with federal, state, and local benefits. CVSOs serve as a link between veterans and the wide array of benefits, services, and community networks essential for long-term success following military service. Their services are provided free of charge and include assistance with disability compensation, pensions, health care, education, employment, housing-related referrals, family support, and other services. California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and CVSOs work together to help ensure veterans and their families are represented by trained and accredited professions, with CVSOs serving as the front-line support for veterans and their families, while CalVet assists with claims development, representation, and appeals.

California’s system is locally administered, which means that services may vary significantly by county. Offices may differ in staffing levels, county government placement, appointment availability, walk-in access, after-hours services, virtual services, satellite or mobile service options, outreach capacity, and coordination with other local programs. Currently, 57 out of California’s 58 counties have CVSOs.

The author seeks to enhance collaboration between CalVet and CVSO’s to help veterans and family members receive consistent and effective access to benefits and services.

Proposed Law

Assembly Bill 2219 makes changes to the CVSO position and directs CalVet to standardize certain procedures.

CVSOs. AB 2219 allows each county to prescribe the qualifications of the county service officer except that the appointee must obtain and maintain accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through CalVet within nine months after appointment and develop minimum training requirements necessary for accreditation, including to:

• Identify and address disparities in access to earned benefits based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation as supported by data;
• Improve public awareness of free disability claim resources; and
• Ensure proper data collection to track system improvements.

If a vacancy occurs in the position, AB 2219 requires it to be filled within 12 months .

CalVet processes. AB 2219 requires CalVet, by January 1, 2029, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CACVSO), to develop and implement a statewide work queue for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans. The “statewide work queue” is an electronic workload management system under the authority of the department that distributes disability claims and appeals among county veterans services offices across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.

CalVet and CACVSO must coordinate on the design, data-sharing protocols, and implementation of the statewide work queue. The statewide work queue must be operational and accessible to all county veterans service officers by January 1, 2029. The bill also states that participation in the statewide work queue must not negatively impact performance-based funding calculations and CalVet must establish a separate workload unit category for services provided through the statewide work queue.

AB 2219 requires CalVet, in consultation with CACVSO, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for CVSOs. However, before implementing any substantial modification to the funding allocation methodology, CalVet needs to submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact. The service capacity and performance framework must consider the following:

• The size of the veteran population;
• Workload activity;
• Geographic access;
• The participation rate of veterans at that office;
• The value of new or increased federal benefits obtained;
• The organizational structure of the office; and
• Service-related measures that indicate the experience of a veteran receiving services from an office.

AB 2219 requires CalVet, by no later than January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office. The report must include:

• The location of each county veterans service office, including satellite, mobile, and remote capabilities, and hours of operation for in-person and virtual appointments;
• The number of employees in each office, including employees whose primary duties support veterans benefits claims, employees in administrative roles, supervisors, and employees dedicated to outreach or specialized service populations;
• The organizational placement of the county veterans service office within county government and its reporting relationship;
• The primary sources of funding supporting the office, including county general fund support, state allocations, federal grants, and other grant-based or restricted funding streams;
• A description of cross-program collaboration and services provided in coordination with employment services, behavioral health services, housing and homelessness programs, justice-involved veteran programs, and other initiatives serving at-risk veteran populations; and
• A copy of the report is to be shared with the Legislature, Department of Finance, State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.

AB 2219 also states that CalVet, in consultation with CACVSO, must develop a statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices. The platform must be designed to measure access, trust, service effectiveness, and overall experience while minimizing administrative burdens on counties.

Comments

1. Purpose of the bill. According to the author, “AB 2219, the Faster Service for Veterans Act! Last year, while working on SB 694, I made it my mission to connect with colleagues, stakeholders, and our amazing veterans. It was vital to me to hear what we’re doing right in linking veterans and their families with the benefits and services they've earned, as well as to discover areas where we can create impactful enhancements.

“County Veteran Service Officers, or CVSOs, are incredible local champions who embody the spirit of duty! They stand at the dynamic crossroads where policy merges with the brave individuals who have served our nation. But they do so much more than just advocate for benefits! CVSOs are essential in linking veterans to amazing opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, and family support—helping to foster a strong sense of purpose, stability, and belonging.

“AB 2219 will accelerate the modernization of assistance delivery to veterans, facilitate easier access to their benefits, and provide more efficient support to those who have selflessly served our nation. This bill improves collaboration between CalVet and CVSOs to ensure that California’s veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they truly deserve.”

2. Don’t need to worry. Current law does not require counties to appoint CVSO’s, although 57 out of 58 counties currently employ one. The County of Alpine currently does not have a CVSO. AB 2219 requires a county to fill a vacancy, if there is one. While the practical impact may be limited because nearly every county already has a CVSO, the bill removes local discretion to leave the position vacant and could create an administrative obligation for counties to recruit and appoint a replacement when a vacancy occurs.

