The bill aims to enhance support and services for veterans in Washington State by expanding the veterans service officer program, which assists veterans in accessing federal benefits. The legislation recognizes that many veterans are unaware of the benefits available to them and seeks to increase the number of veterans applying for these benefits. The program, which has shown success in increasing applications and federal benefits received, will be expanded to include one to two additional veterans service officers per biennium, particularly in counties with lower rates of benefits received. The estimated cost for this expansion is $160,000 per year for each additional county.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide timely information to veterans about available services and to report biennially on the status of veterans services across the state. The report will include data on the number of veterans in each county, the services available, and the claims filed. The bill also amends existing law to redefine "eligible counties" for the veterans service officer program, focusing on those with lower percentages of veterans receiving federal disability or pension compensation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.60A.230, 43.60A.235
Substitute Bill: 43.60A.230
Second Substitute: 43.60A.230, 73.08.080, 84.52.043, 84.52.010
Engrossed Second Substitute: 43.60A.230
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.60A.230
Session Law: 43.60A.230