Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
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Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee California State Senate
Follow its sittingsSpeaker 2
Senator Grove? Here. Senator McNerney? Here. Senator Minjevar?
And Senator Umberg?
Speaker 1
Okay. Madam secretary, as informed, we do have a quorum. So, senator, please continue.
Speaker 3
Thank you. Continuing on the disability income housing eligibility after that was SB eight eighty eight simply extends the same principle that we apply to housing to property tax relief for disabled veterans. The problem is clear. Veterans must be disabled to qualify for the exemption, yet the very disability compensation they receive is counted as income, pushing many over the income threshold and making them ineligible for the low income exemption. As a result, veterans' disability benefits can unintentionally disqualify them from other critical resources, creating a catch-twenty two where veterans lose access to the very relief designed to keep them stable.
Disability compensation is not a source of wealth. It is a recognition of service connected injuries and loss of earning capacity. Under current law, veterans with a household income under $81,131 qualify for a higher property tax exemption through the low income category of the disabled veterans property tax exemption. And currently, a veteran rated at 100% disability by the VA with a spouse is awarded around 50,000 annually before any additional dependents or special allowances. Social Security benefits also contribute significantly.
Speaker 11
And as a result, a 100% disabled veteran and spouse who have no earnings from work but solely rely on disability and Social Security may be disqualified from the low income exemption despite living on fixed benefits and paying for high medical care costs. This bill is a proactive step to keep 100% disabled veterans in their homes and reduce their risk of homelessness or housing instability by ensuring the tax code does not punish them for receiving disability compensation. SB eight eighty eight simply excludes VA service connected disability compensation from the calculation of household income for purposes of the low income disabilities disabled veterans property tax exemption so veterans are not penalized for receiving the benefits they've earned. I respectfully ask for an I vote.
Speaker 4
Nicole Wirtleman on behalf of the Orange County Board of Supervisors in support.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Nick Bussey, founder of Veterans of California in support.
Thank you.
Speaker 6
David West, California Association of County Veteran Services Officers in support.
Speaker 7
Seth Reed with Reed government relations representing American Legion, Kalamora and the Vietnam Veterans of America all in support.
Speaker 8
JR Wilson, legislative director for the Department of California Disabled American Veterans and the Department of California DAV supports.
Speaker 14
David Cuda, commander of the VFW for the state of California and I'm strong in support.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Now in the room, do we have a lead witness in opposition? I see none. Anyone in Room 113 with a wish to testify in opposition? I see none.
Members comment?
Speaker 1
Move the bill. The bill's been moved. And, with that, let's go ahead and, call the roll. Madam Secretary.
Speaker 1
Okay. Madam secretary, call for the role. Senator Archuleta. I'm here. I'm sorry.
Speaker 5
I have to redo it. This bill is moved to pass to the committee on appropriations. Now, Senator Archerletta. Aye. Senator Grobe.
Speaker 2
Aye. Senator Grove. Aye. Senator McNerney. Aye.
Senator McNerney. Aye. Senator Mingervar. And Senator Umberg. Three ayes.
Speaker 1
Bill will be on call. We're trying to get a couple more people back. So now let's go ahead and move on to senator Choi. Senator Choi, welcome. And I understand you have senate bill ten forty.
And senator Choi, you're welcome to begin.
Speaker 4
Thank you. Good afternoon, mister chair and the committee members. I'm happy to present SB ten forty, which would establish a state local matching program to help finance the maintenance and the repairs of veterans cemeteries owned by the state of California or a county under Calvert Oversight. Existing law authorizes the creation of perpetual maintenance funds for these cemeteries. Donations and contributions may be deposited into maintenance funds, and the interest is used for ongoing repairs.
Speaker 12
Federal VA grants fund construction and capital improvements but do not cover perpetual maintenance. The federal government requires states to cover those cost costs after a site is opened. This leaves Calvert to rely on the general fund and ad hoc donations as the state adds new cemeteries' maintenance obligations compound and create a long long term unfunded liability. No existing California law incentivizes local philanthropy or donations from private organizations to help grow these maintenance endowments. As a result, perpetual care funding remains uneven and unsustainable, particularly for smaller, rural, and newly establishes established cemeteries.