3. Mandate. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local governments for the costs of new or expanded state mandated local programs. Because AB 2219 adds to the duties of local officials, Legislative Counsel says the bill imposes a new state mandate. But AB 2219 disclaims the state’s responsibility for providing reimbursement by citing local governments’ authority to charge for the costs of implementing the bill’s provisions.

4. Incoming! The Senate Rules Committee has ordered a double referral of AB 2219: first to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs which approved AB 2219 at its June 23^rd hearing on a vote of 4-0, and second to the Committee on Local Government.

Assembly Actions

Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee: 8-0

Assembly Appropriations Committee: 15-0

Assembly Floor: 70-0

Support and Opposition

(6/26/26)

Support: American Legion, Department of California
Amvets - Department of California
Amvets, Department of California
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
California State Commanders Veterans Council
City of Fairfield
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
Shasta County Board of Supervisors
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

Opposition: None Submitted

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Senator Bob Archuleta, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: AB 2219 Hearing Date: 6/22/26

Subject: Veterans

DESCRIPTION

Summary:

Modernizes and standardizes the county veterans service officer program by requiring timely vacancy appointments, CalVet accreditation and training standards, improved data collection, a statewide work queue, a service capacity and performance framework, and a statewide digital survey to measure veteran feedback on CVSO services.

Existing law:

1. Permits the board of supervisors of each county to appoint, prescribe the qualifications of, and fix the compensation of a county veterans service officer, who must be a veteran. (Military and Veterans Code Section 970(a).)
2. Requires a county veterans service officer to administer aid provided under state law, investigate claims, applications, or requests for aid, and perform any other veteran-related services requested by the county board of supervisors. (Military and Veterans Code Section 970(b).)
3. Permits two or more counties to jointly establish a single county veterans service office to serve all counties that agree to the joint office. (Military and Veterans Code Section 970(c).)
4. Requires a county veterans service officer to assist veterans, qualified former members of the Armed Forces, and dependents of deceased veterans or qualified former members in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States and establishing rights to benefits, privileges, preferences, care, or compensation under federal or state law. (Military and Veterans Code Section 971(a) and (c).)
5. Requires the compensation and expenses of county veterans service officers to be a county charge, but requires CalVet, out of available state moneys, to pay each county a portion of those costs in an amount determined by CalVet. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972(b).)
6. Provides that funds for county veterans service officers are to be provided in the annual Budget Act, and declares that 50 percent of the amount annually budgeted for county veterans service officers is approximately $11 million. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(a) and (d).)
7. Provides that funds appropriated to CalVet for county veterans service officers are to be disbursed each fiscal year on a pro rata basis to counties that have established and maintain a county veterans service office, in accordance with staffing levels and workload under a performance-based formula developed by CalVet. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(b).)
8. Requires CalVet to annually determine the amount of new or increased monetary benefits paid to eligible veterans by the federal government that are attributable to the assistance of county veterans service officers, and to report that determination to the Department of Finance and the Legislature on or before October 1 of each year. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(c).)
9. Requires the Department of Finance to review CalVet’s determination in time to use the information in the annual Budget Act for CalVet’s budget for the next fiscal year. (Military and Veterans Code Section 972.1(c).)
10. Requires CalVet to annually prepare a report on the activities of county veterans service officers, including the number of veterans and family members served, the number of claims filed, the annualized monetary value of benefits received by veterans and dependents due to county veterans service officer efforts, and a summary of other services, outreach events, Stand Downs, and job fairs. (Military and Veterans Code Section 974(a).)\

This bill:

1. Requires a county veterans service officer vacancy to be filled within 12 months after the position becomes vacant.
2. Requires a newly appointed county veterans service officer to obtain and maintain accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through CalVet within nine months after appointment.
3. Requires CalVet to establish minimum training requirements to obtain and maintain accreditation through CalVet. The training requirements must, without limitation, do all of the following:
   • Identify and, where supported by data, address disparities in access to earned benefits based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
   • Improve public awareness of free disability claim resources.
   • Ensure proper data collection to track system improvements.
4. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by no later than January 1, 2029, to develop and implement a statewide work queue for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans.
5. Requires the statewide work queue, by no later than January 1, 2029, to be operational and accessible to all county veterans service officers.
6. Requires CalVet to coordinate with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers on the design, data-sharing protocols, implementation, and integration of the statewide work queue with existing data systems.
7. Provides that participation in the statewide work queue shall not negatively impact performance-based funding calculations.
8. Requires CalVet to establish a separate workload unit category for services provided through the statewide work queue.
9. Defines “statewide work queue” to mean an electronic workload management system under CalVet’s authority that distributes disability claims and appeals among county veterans service offices across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.
10. Authorizes CalVet to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both, to implement these provisions, and exempts those guidelines or terms from the Administrative Procedure Act.
11. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations for county veterans service offices.
12. Requires CalVet, before implementing any substantial modification to the funding allocation methodology, to submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact.
13. Requires the service capacity and performance framework to consider factors including, but not limited to:

• The size of the veteran population.
• Workload activity.
• Geographic access.
• The participation rate of veterans at that office.
• The value of new or increased federal benefits obtained.
• The organizational structure of the office.
• Service-related measures that indicate the experience of a veteran receiving services from an office.

