This bill seeks to enhance the benefits and services available to veterans in Iowa through various new provisions and amendments to existing laws. Key features include establishing a veteran preference for state grants and public assistance programs, ensuring that veterans receive priority in programs such as the family investment program and housing choice voucher program. The bill also mandates that state agencies prioritize veterans in grant applications and introduces military service filing fee waivers for qualified business entities. Additionally, it emphasizes priority assistance for veterans in substance use disorder and mental health services, ensuring they are placed higher on waitlists for treatment.

Moreover, the legislation includes significant amendments related to education and taxation for veterans. It requires institutions of higher education to waive undergraduate tuition and fees for qualifying veterans and their dependents, while also creating a property tax credit for disabled veterans based on their disability ratings. The bill expands fee exemptions for veterans regarding vehicle registration, hunting, fishing, and recreational licenses, and it modifies the definition of a veteran for obtaining a veteran status driver's license. Overall, this bill aims to streamline processes, enhance accessibility to benefits, and prioritize the needs of veterans across various state services, ultimately improving their quality of life in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 237A.13, 9.12, 9.22, 488.117A, 489.122, 490.122, 504.113, 9.11, 321.189, 35.1, 321.105, 462A.5, 483A.3, 483A.1, 483A.24