This bill establishes the Office of the Veteran Advocate within the Executive Branch of the State Government, specifically under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The office will operate independently from the DMVA, ensuring that it can fulfill its responsibilities without oversight from the department. The Veteran Advocate, who must be a veteran and is appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, will oversee the office and is responsible for a variety of duties, including administering the office's work, ensuring veterans receive appropriate care and services, and acting as a liaison with various agencies. The Advocate will have the authority to investigate complaints, issue subpoenas, conduct public hearings, and monitor the performance of state entities serving veterans.

The bill also outlines the Advocate's responsibilities, which include investigating and reporting on veterans facilities, addressing abuse and neglect, and serving as an ombudsman for veterans and their families. The Advocate will be required to identify systemic issues affecting veterans' welfare and collaborate with the DMVA to propose solutions, with the relevant agency mandated to develop a corrective action plan within 30 days of receiving the Advocate's recommendations. An annual report detailing the office's activities and recommendations will be submitted to the Governor, the Legislature, and the head of the DMVA, and will be made publicly available. The bill includes an appropriation from the General Fund to support the implementation of the Office of the Veteran Advocate.