Iowa Senate Bill SF410

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 6/5/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the administration of the veterans trust fund.(Formerly SSB 1152.)

Impact

Furthermore, SF410 modifies eligibility criteria for applicants seeking benefits from the veterans trust fund. It stipulates that applicants' household income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, accounting for various income sources including federal veterans pension programs and social security. This threshold defines who can access these benefits and reflects an aim to provide assistance specifically to those veterans who are most in need.

Summary

Senate File 410 (SF410) focuses on the administration of the veterans trust fund in Iowa, which provides benefits to qualified veterans. This bill has introduced restrictions that limit the legal use of funds from the veterans trust fund, curbing its application for cemetery development under specific circumstances. Additionally, it prohibits the commission of veterans affairs from utilizing more than 30% of allocated funds within a fiscal quarter, thereby establishing tighter financial controls over the fund's usage.

Contention

This legislation has generated debate within the community regarding its potential implications. Critics express concern that the stringent income and asset limits—set at $15,000 for liquid assets—may exclude deserving veterans who require support. There are fears that the restrictions could lead to underutilization of the veterans trust fund, ultimately diminishing the assistance available for those who have served the country.

Administrative oversight

Moreover, the bill delegates enhanced oversight responsibilities to the director of the department of veterans affairs, who is tasked with ensuring compliance with the new regulations. This includes adhering to the limits on benefits distribution and maintaining systematic processes for assessing applicant eligibility. The bill's proponents argue this structure is necessary for transparency and effective management of the trust fund.