Virginia House Bill HB2016

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25

Caption

Veterans; provision of copies of vital records.

Impact

By streamlining the process of securing vital records, HB2016 addresses a critical need for veterans and their families to access necessary documents efficiently. The bill seeks to ensure that veterans receive immediate assistance without additional costs, thereby supporting their benefits claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The alteration to the fee structure will provide a more substantial benefit, allowing immediate access to vital records that are often required for various administrative processes.

Summary

House Bill 2016 aims to amend the Code of Virginia specifically concerning the procedures and fees related to obtaining copies of vital records for veterans. The bill proposes that certified copies of vital records, such as death certificates, be provided without charge to veterans and their survivors when required for obtaining service-connected benefits. This is a significant measure intended to ease the financial burden on veterans and their families when they need to secure essential documentation while accessing benefits they are eligible for due to their service.

Contention

While the bill is primarily beneficial, it could face contention regarding the financial implications for the state, considering the waived fees for veterans. Legislative discussions may explore how these changes will affect the funding for the agencies involved in providing these records. Additionally, there might be concerns about the potential for increased requests for certified copies as the eligibility criteria broaden. Advocates for veteran rights, however, are likely to support this bill as a much-needed improvement to the current system, arguing that facilitating access to vital records is essential for ensuring that veterans receive their entitled benefits.