Priority Legislation
One of the primary functions of the California State Commanders Veterans Council is to collectively review legislation and policies that impact our state’s veterans. Each legislative cycle, the CSCVC Executive Committee considers and reviews legislation as guided by our membership-approved policy principles. Below are the current positions or legislative goals of the current session.
AB 53 (Ramos) – Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption
What it does: This bill would exempt military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities from California state income taxes from 2027 to 2037. California is currently the only state that does not offer this tax break.
Why it matters: Many military retirees leave California for states with better tax policies. This bill aims to keep more veterans in California and recognize their service.
AB 81 (Ta) – Mental Health Study for Women Veterans
What it does: This bill directs the California Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the mental health challenges faced by women veterans. A report with recommendations must be submitted by June 30, 2029.
Why it matters: Women veterans experience higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide compared to their male counterparts. This study will help improve mental health services for them.
AB 88 (Ta) – Financial Aid for Military Dependents
What it does: This bill expands Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship eligibility to students who are dependents of active-duty service members stationed outside California.
Why it matters: Currently, students must be California residents at high school graduation to qualify. This bill ensures that children of military families don’t lose out on financial aid just because their parents are stationed elsewhere.
AB 225 (Bonta) – Mental Health Patient Funds
What it does: Expands the use of funds in state mental hospitals to include spending for patient welfare and requires administrators to inform patients about available resources.
Why it matters: Helps improve quality of life for mental health patients in state hospitals.
AB 264 (Carrillo) – Expanding Education Benefits for Veteran Families
What it does: Allows dependents of disabled or fallen veterans to receive both state and federal education benefits at the same time.
Why it matters: Helps more families afford college by removing unnecessary restrictions.
SB 1 (Seyarto) – Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption
What it does: Similar to AB 53, this bill exempts military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities from California state income taxes, but for the years 2024 to 2034.
Why it matters: Encourages military retirees to stay in California and strengthens the veteran community.
SB 23 (Valladares) – Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
What it does: Exempts 100% disabled veterans and their spouses from paying property taxes on their home.
Why it matters: Lowers housing costs for disabled veterans and their families.
SB 28 (Umberg) – Treatment Court Program Standards
What it does: Improves drug treatment courts by aligning them with best practices.
Why it matters: Helps veterans with addiction issues get the treatment they need instead of facing jail time.
SB 42 (Umberg) – Veterans Benefits Application Process
What it does: Allows disabled veterans to apply for benefits while waiting for official approval from the VA.
Why it matters: Ensures veterans don’t miss out on benefits due to delays in paperwork.
SB 54 (Umberg) – Court Fee Waivers for Veterans
What it does: Excludes VA disability compensation from income calculations when determining eligibility for court fee waivers.
Why it matters: Helps low-income disabled veterans access the legal system without financial barriers.
SB 55 (Umberg) – Free State Park Passes for Gold Star Families
What it does: Expands free California State Park passes to include Gold Star Families (families of service members killed in action).
Why it matters: Recognizes and honors families of fallen service members.
SB 56 (Seyarto) – Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans
What it does: Ensures disability payments are not counted as income when determining eligibility for property tax exemptions.
Why it matters: Allows more disabled veterans to qualify for property tax relief.
SB 60 (Seyarto) – Tuition Waivers for Military and Veteran Students
What it does: Expands tuition waivers to include extended education courses at public universities.
Why it matters: Helps more military families and veterans afford higher education.
SB 67 (Seyarto) – Financial Aid for Military Dependents
What it does: Extends Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship eligibility to students who are military dependents but stationed outside California.
Why it matters: Ensures military children don’t lose out on education benefits due to relocation.
SB 96 (Umberg) – Veteran Fundraising Protections
What it does: Strengthens laws against misusing donations meant for veterans and veteran organizations.
Why it matters: Prevents fraud and misuse of funds meant to support veterans.