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 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.