1. Prohibits the framework from treating participation in the statewide work queue as a negative metric when measuring a county veterans service office’s performance.
2. Requires CalVet, by no later than January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each county veterans service office.
3. Requires the report to include all of the following:

• The location of each county veterans service office, including satellite, mobile, and remote capabilities, and hours of operation for in-person and virtual appointments.
• The number of employees in each office, including employees whose primary duties support veterans benefits claims, employees in administrative roles, supervisors, and employees dedicated to outreach or specialized service populations.
• The organizational placement of the county veterans service office within county government and its reporting relationship.
• The primary sources of funding supporting the office, including county general fund support, state allocations, federal grants, and other grant-based or restricted funding streams.
• A description of cross-program collaboration and services provided in coordination with employment services, behavioral health services, housing and homelessness programs, justice-involved veteran programs, and other initiatives serving at-risk veteran populations.

1. Requires CalVet to transmit the report to the Legislature, the Department of Finance, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Veterans Board.
2. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices.
3. Requires the survey platform to measure access, trust, service effectiveness, and overall experience while minimizing administrative burdens on counties.
4. Requires CalVet, to the extent feasible, to use existing reporting mechanisms and data systems to minimize administrative burdens on counties.
5. Provides that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill contains state-mandated costs, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to existing law.

BACKGROUND

County veterans service officers are the primary local point of contact for many veterans and their families seeking assistance with federal, state, and local benefits. Their services are provided free of charge and include assistance with disability compensation, pensions, health care, education, employment, housing-related referrals, family support, and other services that help veterans successfully transition to and remain stable in civilian life.

To assist veterans and their families in navigating the claims process, 29 states, including California, use the county veterans service officer model, while six states use a state service officer model. California’s system is locally administered, which means that services may vary significantly by county. Offices may differ in staffing levels, county government placement, appointment availability, walk-in access, after-hours services, virtual services, satellite or mobile service options, outreach capacity, and coordination with other local programs.

CalVet currently collects certain annual information on county veterans service office activity, including the number of veterans and family members served, claims filed, benefits obtained, and other services provided. However, the current reporting structure does not fully capture the configuration, structure, staffing, operating model, funding sources, demographic information, or veteran experience across offices. These gaps can make it more difficult to compare service capacity across counties, identify barriers to access, or determine where additional support, training, coordination, or resources may be needed.

County veterans service officers also generate measurable financial benefits for veterans and their families by helping them obtain new or increased federal benefits. According to the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers’ annual report, California county veterans service officers secured more than $687 million in new and increased federal benefits for veterans and their families. Beyond the direct monetary value of claims, county veterans service officers help veterans and dependents access long-term health care, education benefits, family stability, and recognition of service-connected conditions or other earned benefits.

COMMENT

According to the author: “AB 2219, the Faster Service for Veterans Act! Last year, while working on SB 694, I made it my mission to connect with colleagues, stakeholders, and our amazing veterans. It was vital to me to hear what we’re doing right in linking veterans and their families with the benefits and services they've earned, as well as to discover areas where we can create impactful enhancements.

County Veteran Service Officers, or CVSOs, are incredible local champions who embody the spirit of duty! They stand at the dynamic crossroads where policy merges with the brave individuals who have served our nation. But they do so much more than just advocate for benefits! CVSOs are essential in linking veterans to amazing opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, and family support—helping to foster a strong sense of purpose, stability, and belonging.

AB 2219 will accelerate the modernization of assistance delivery to veterans, facilitate easier access to their benefits, and provide more efficient support to those who have selflessly served our nation. This bill improves collaboration between CalVet and CVSOs to ensure that California’s veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they truly deserve.”

Current law permits counties to appoint county veterans service officers but does not establish a specific timeline for filling a vacancy. When a county veterans service officer position remains vacant, veterans in that county may lose or experience delays in accessing their primary local source of benefits assistance. This bill requires a vacancy to be filled within 12 months and requires the appointee to obtain and maintain accreditation through CalVet within nine months of appointment.

This bill requires CalVet to establish minimum training requirements for accreditation. Those requirements must include identifying and addressing disparities in access to earned benefits where supported by data, improving public awareness of free disability claim resources, and ensuring proper data collection to track system improvements. These provisions are intended to strengthen consistency across counties and improve the ability of CalVet and county veterans service offices to identify gaps in access.

