Department of Veterans Affairs: monitoring outcomes for veterans: Director of Employment Development: disclosure of information.
Impact
The bill also modifies the Unemployment Insurance Code, allowing the Director of Employment Development to share specific wage information to facilitate the creation of these indicators. By expanding permissible disclosures, the legislation seeks to create a robust framework for monitoring veterans' outcomes effectively. This change could lead to better-tailored programs that respond directly to the needs of veterans post-service, potentially resulting in higher employment rates and better education access.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1275, introduced by Assembly Member Irwin, aims to enhance the oversight and support of veterans in California by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop measurable outcome indicators. This initiative is intended to assess the status of veterans in the state, particularly in terms of key areas such as employment, education, and health-related issues, including suicide rates. The data and indicators developed will serve as a guide for making informed decisions aimed at improving the quality of services offered to veterans.
Contention
However, this initiative to gather and share data may raise concerns about privacy and the safeguarding of sensitive information. The bill mandates any necessary data to be received in compliance with existing federal and state confidentiality laws, indicating an awareness of these issues. Furthermore, although the act imposes new requirements on state agencies, it specifies that it does not create an obligation for reimbursement, potentially alleviating some fiscal concerns from local entities impacted by these changes. The ongoing discussions around this bill reflect a balance between enhancing veterans' services and ensuring the protection of their personal information.