Updating the definition of armed forces and updating such definition to include the space force.
Impact
If enacted, HB2758 will adjust several state laws relating to military service, including veterans benefits, service recognition, and eligibility criteria for various programs associated with military service. By incorporating Space Force into the definition of armed forces, the bill extends various legal protections and considerations to those serving in this branch. This is particularly significant in an era where space-related military operations are becoming increasingly central to national security.
Summary
House Bill 2758 aims to update the legal definition of 'armed forces' within state law to include the newly established Space Force. This change reflects the evolving nature of military services and recognizes the significance of space operations as a critical component of national defense. The inclusion of Space Force is meant to ensure that all branches of the U.S. military, including those tasked with space activities, are adequately recognized in legal contexts.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB2758 have highlighted differing viewpoints on the necessity and implications of including Space Force within the armed forces definition. Proponents argue that this inclusion is essential for acknowledging the critical role of space in modern warfare and defense strategies. However, some skeptics question whether this change reflects an overextension of military definitions, fearing it may lead to increased military involvement in areas traditionally reserved for civilian governance and oversight.
Prescribing documentation requirements to determine eligibility for any benefit derived from a service-connected disability, requiring that federal disability determinations for veterans be probative, establishing the Kansas office of veterans services, updating references and corresponding changes relating to the transfer of powers and duties from the Kansas commission on veterans affairs office to the Kansas office of veterans services, updating the veterans claims assistance program to include references to veterans affairs medical centers and cross-accreditation requirements, modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran, clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans and updating the definition of armed forces to include the space force.
Updating statutes related to the Kansas army and air national guard, providing for the appointment of a state judge advocate, providing for the adjustment of death and disability benefits and updating the Kansas code of military justice relating to certain definitions, unlawful acts and punishment requirements thereof.
Prescribing documentation requirements to determine eligibility for any benefit derived from a service-connected disability, requiring that federal disability determinations for veterans be probative, establishing the Kansas office of veterans services, updating references and corresponding changes relating to the transfer of powers and duties from the Kansas commission on veterans affairs office to the Kansas office of veterans services, updating the veterans claims assistance program to include references to veterans affairs medical centers and cross-accreditation requirements, modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran, clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans and updating the definition of armed forces to include the space force.
Providing for disqualification from employment security benefits for failing to attend a job interview without giving notice to the prospective employer or for failing to respond to a job offer.
Enacting the Kansas medical cannabis act to authorize the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products.