This bill proposes amendments to the governance structure of the state veterans council, increasing its membership from 4 to 5 members. The new composition will include 4 veterans, as defined by RSA 21:50, and 1 family member of a veteran or a currently serving member of the armed forces. The terms of appointment for the council members will also be adjusted, with the family member serving a term of 3 years, while the veterans will have staggered terms of 3, 2, and 1 year for the initial appointments, followed by 3-year terms thereafter. Additionally, the bill specifies that all council members must be citizens of New Hampshire and outlines the process for filling any vacancies.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the council's responsibilities by removing the requirement to review the activities of the division of veterans services and instead emphasizes providing guidance and making recommendations for the improvement of veterans programs and initiatives. It also includes a new responsibility for the council to administer the New Hampshire First for Veterans program for the adjutant general. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 110-B:89
HB1101 text: 110-B:89