The bill requires CalVet and the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers to develop and implement a statewide work queue by January 1, 2029. The work queue would create an electronic workload management system under CalVet’s authority to distribute disability claims and appeals among county veterans service offices across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.

This structure could help veterans in counties with staffing shortages, vacancies, or high demand receive assistance from another county veterans service office with available capacity. The bill also protects county veterans service offices from being penalized in performance-based funding calculations for participating in the statewide work queue and requires a separate workload unit category for services provided through the queue.

Existing law requires CalVet to distribute state funds to county veterans service offices using a formula based on staffing level, workload, and performance. AB 2219 requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, to develop a broader service capacity and performance framework to inform future funding allocations. The framework must consider veteran population, workload activity, geographic access, veteran participation rates, the value of new or increased federal benefits obtained, organizational structure, and service-related measures reflecting the veteran’s experience. The bill does not immediately revise the funding formula. Instead, before implementing any substantial modification to the allocation methodology, CalVet must submit a report to the Legislature describing the proposed framework and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact.

AB 2219 requires CalVet, by January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare a report analyzing the structure, configuration, and operations of each county veterans service office. This report must include office locations, satellite and mobile services, virtual capabilities, hours of operation, staffing levels, county government placement, funding sources, and collaboration with programs serving veterans with employment, behavioral health, housing, homelessness, justice-involved, and other needs. This reporting requirement is intended to provide a clearer statewide picture of how county veterans service offices operate and how service capacity differs across counties.

The bill requires CalVet and the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers to develop a standardized statewide digital survey platform to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services. The survey must measure access, trust, service effectiveness, and overall experience while minimizing administrative burdens on counties. This approach shifts part of the evaluation of county veterans service office performance beyond workload and claims metrics to include the experience of veterans receiving services. Measuring access, trust, effectiveness, and overall experience may help CalVet and county veterans service offices identify service gaps, administrative barriers, and opportunities for improvement.

POSITIONS

Sponsor: Author.

Support: American Legion, Department of California
AMVETS, Department of California
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
California State Commanders Veterans Council
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
City of Fairfield

Oppose: None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 2219

Author:(Schiavo)

As Amended Ver:April 8, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Enhances the collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs). Improves accreditation training CalVet provides CVSOs to reduce disparities, improve public awareness, and update data collection.

Major Provisions

COMMENTS

1. History of Veterans′ Benefits. The support for veterans′ benefits can be traced back to the Continental Congress of 1776, which enacted pensions for disabled soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, support was extended to widows and dependents of veterans. Founded at the height of the Great Depression, the Veterans Administration was formerly an independent government agency. It was elevated to a cabinet department in 1989 and renamed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provided and continues to provide medical care, benefits, and essential services to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The VA has a long history of achievements and persistent challenges. They have faced criticism for their long wait times and slow processing of benefits. In addition to providing some health care services and disability compensation, the VA also provides vocational rehabilitation, education assistance, home loans, life insurance, and burial benefits to eligible veterans.
2. County Veteran Service Officers. CVSOs operate at the intersection of policy and people, providing vital support to veterans in offices of varying sizes and often under challenging conditions. CVSOs serve as the critical link between veterans and the wide array of benefits, services, and community networks essential for long-term success following military service. Fifty-six of California′s 58 counties have CVSOs. The services provided by CVSOs are free to veterans and their families. CalVet and CVSOs are partners in California, with CVSOs serving as the front-line support for veterans and their families, while CalVet assists with claims development, representation, and appeals. CVSOs are a critical component in the state′s efforts to work directly with individual veterans and their families to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they earned through their service to our nation. In addition to advocating for benefits, CVSOs also assist veterans in accessing employment, education, healthcare, family support, and opportunities that promote a sense of purpose, stability, and belonging. What sets this system apart is not only its extensive reach but also its dependable nature; when veterans reach out for assistance, CVSOs are consistently available to help. Both the VA and the State of California offer resources and services to help veterans navigate the claims process. To assist veterans and their families in navigating the claims process, 29 states, including California, use the CVSO model, and six states use a state service officer model. The financial impact that CVSOs make for veterans and their families is easy to measure. According to the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers annual report, the amount of new and increased federal benefits CVSOs were able to secure was more than $687 million. What is not easy to measure are the most meaningful outcomes that are not captured in standard metrics: a veteran connected to lifetime health care; a surviving spouse able to pursue education; a family restored to stability; a long-overdue recognition that restores dignity and pride. These outcomes are the direct result of the partnership, expertise, and advocacy of CVSOs and CalVet.

