California Assembly Bill AB264

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Report Pass: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/23/25

Caption

Veterans: benefits.

Impact

If enacted, AB 264 would significantly alter the landscape of educational benefits available to military dependents in California. By removing the existing restriction, it opens the possibility for dependent spouses of totally disabled veterans to simultaneously receive both federal and state educational support, which may help alleviate financial burdens and improve educational opportunities for this demographic. This change addresses concerns that the previous law limited access to essential educational resources needed for dependents of veterans.

Summary

Assembly Bill 264, introduced by Assembly Member Carrillo, aims to amend Section 896.1 of the Military and Veterans Code. This section currently prohibits dependents of veterans, specifically spouses of totally disabled veterans, from receiving state educational benefits if they are entitled to receive federal educational benefits or other government assistance. The bill seeks to repeal that prohibition, allowing these dependents to access state educational benefits even when receiving federal or duplicate assistance.

Contention

The repeal of this prohibition may prompt debates among legislators and stakeholders, particularly regarding the balance of resources allocated to veteran benefits versus other programs. Some proponents may argue that allowing concurrent access to benefits enriches the support system for military families, while opponents might express concerns about potential misuse or over-extension of state resources. Ongoing discussions may address the fiscal implications of increased beneficiary access to education funding and how that aligns with broader state educational priorities.