Under 10/1040, the SB ten forty, for every dollar deposited in a cemetery maintenance endowment by individuals, local governments, or private donors, the state would contribute $1 in matching funds up to $250,000 per cemetery per fiscal year. Would administer the program using the annual application and the verification process. Calvert would certify that local deposits were made to de qualify the maintenance and endowment and will transfer matching funds into the same account. Testifying in support of s b ten forty, is, Seth Rieb representing the collection of veterans groups that are in support of this bill. Mister Reeves?
Speaker 7
Good afternoon, chair members. My name is Seth Reeves with Reeves Government Relations representing American Legion Department of California, Ambets Department of California, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Together, we speak for hundreds of thousands of California veterans, and all five of our organizations are in strong support of s p ten forty. Today, somewhere in California, a World War two veteran is being laid to rest. A Korean veteran is being placed next to his wife.
The young post nine eleven veteran's family is choosing a headstone. These cemeteries are not real estate. They are the last place California gets to honor someone who put on that uniform. And the families who visit them are are watching us. They notice the grass, they notice the markers, and they notice the condition of the grounds.
Speaker 13
When somebody enlists, we make a promise not just to bring them home, but to honor them when they are laid to rest. A combat infantry veteran, as a combat infantry veteran, I take this promise personally. Right now, California keeps that promise on a wing and a prayer. The general fund, some years, donations the rest. SB ten forty turns hope into a partnership.
Speaker 7
Every dollar a community gives, the state stands behind it. Real endowment, stable maintenance. For the veterans we are bearing today, and for the ones still serving who will rest here someday. On behalf of the veterans we represent, I respectfully ask for an I vote on SB ten forty, and thank you for your time.
Speaker 1
Thank you, and welcome home. Thank you for your service. And now, any other witnesses in Room 113 in support of senate bill ten forty.
Speaker 4
Nicole Wortelman on behalf of the Orange County Board of Supervisors in support.
Speaker 6
David West, California Association of County Veteran Services Officers in support.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any other witnesses in support? If not, any witnesses in opposition? If not, senator, you can close.
Speaker 12
Thank you. I strongly encourage, an I vote on s b ten forty so we can ensure that the veterans who put their lives on the line in service to our nation get the dignified burial that they deserve. Thank you.
Speaker 11
want to thank the author for this bill. There's a piece of property in US Veterans Administration hands in my district. They're considering turning that into a selling it and turning into a resort. My preference would be to see that become a a Veterans Cemetery, and I appreciate this. It might require state help, so I appreciate what this bill does, and I hope we can move forward with that process here and in my district.
Speaker 1
Any other comments? Move the Move the bill. We've got motion to move the bill. Senator Choi, any other comment on your closing?
Speaker 12
I think that's exactly the phenomenon that is developing that is due to the lack of maintenance funds. So your I vote will help.
Speaker 2
Senator Archuleta, aye. Senator Grove? Aye. Senator Grove, aye. Senator McNerney?
Aye. Senator McNerney, aye. Senator Menzibar? Senator Umburg?
Speaker 10
We are gonna take the chairs bill out of order. It's file item six. Excuse me. File item I apologize. File item nine, personal income tax, law exclusive military retirement pay.
Speaker 1
Thank you, madam chair. And thank you, members. I would like to present senate bill 14 o seven. Veterans like all Californians are struggling with a high cost of living. Veterans who want to live in this wonderful state, beautiful state of California, but they're feeling the squeeze of current economic conditions.
Which is why as chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans affairs, I partnered with state treasurer Vienna Ma and my counterpart in the assembly, assembly member Schiavato to introduce senate bill 14 o seven. I've also confirmed Assembly Member Jeff Gonzales who is also supporting our Veterans Bill and is co author of Senate Bill 14 o seven. Senate Bill 14 o seven is an opportunity to serve those who have served our country. It is a message to our California veterans that we have their backs, we have not forgotten. It will exempt a veteran's military retirement pay as well as a surviving spouse's benefit payment from state taxes.