According to the Author

This bill, known as the Faster Service for Veterans Act, will speed up the modernization of delivering assistance to veterans, facilitate easier access to their benefits and more efficient support in the process. This bill fosters a stronger partnership between CalVet and CVSOs, directs the collection of more meaningful data, and will structure the offices in a way to better serve veterans. Additionally, it will establish a reliable satisfaction survey to promptly identify areas for improvement and make real-time adjustments. With this bill, we will ensure no veteran is overlooked in our commitment to their well-being.

Arguments in Support

CACVSO writes in support of this bill that navigating the landscape of veteran benefits, from disability compensation and pensions to educational support and healthcare, can be an overwhelming process. CVSOs are a cornerstone of the state and county veteran service model because we provide the direct, localized expertise required to guide veterans through these complex systems. CVSOs rely heavily on CalVet for the thorough uniform training and oversight necessary to deliver high-quality claims support. While strong local and state partnerships have long sustained our work, this bill represents a crucial step toward modernizing our network and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to our offices. CACVSO continues that beyond staffing, this bill tackles current hurdles by establishing a centralized, statewide work queue. This forward-thinking approach will allow veterans to connect with our representatives much more efficiently, significantly cutting down on wait times for remote appointments. Coupled with streamlined, statewide training requirements, this bill will foster greater expertise across California. It helps guarantee that veterans, service members, and their families will receive the exact same level of accurate, expert guidance regardless of which county they call home. Numerous Congressionally chartered veteran organizations also wrote in support stating, CVSOs are the frontline connection for veterans navigating federal benefits. Current law permits counties to appoint CVSOs but sets no timeline for filling vacancies and no statewide standards for service delivery. When a CVSO position sits vacant, veterans in that county lose their primary point of access to earned benefits -- and the state loses the federal dollars those benefits bring into local economies. This bill addresses these gaps directly by requiring the vacancies to be filled within 12 months, mandates VA accreditation within nine months of appointment, and directs CalVet to stand up a statewide work queue by January 1, 2028. The work queue is particularly significant -- it would allow veterans in underserved or understaffed counties to access claims assistance through any participating CVSO office rather than waiting for their local office to have capacity. This bill also establishes a service capacity and performance framework that ties funding to measurable outcomes while protecting offices that participate in the statewide queue from being penalized in performance calculations.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. CalVet estimates one-time General Fund (GF) costs of approximately $500,000 over two years for two research staff and administrative support to conduct the study regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each CVSO. The initial report is due January 1, 2029. Subsequent reports are due every three years, which will each result ongoing, intermittent GF costs of an unknown amount, but likely less than the cost of the initial report.
2. CalVet indicates all other costs are minor and absorbable.
3. Local costs to counties of an unknown amount to administer the digital veteran satisfaction survey designed to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices. The bill requires CACVSO to consult with CalVet in the development of the digital survey platform and requires CalVet, to the extent feasible, to utilize existing reporting mechanisms and data systems to minimize administrative burden on counties. These costs are potentially reimbursable by the state, subject to a determination by the Commission on State Mandates.

The Legislative Analyst′s Office recently warned of General Fund structural deficits of around $35 billion per year in the 2027-28 fiscal year and ongoing.

VOTES

ASM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS: 8-0-0

YES: Schiavo, Jeff Gonzalez, Ávila Farías, Carrillo, Davies, Irwin, Quirk-Silva, Valencia

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Aguiar-Curry, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

UPDATED

VERSION: April 8, 2026

CONSULTANT: Patty Patten / M. & V.A. / (916) 319-3550 FN: 0002671

Date of Hearing: April 29, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2219

Author:(Schiavo) – As Amended Ver:April 8, 2026

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

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to take several actions related to County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) for the purpose of improving services to veterans, including filling CVSO vacancies more quickly, establishing a statewide work queue for appointments and claims assistance, improving data collection and reporting, and creating a statewide survey to measure service effectiveness.

Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires a CVSO vacancy be filled within 12 months and the appointee to obtain and maintain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accreditation through CalVet within nine months of being appointed.
2. Requires CalVet to establish minimum training requirements for accreditation that must include, but not be limited to, identifying and addressing disparities in accessing veterans’ benefits, improving public awareness of free VA disability claim resources, and ensuring proper data collection to monitor system improvements.
3. Requires CalVet, by January 1, 2029, and in consultation with the California Association of CVSOs (CACVSO), to establish and make accessible to all CVSOs a “statewide work queue” for appointments, claims assistance, and other services provided to veterans and prohibits participation in the statewide work queue from negatively impacting performance-based funding calculations for CVSOs.
4. Defines “statewide work queue” to mean an electronic workload management system under the authority of CalVet that distributes disability claims and appeals to CVSOs across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.
5. Requires CalVet, in consultation with CACVSO to create a service capacity and performance framework to inform funding allocations to CVSOs that considers specified factors.
6. Requires CalVet to report to the Legislature on the proposed framework in item 5, above, and its anticipated fiscal and operational impact prior to implementation.
7. Requires CalVet, by January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare and provide to the Department of Finance (DOF) and others, a report detailing the configuration, structure, and operations of each CVSO.
8. Requires CalVet in consultation with the CACVSO to develop a unified state-wide standard digital survey, as specified, to measure veteran satisfaction with CVSO services that utilizes, to the extent feasible, existing reporting mechanisms and data systems to minimize county administrative burden.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. CalVet estimates one-time General Fund (GF) costs of approximately $500,000 over two years for two research staff and administrative support to conduct the study regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each CVSO. The initial report is due January 1, 2029. Subsequent reports are due every three years, which will each result ongoing, intermittent GF costs of an unknown amount, but likely less than the cost of the initial report.
2. CalVet indicates all other costs are minor and absorbable.
3. Local costs to counties of an unknown amount to administer the digital veteran satisfaction survey designed to collect feedback from veterans following appointments or services provided by county veterans service offices. The bill requires CACVSO to consult with CalVet in the development of the digital survey platform and requires CalVet, to the extent feasible, to utilize existing reporting mechanisms and data systems to minimize administrative burden on counties. These costs are potentially reimbursable by the state, subject to a determination by the Commission on State Mandates.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office recently warned of General Fund structural deficits of around $35 billion per year in the 2027-28 fiscal year and ongoing.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

This bill enhances collaboration between CalVet and CVSOs to ensure California’s veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they truly deserve. This bill will better identify needs, improve access, and ensure no veteran falls through the cracks.

1. Background. CVSOs, located in 56 of California’s 58 counties, assist veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services accrued through military service and are authorized to represent veterans in the process for claiming federal benefits they are entitled to. Due to historically low levels of receipt of benefits by California’s veterans, existing law authorizes annual funding in the state budget to CalVet for allocation to CVSOs to assist veterans in claiming benefits.

By assisting veterans with accessing their benefits, CVSOs bring additional federal funds into the state economy, and potentially reduce the dependence of veterans on state and local programs. Existing law requires CalVet to collect information on the additional federal veterans’ benefits California veterans receive due to assistance by CVSOs and to report this information the state Department of Finance for consideration in CalVet’s annual budget determination. According to CalVet, during the 2024-25 fiscal year, CVSOs assisted California veterans in accessing $687 million in federal benefits.

Existing law authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a “county veterans service officer,” who must be a veteran, but sets no time limit for filling a vacancy and no statewide standards for service delivery.

This bill requires CVSO vacancies to be filled within 12 months, establishes minimum training standards for accreditation, and mandates accreditation within nine months of appointment. The bill also directs CalVet to implement a statewide work queue by January 1, 2028, that would allow veterans in underserved or understaffed counties to access claims assistance through any participating CVSO office rather than waiting for their local office to have capacity.

Under existing law each county is responsible for the compensation and expenses of its CVSO, but CalVet is required to pay a portion of these costs from state funds. Existing law provides an annual appropriation in the state Budget Act, currently funded at $11 million, to CalVet to support CVSOs. CalVet must disburse these funds on a pro rata basis to counties that have established and maintain a CVSO according to a performance-based formula developed by CalVet.

This bill establishes a service capacity and performance framework that instead ties funding to measurable outcomes, such as participation rates of veterans, workload activity, and service satisfaction.

Existing law also requires CalVet to prepare a report each year that includes the activities of CVSOs related to federal benefits obtained. However, CVSOs are situated differently in different counties, making it difficult to accurately measure performance levels and funding needs. This bill requires an additional report focused on the configuration, structure and operations of each CVSO.

1. Related Legislation. AB 1638 (Ta), of this legislative session, provides any county with an active United States (U.S.) military base a stipend, upon appropriation, to maintain a CVSO, at least part time. AB 1638 is pending on this committee’s suspense file.

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

Date of Hearing: April 14, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Pilar Schiavo, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2219 (

Author:Schiavo) – As Amended Ver:April 8, 2026

SUBJECT: Veterans.

