BILL NUMBER: S274A
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the veterans' services law, in relation to establishing
the "Vets to Vollies" program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Establishes the "Vets to Vollies" program.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
1 Section 1. The veterans' services law is amended by adding a new
section 29-b to read as follows: § 29-e. Vets to vollies. 1. The depart-
ment shall create a statewide "Vets to Vollies" program for counties
that wish to participate in such program. The purpose of such program is
to encourage veterans or discharged military personnel to join their
local fire department or emergency medical service agency. 2. Such
program shall collaborate and coordinate with all applicable county
agencies to conduct extensive outreach programs within the local commu-
nity, including but not limited to, active military installations and
local veteran service organizations. Such outreach programs shall
provide information on the many benefits and resources available to
prospective volunteer first responders on a local and statewide level
and how to further become involved.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation will establish a statewide program where veterans or
discharged military personnel are encouraged to volunteer ("Vets to
Vollies") in their local fire department or EMS agency. The Vets To
Vollies program offers our military heroes an opportunity to serve their
community utilizing similar skills and job duties performed while in
service, provides them with a sense of purpose and belonging, as well as
assists first responder agencies in recruiting new members. It is a
vital measure that would benefit our veteran community greatly.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A.8125
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.