California Senate Bill SB382 Latest Draft

 BILL NUMBER: SB 382AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 1, 2013 INTRODUCED BY Senator Roth FEBRUARY 20, 2013 An act to  amend Section 981.5 of   add Article 8 (commencing with Section 999.60) to Chapter 6 of Division 4 of  the Military and Veterans Code, relating to veterans. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 382, as amended, Roth. Veterans' benefits: Department of Veterans Affairs.  Existing law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide various benefits to veterans.   This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a California Veterans Leadership Program to connect returning veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with employment, housing, and mental health resources and tools, as specified.   Existing law authorizes the California Veterans' Educational Institute, which is under the management and control of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to provide opportunities for veterans to continue their education. Existing law authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with authorized agencies of the United States in providing those opportunities.   This bill would make a nonsubstantive changes to this provision.  Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee:  no   yes  . State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:  SECTION 1.   Article 8 (commencing with Section 999.60) is added to Chapter 6 of Division 4 of the   Military and Veterans Code   , to read:   Article 8. Veterans' Services 999.60. (a) The Department of Veterans Affairs shall create a California Veterans Leadership Program that is a resource and referral network operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect returning veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with the employment, housing, and mental health resources and tools needed to lead productive lives and enjoy the full benefits of the society that they have served. (b) The Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish centers throughout California that would provide employment, housing, and mental health resources and tools to veterans in one physical location. (c) The Department of Veterans Affairs shall assist a veteran until he or she has both a job and a place to live. (d) The Department of Veterans Affairs may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.       SECTION 1.   Section 981.5 of the Military and Veterans Code is amended to read: 981.5. The department may cooperate and confer with authorized agencies of the United States in carrying out this article.