SUMMARY: Enhances the collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs). Improves accreditation training CalVet provides to CVSOs to reduce disparities, improve public awareness, and update data collection. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires a CVSO vacancy to be filled within 12 months and the appointee to obtain and maintain accreditation through CalVet within nine months after being appointed.
2. Requires CalVet to establish training requirements for accreditation that must include, but not be limited to, addressing disparities when accessing veterans’ benefits, improving public awareness of free U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claim resources, and ensuring data collection to monitor system improvements.
3. Requires CalVet, in consultation with the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CACVSO), no later than January 1, 2029, to establish a “statewide work queue” for claims assistance, and other services accessible to all CVSOs.
4. Requires CalVet to establish a separate workload unit category for services provided through the statewide work queue. Prohibits participation in the statewide work queue from negatively impacting performance-based funding calculations for CVSOs.
5. Defines “statewide work queue” to mean an electronic workload management system under the authority of CalVet that distributes disability claims and appeals CVSOs across the state, regardless of where the veteran lives.
6. Authorizes CalVet to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines or terms, or both, to implement the statewide work queue.
7. Requires CalVet, in consultation with CACVSO to create a service capacity and performance framework for service capacity and performance to determine funding allocations for CVSOs.
8. Requires the service capacity and performance framework consider factors including, but not limited to, the size of the veteran population, workload activity, geographic access, participation rate of veterans, value of new or increased federal benefits obtained, organizational structure, and service-related measures that indicate the experience of a veteran receiving services for each CVSO.
9. Requires CalVet to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature, as specified, prior to making any significant changes to the funding allocation methodology in 6) above.
10. Requires CalVet, no later than January 1, 2029, and every three years thereafter, to prepare a report that analyzes the data regarding the configuration, structure, and operations of each CVSO. Requires the report to include:
    1. The location of each CVSO, including satellite, mobile, and remote capabilities, and their hours of operation including hours for in-person and virtual appointments;
    2. The total number of employees in each office, including those supporting veterans' benefits claims, administrative roles, supervisors, and outreach or specialized service staff;
    3. The organizational placement of the CVSO within the county government structure, and its lines of reporting;
    4. The primary sources of funding that support the operations of the CVSO, including county general fund support, state allocations, federal grants, and other grant-based or restricted funding streams.
    5. A description of cross-program collaboration and services provided in coordination with employment services, behavioral health services, housing and homelessness programs, justice-involved veteran programs, and other initiatives serving at-risk veteran populations.
11. Requires CalVet in consultation with the CACVSO to develop a unified state-wide standard digital survey to measure veteran satisfaction with CVSO services.
12. Requires the survey to measure access, trust, service effectiveness, and overall experience while minimizing administrative burdens on counties.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Permits the board of supervisors of each county to appoint a “county veterans service officer,” who must be a veteran, and whose duty it is to assist veterans in obtaining veterans benefits and to perform any other veteran-related service requested by the board. (Military and Veterans Code (MVC) § 970.)
2. Permits two or more counties to jointly establish a single county veterans service office to serve all the counties that agree to the joint establishment of that office. (MVC § 971.)
3. Requires the compensation and expenses of the CVSO to be a county charge, but CalVet, out of state moneys available, is required to pay each county a portion of those costs in an amount determined by CalVet. (MVC § 972)
4. Provides for an annual state appropriation for the CVSOs, as determined in each year's Budget Act, currently funded at $11 million. (MVC § 972.1)
5. Requires CalVet to determine and report to the Department of Finance (DOF) on or before October 1 of each year the annualized monetary value of benefits received by veterans and their dependents as a result of the efforts of CVSOs. (MVC § 972.1)
6. Directs DOF to review CalVet's determination in time to use the information in the annual Budget Act with regard to CalVet’s budget for the next fiscal year. (MVC § 972.1)
7. Requires the state subvention funds to be disbursed each fiscal year on a pro rata basis to counties that have established and maintain a CVSO in accordance with the staffing level and workload of each CVSO under a formula based upon performance developed by CalVet, as specified. (MVC § 972.1)
8. Requires CalVet to annually prepare a report of the activities of CVSOs, and permits CalVet to require each CVSO to submit information required to prepare the report, and requires that the report to include all the following:
   1. The number of veterans and their family members who have contacted or utilized the services of the county veterans service offices during the fiscal year.
   2. The number of claims filed to achieve benefits such as pension, disability compensation, and health care on behalf of veterans and their dependents.
   3. The annualized monetary value of benefits received by veterans and their dependents because of the efforts of CVSOs, broken down by type of benefit.
   4. A summary of other services provided by county veterans service offices and special events and activities in which county veterans service offices participated, such as veterans outreach events, homeless veteran “Stand Downs,” and job fairs for veterans. (MVC § 974.)