Between 2010 and 2022, California lost over 24,000 military retirees. As retention challenges grow, we must recognize that physical policy plays a role in our long term decisions. Keeping veterans in California is a must priority. As of 01/31/2023, about a 127,006 793 military varieties in California received total monthly payments of over $362,000,000 or about 44,300,000,000 annually from the United States Department of Defense. About 25,705 survivors in California received total monthly payment of just over 39,000,000 or about $468,000,000 annually.
That is money that would otherwise enter our local economies, fund businesses, create jobs, generate sales tax, but most importantly, our economy. California current tax structure discourages long term service and drives away mid career leaders, weakening our state's ability to meet homeland defense, wildfires, disaster response, and civil support missions. Annually, please and I may say this, additionally over a 100 and, I'm sorry, 810,000 national security jobs depend on our ability to attract and keep highly skilled military retirees. Many of whom embark on second civilian careers in their nearly forty years. Because remember, when they retire, they're in their mid forty's generating new state and local tax revenues.
Through a second, though second careers, through a second career, retirees household income can contribute 50,000 to a 100,000 taxable income annually, aside from the federal retirement. This bill is a combination of countless veterans and families telling us it's just not enough. This isn't about revenue loss to the state, it's about how we can make veterans and families understand that we have not given up. We will continue to support as often as we can, and this bill is just what we need. This bill keeps revenues in California.
It keeps industries and their workforce in California. It keeps jobs in California. This exemption keeps veterans in California. And with me today, I have Tom Yascanino to also testify on behalf of this bill.
Speaker 13
Thank you, senator. Thank you, madam chair and members of the committee. My name is Tom D'Agostino with Aaron Reed and Associates representing the San Diego Military Advisory Council, co sponsor of the bill, as well as the VFW and the Veteran Foundation. We really thank the senator. I'm very grateful for his leadership in this matter, which has been a topic of discussion for almost ten years.
We are now one of only 12 states that don't provide a full tax exemption to retired military personnel. California has always been a leader in all types of topics and arenas in our economy, our culture, our environment. We hope that the committees and the leadership here will provide the same enthusiast enthusiastic advancement of California as a leader in the country and catch up with those other 38 states. There are some states actually advertising and boasting that they don't tax and that those veterans should come to their states such as Georgia, Carolina, even Virginia. Where we're declining in our population, they are rapidly increasing.
Speaker 7
So we need to come to meet that challenge and hopefully catch up and go back to number one as we've always been as a state. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Speaker 15
Afternoon, madam chair, madam vice chair and members. Karen Lang on behalf of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors in support. Thank you.
Speaker 5
Nate Bessie, founder of Veterans California, and we support this bill and ask for a I vote. Thank you.
Speaker 10
Thank you, senator Archuleta, madam chair, members. Don Wilcox for the California Conference of Carpenters. We have thousands of members that have transitioned from military service to join our union skilled labor that's really important for us. We really appreciate the efforts on the bill. Thank you.
Speaker 7
Good afternoon, chair members. Thank you, senator for running this bill. Seth Rey with the government relations, representing the American Legion, AMVETS, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, Military Officers Association of America, and the Vietnam Veterans of America, all in strong support.
Speaker 8
Thank you, senator. JR Wilson, Department of California Disabled American Veterans and our 72,000 life members across the state are in full support.
Speaker 9
is David Cuda. I'm a retired army sir senior non commissioned officer and I'm highly in favor of this. I had to make a decision whether I wanna stay here and this is one of the bills that actually affects me and my co members.
Speaker 6
David West, California Association of County Veteran Services officers, and we support this bill.
Speaker 10
Thank you. Any lead witnesses in opposition? Seeing none. Any witnesses that wanna testify in opposition for me too's? Seeing none, I'll bring it back to the dais.
Speaker 10
you. Senator McMinerney moves the bill. I just have one comment before I let you close, sir. I know of at least three bills that have gone through since I've been here. They all die in appropriation.
Speaker 2
Over the last ten years, that's happened. And I know there's 38 states that already offer this to our veterans, and I hope that this gets out of appropriations finally this year into the governor's desk for signature. So thank you for trying again. I appreciate it. You may close.
