BILL NUMBER: S5618
SPONSOR: ASHBY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the veterans' services law, in relation to establishing
the veterans' services organization capital support program; and making
an appropriation therefor
 
PURPOSE:
To enact the Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Capital Support Program
that establishes a program in the Department of Veterans Services so
that VSOs such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars
(VFWs) can access capital funds for necessary improvements and upgrades
to their posts.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Creates the Veterans Service Organization Capital Support
Program (VSO) and defines eligible entities as VSO's that are organized
as not-forprofits.
Directs the Commissioner to establish criteria for the disbursement of
grants (not to exceed $200,000) to VSOs such as American Legion and VFW
posts for the purpose of necessary improvements and upgrades.
Section 2. Appropriates $10 million in Capital Projects (General Fund)
to the Department of Veteran Services to effectuate the purposes of the
bill.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Veterans' service organizations such as the American Legion and VFW
posts provide a variety of services to our veterans while operating on
limited budgets. In addition, these organizations often serve as a vital
intermediary between government service agencies or nonprofits and their
constituencies. Further, veterans' service organizations provide a sense
of brotherhood and support system for veterans in their communities.
This bill creates grants specifically dedicated for Veteran Service
Organizations such as American Legions and VFWs. The grants would also
be administered specifically by the Department of Veteran Services,
which would help to simplify the process and verify the needs.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S.8503, referred to Finance.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
$10 million to the state, no fiscal impact on local governments.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.