State agencies: veterans.
Under the new framework established by AB 1911, all state agencies must include specific questions on their intake forms. These questions will inquire about a person’s military service and whether any family members have served. Additionally, individuals must provide consent for their contact information to be transmitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will facilitate proper notifications regarding benefits eligibility. The requirement for electronic transmission of information to the Department of Veterans Affairs is also a significant change, intended to improve coordination and access to benefits for veterans.
Assembly Bill 1911, introduced by Assembly Member Maienschein, amends the requirements for state agencies regarding the collection of information about veterans. The bill repeals existing provisions that govern how state agencies inquire about military service and introduces new guidelines for obtaining information on whether individuals are affiliated with the United States Armed Forces. This shift aims to streamline the process for veterans to receive information about potential state and federal benefits they may be entitled to.
While the bill seeks to enhance support for veterans by ensuring that they are informed about their eligibility for benefits, there may be concerns regarding the privacy of personal information. The requirement to collect and transmit contact information could raise questions about data privacy and the potential for misuse of sensitive personal information. Nonetheless, the bill emphasizes that information collected will solely be used to assist individuals in accessing veteran benefits, which may mitigate some concerns regarding data protection.