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

COMMENTS:

1. PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. According to the author, this bill, known as the Faster Service for Veterans Act, will speed up the modernization of delivering assistance to veterans, facilitate easier access to their benefits and more efficient support in the process. This bill fosters a stronger partnership between CalVet and CVSOs, directs the collection of more meaningful data and will structure the offices in a way to better serve veterans. Additionally, it will establish a reliable satisfaction survey to promptly identify areas for improvement and make real-time adjustments. With this bill, we will ensure no veteran is overlooked in our commitment to their well-being.
2. BACKGROUND.
   1. History of Veterans’ Benefits. The support for veterans’ benefits can be traced back to the Continental Congress of 1776, which enacted pensions for disabled soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, support was extended to widows and dependents of veterans. Founded at the height of the Great Depression, the Veterans Administration (VA) was formerly an independent government agency. It was elevated to a cabinet department in 1989 and renamed to the VA. The VA provided and continues to provide medical care, benefits, and essential services to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The VA has a long history of achievements and persistent challenges. They have faced criticism for their long wait times and slow processing of benefits. In addition to providing some health care services and disability compensation, the VA also provides vocational rehabilitation, education assistance, home loans, life insurance, and burial benefits to eligible veterans.
   2. County Veteran Service Officers. CVSOs operate at the intersection of policy and people, providing vital support to veterans in offices of varying sizes and often under challenging conditions. CVSOs serve as the critical link between veterans and the wide array of benefits, services, and community networks essential for long-term success following military service. Fifty-six of California’s 58 counties have CVSOs. The services provided by CVSOs are free to veterans and their families. CalVet and CVSOs are partners in California, with CVSOs serving as the front-line support for veterans and their families, while CalVet assists with claims development, representation, and appeals. CVSOs are a critical component in the state's efforts to work directly with individual veterans and their families to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they earned through their service to our nation. In addition to advocating for benefits, CVSOs also assist veterans in accessing employment, education, healthcare, family support, and opportunities that promote a sense of purpose, stability, and belonging. What sets this system apart is not only its extensive reach but also its dependable nature; when veterans reach out for assistance, CVSOs are consistently available to help.
      
      Both the VA and the State of California offer resources and services to help veterans navigate the claims process. To assist veterans and their families in navigating the claims process, 29 states, including California, use the CVSO model, and six states use a state service officer model. The financial impact that CVSOs make for veterans and their families is easy to measure. According to the CACVSO annual report, the amount of new and increased federal benefits CVSOs were able to secure was more than $687 million. What is not as easy to measure are the most meaningful outcomes that are not captured in standard metrics: a veteran connected to lifetime health care; a surviving spouse able to pursue education; a family restored to stability; a long-overdue recognition that restores dignity and pride. These outcomes are the direct result of the partnership, expertise, and advocacy of CVSOs and CalVet.
3. SUPPORT. CACVSO writes in support of this bill that navigating the landscape of veteran benefits, from disability compensation and pensions to educational support and healthcare, can be an overwhelming process. CVSOs are a cornerstone of the state and county veteran service model because we provide the direct, localized expertise required to guide veterans through these complex systems. CVSOs rely heavily on CalVet for the thorough uniform training and oversight necessary to deliver high-quality claims support. While strong local and state partnerships have long sustained our work, this bill represents a crucial step toward modernizing our network and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to our offices.
   
   CACVSO continues that beyond staffing, this bill tackles current hurdles by establishing a centralized, statewide work queue. This forward-thinking approach will allow veterans to connect with our representatives much more efficiently, significantly cutting down on wait times for remote appointments. Coupled with streamlined, statewide training requirements, this bill will foster greater expertise across California. It helps guarantee that veterans, service members, and their families will receive the exact same level of accurate, expert guidance regardless of which county they call home.
   
   Numerous Congressionally chartered veteran organizations also wrote in support stating, CVSOs are the frontline connection for veterans navigating federal benefits. Current law permits counties to appoint CVSOs but sets no timeline for filling vacancies and no statewide standards for service delivery. When a CVSO position sits vacant, veterans in that county lose their primary point of access to earned benefits -- and the state loses the federal dollars those benefits bring into local economies. This bill addresses these gaps directly by requiring the vacancies to be filled within 12 months, mandates VA accreditation within nine months of appointment, and directs CalVet to stand up a statewide work queue by January 1, 2028. The work queue is particularly significant -- it would allow veterans in underserved or understaffed counties to access claims assistance through any participating CVSO office rather than waiting for their local office to have capacity. This bill also establishes a service capacity and performance framework that ties funding to measurable outcomes while protecting offices that participate in the statewide queue from being penalized in performance calculations.
4. RELATED LEGISLATION. AB 1638 (Ta) provides any county with an active United States (U.S.) military base with a stipend, upon appropriation, for the purposes of maintaining a county veterans service officer (CVSO), at least part time. AB 1638 is pending hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
5. PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
   1. AB 684 (Ta) of 2023 was substantially similar to AB 1638 and was held on the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File.
   2. AB 1566 (Soria and Cervantes), Chapter 694, Statutes of 2023, requires CalVet's annual report to include the composition of staff at the county office, as specified, and the annual funding of the county veterans service office by the county, as specified. Authorizes CalVet to require CVSOs to apply uniform measurement of workload units, claims, and other information.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

American Legion, Department of California
Amvets - Department of California
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
California State Commanders Veterans Council
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council

Opposition

None on file.

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