Veteran Legislation

Three Important Bills For Veterans Introduced at the Nevada State Legislature

Three bills to assist Nevada’s Veterans were introduced before the Nevada Assembly Committee on Government Affairs February 16, 2021.

Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS), Director Katherine Miller presented testimony in support of Assembly Bills 22, 76, and 77, all three significant to the health and wellbeing of servicemen and servicewomen.

Assembly Bill 22 - requires the NDVS to develop a State of Nevada Transition Assistance Program (NV-TAP), to assist veterans being discharged or already have been discharged from the Armed Forces of the U.S. (including the National Guard and Reserve) to reintegrate back into the states communities.

AB22 would offer an in-state transition program in Clark, Washoe and Churchill Counties, to connect service members with information and existing resources in Nevada, helping to transition back into the state with both in-person assistance and assistance online. Surveys show the most valuable services that top the list are employment, housing, health care, and K through 12 enrollment for children. Assembly Bill 76 - revises provisions relating to care for veterans. AB76 would authorize the NDVS to establish and operate Adult Day Health Care programs. An Adult Day Health Care program is operated during the day to provide a safe, supervised environment that offers health care and social services tailored to individuals with physical disabilities or memory impairments. These programs often provide respite for family caregivers, enable caregivers to continue employment during the day, and assist in developing skills to manage care at home. Currently Nevada does not have an Adult Day Health Care program specific to veterans, their culture, and peers.

Assembly Bill 77 - revises provisions concerning the department of veterans services and certain advisory public bodies relating to veterans. AB77 revises the Director’s duties in NRS 417, enabling NDVS to create, coordinate, and support suicide prevention and homelessness programs with staff and existing resources. AB77 also revises the terms of four advisory commissions and committees to standardize the number of years of member appointments. AB77 would apply to the Veterans Services Commission, two cemetery advisory committees, and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee.