West Virginia Senate Bill SB698

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/22
• Refer: 2/21/22
• Engrossed: 2/28/22
• Refer: 3/1/22
• Enrolled: 3/10/22
• Passed: 3/23/22
• Chaptered: 4/20/22

Caption

Relating to number and selection of members for Governor's Veterans Council

Impact

The enactment of SB 698 may lead to increased organizational effectiveness for the Governor's Veterans Council by ensuring that it is composed of individuals who not only represent the veteran community but also bring varied perspectives from different geographical areas within the state. This focus on diverse representation is intended to enhance discussions and decisions regarding policies and services for veterans, potentially leading to better outcomes for this population. Furthermore, the bill reaffirms the state's commitment to supporting veteran affairs by allowing recommendations to come from established veterans service organizations, thereby legitimizing the council's membership selection process and operational structure.

Summary

Senate Bill 698 aims to amend the section of the West Virginia Code that governs the number and selection of members for the Governor's Veterans Council. This bill establishes that the council will consist of 11 members, all of whom must be citizens and residents of West Virginia, having served in and been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States during a time of war, as defined by federal law. The bill emphasizes the need for diversity in representation, encouraging the inclusion of veterans recommended by local veterans organizations and ensuring that no more than seven members reside within a single congressional district. These criteria aim to maintain a robust and representative council dedicated to matters affecting veterans in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 698 appears to be generally positive, with strong bipartisan support indicated by the unanimous vote in favor of the bill. This reflects a shared recognition of the importance of addressing veterans' issues and ensuring that their voices are adequately represented in state governance. However, a potential point of contention could arise if any stakeholders feel that the bill does not adequately address specific needs of veteran subgroups or if there are concerns about the council's effectiveness under the newly defined guidelines.

Contention

While SB 698 successfully passed with considerable support, it opens a dialogue about the selection process and representation of veterans in the council. Notable discussions could center around the balance between allowing recommendations that ensure a diversity of voices and the potential concerns over the exclusivity of the council's membership criteria. Stakeholders may engage in debates about the effect of congressional district representatives on statewide veteran issues and whether these constraints might limit effective advocacy and representation of veterans from smaller communities.