The bill amends RCW 43.60A.080 to update the structure and composition of the veterans affairs advisory committee, which advises the governor and the director of the department of veterans affairs. Key changes include the removal of specific requirements for representatives from the Washington soldiers' home and the Washington veterans' home, allowing for a more flexible appointment process. The committee will now consist of seventeen members, including representatives from congressionally chartered or nationally recognized veterans service organizations, veterans at large, and a member from a federally recognized Indian tribe or the Washington National Guard. The bill also emphasizes the importance of geographical representation and the inclusion of minority viewpoints, particularly those of women veterans.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the nomination process for committee members, allowing organizations to submit up to three names for consideration by the governor. It establishes that no organization can have more than one official representative on the committee at any given time. The terms for committee members are set at four years, with a limit of two consecutive terms, and it specifies that members will not receive compensation but will be eligible for per diem and mileage expenses. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the committee's effectiveness in addressing veterans' issues in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.60A.080
Substitute Bill: 43.60A.080