Priority Legislation
CSCVC 2026 Legislative Priorities
Support legislation that would require an individual, who is assisting a veteran with filing a claim for benefits, to notify that veteran if they are not a VA-accredited representative and make it a criminal offense to misdirect or mislead a veteran, or anyone acting on a veteran’s behalf, concerning benefits or entitlements for their own monetary gain.
Support legislation that would expand laws to prevent dishonest vendors and businesses that prey on or scam veterans and active-duty military personnel by criminalizing their activities.
Support legislation that would focus on getting homeless veterans off the street and into housing including transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Support legislation that would reform the current system of property tax relief for disabled veterans by raising the current state dollar limitation on property tax relief for disabled veterans.
Support legislation that enhances health care/mental health care in support of veterans
Support legislation that increases education, vocation, and employment opportunities in support of veterans.
Support legislation to exempt VA Disability Compensation/Pension/Death Benefits from consideration when calculating eligibility of state programs.
Support legislation that would reduce property tax assessment on veterans service organizations’ posts and chapters.
Support legislation that would continue to support expansion of veterans treatment courts and Military Diversion Programs to more counties by providing state funding
Support legislation that would restore the veterans-only specialized license plate, so that there would be two plates available for sale — “Veteran” and “Honoring Veterans.”
Support legislation that would require that California Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises (DVBEs) to hire more disabled and non-disabled veterans.
Support legislation that would create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) between CalVet Veterans Homes and Veterans Service Organization (VSOs) to provide volunteers to the state veterans homes similar to the federal Veterans Administration Volunteer Service (VAVS) program.
Support legislation that would grant the license plate fee waiver to all veterans rated 100% by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) either by way of a scheduler rating or through Individual Unemployability and separate the disabled placard and make it an option for veterans with mobility impairment.
Support legislation that would create a Governor’s Memorial Certificate similar to the Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC). Include information directing survivors to the CVSOs. (PMC is a signed certificate by the President to the family of deceased veterans)
Support legislation focused on women veterans that would:
-Expand access to health care/health care education services for women veterans.
-Educate women veterans, using targeted outreach, about their earned benefits and what programs they are
eligible for.
-Increase access to childcare services, especially for those veterans who are in job training programs.
-Increase the recognition of female veterans and servicemembers in California.
Support legislation focused on Minority Veterans & Underserved Communities that would:
-Improve access to healthcare, benefits, and other services to address health and other disparities among underserved veteran populations.
-Promote more collaboration with tribal governments to ensure Native American veteran access to health and other benefits.
-Address LGBT veteran health disparities by supporting health provider education and inclusive facility policies that increase awareness of LGBT communities’ unique needs and care.
Support the legislative priorities of the state’s veterans service organizations that are in-line with our own legislative priorities.
AB 1346 (DeMaio) - In-State Tuition Protection for Military Dependents
What it does: Keeps in-state tuition for military dependents who go back to school after a break. This holds even if the service member moves out of state or retires.
Why it matters: A military family will not pay more for school after a transfer or retirement.
AB 2203 (Tangipa) – Priority Registration for Veterans & GI Bill Students
What it does: Grants priority course registration at CSU and community colleges to students receiving fee waivers as veteran dependents and students using federal GI Bill benefits, starting with the 2028–29 academic year.
Why it matters: Ensures veterans and military families can get into the classes they need to graduate on time and maximize their benefits.
AB 2219 (Schiavo) – County Veterans Service Officer Standards
What it does: Requires CVSO vacancies to be filled within 12 months, appointees to obtain VA accreditation within 9 months, and CalVet to set minimum training requirements.
Why it matters: Strengthens the CVSO system so veterans get consistent, qualified assistance with their benefit claims across all counties.
AB 2467 (Committee on Education) – Pupil Enrollment: Military Dependents
What it does: Expands the list of acceptable addresses military families can use to enroll children in school, including off-base hotels during a PCS move.
Why it matters: Eliminates enrollment barriers for military children during the stressful transition between duty stations.
SB 99 (Blakespear) – Military Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
What it does: Lets a court consider a military protective order when it decides on a domestic violence protective order. Police at the scene must check if a military order exists. If someone breaks it, police must tell the military agency that issued it. Local police may also make agreements with nearby military bases.
Why it matters: Helps courts and police share what they know about military orders, so families are better protected.
SB 296 (Archuleta) – Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veteran Homeowners
What it does: Exempts from taxation property that constitutes the principal residence of a veteran who is blind, has lost use of 2+ limbs, or is totally disabled as a result of military service..
Why it matters: Provides full property tax relief for the most severely injured veterans and their surviving spouses.
SB 417 (Limón) – Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026
What it does: Puts an $11.25 billion housing bond before voters on November 3, 2026. If voters approve, $10 billion would pay for affordable rental housing and home ownership programs. Another $1.25 billion would go to the state program that helps veterans buy farms, homes, and mobile homes.
Why it matters: Could add money to help veterans buy homes and to build affordable housing, if voters say yes in November.
SB 694 (Archuleta) – Deceptive Practices Targeting Veterans and Service Members
What it does: Bans most fees for preparing or filing a claim for VA benefits. It also bars anyone from making a service member or veteran log in to, or share a login for, a VA, Defense, or Homeland Security computer system. A contract that breaks these rules is void, and a violation is a misdemeanor.
Why it matters: Protects veterans from paying high fees for help with their benefit claims.
SB 892 (Grove) – Unlimited Priority Registration for Veteran Students
What it does: Removes the current 4-year/15-year time limit on priority course registration for veterans and State Guard members at CSU and community colleges, effective July 1, 2027.
Why it matters: Recognizes that many veterans take longer to complete their education and shouldn’t lose priority registration because of arbitrary deadlines.
SB 974 (Seyarto) – Property Tax Transfers and Special Needs Trusts
What it does: Under current law, a parent can pass a home or family farm to a child without a property tax reassessment. This bill says a special needs trust can be used for that transfer.
Why it matters: Helps families that care for a person with a disability keep the same property tax value when they pass on a home or farm.
SB 1188 (Archuleta) – JROTC for Home School, Independent Study & Private Schools
What it does: Expands JROTC program authorization to include school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, and broadens access for students in various educational settings.
Why it matters: Gives more young Californians access to military science and leadership programs regardless of their school type.