Speaker 1
Thank you, madam chair. I'd like to just point out that this bill, senate bill 14 o seven, is a bipartisan bill. A bill that says we're gonna recognize our veterans. We're gonna honor those who served our country twenty, thirty years, and even longer. But more importantly, it's the workforce development bill.
It is one where we will keep our veterans in California. You heard the technical skills are still needed as we involve as a new AI, whatever it might be. We need experience. We need men and women who know discipline and they know how to report to work on time and get the job done. And I will tell you this, with Fiena Ma as a co author and, with the support we've gotten, I think this time just might be the right time.
And so with that, I ask for an I vote.
Speaker 2
Do pass this bill to the committee on appropriations. Senator Archuleta? Aye. Senator Archuleta, aye. Senator Grove?
Aye. Senator Grove, aye. Senator McNerney? Aye. Senator McNerney, aye.
Senator Umber? I. Senator Umber, aye. Senator Mingevar?
Speaker 10
That has four votes, sir. I believe we're gonna hold the roll open for Senator Mingevar.
Speaker 1
Okay, let's go on to our next bill, which is Jerry McNerney. And I understand you're presenting your bill 12, what is that? Where do we have them? 34. 1034.
Okay. Let's see it. Where am I? There
Speaker 1
Okay, for the record, we're talking about Senate Bill ten thirty four, Jerry McNerney. You can go ahead and present your bill.
Speaker 11
Good afternoon, chair Archuleta, vice chair Grove, distinguished members of the committee. I'm here to present SB ten thirty four. I wanna thank the committee staff for your hard work, in helping us, perfect this bill. I have taken amendments to simplify the bill, making it easier for county service officers to process the necessary documents. SB ten thirty four is a common sense bill.
Right now, it's more difficult for disabled veterans to get parking placards than civilians who are disabled. Because of this, eligible veterans won't apply for benefits that they've earned. This aligns state this bill aligns state law with existing rules for civilians. It ensures that veterans aren't excluded just because the condition isn't labeled service connected if they are already rated at 100% permanent and total disability. For veterans on fixed incomes, these parking benefits provide important cost savings and independence.
Reliable access to a car is essential, especially for those who struggle with public transit due to post traumatic stress. This bill removes barriers so disabled veterans can access care and paint and maintain their quality of life. With me today to testify is JR Wilson, legislative branch director for the Department of California Disabled Veterans and Hector So to, a veterans advocate. Mr. Wilson, you have the floor.
Speaker 8
Thank you. Honorable chair and members of the committee, my name is J. R. Wilson and I serve as the legislative director for the Department of California Disabled American I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the disabled American veterans since 1997, including work as a national service officer and national service office supervisor assisting veterans with their families and their families in navigating benefits and claims. On behalf of our 72,000 DAV Life members in California, I'm here today in strong support of SB ten thirty four.
This bill is about recognizing the difference between rated being rated a 100% disabled and being rated both permanent and total. California has approximately 83,000 veterans rated at 100% disabled through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of those, only about 53,000 have been determined to be permanent in total, and that distinction matters. Permanent means the condition will not improve and there are no future examination schedules. Total means the veteran is disabled at the 100% level and compensated at the maximum VA rate.
But it also reflects something more. A veteran rated permanent total is often given everything in service to this nation, including lifelong disabilities that remain long after the uniform comes off. This bill recognizes those lifelong disabilities. Together, permanent and total represent a final and lifelong federal determination of severe disability. It is also important to understand who this bill impacts.
Speaker 15
Of those approximately 53,000 veterans rated permanent total, many already have a service connected mobility issue and already qualify under existing standards. SB ten thirty four addresses a smaller subset of veterans who are already permanent in total, but who later develop a mobility limitation after service that meets the California's current disabled person placard requirement. There are veterans who service connected disabilities are already permanent total. Excuse me. SB ten thirty four addresses a gap of that determination and recognized at a state level.
Speaker 8
Veterans who are permanent in total must still meet California's requirements for a disabled placard. That does not change. They must still meet medical eligibility standards and be verified by a licensed physician. This bill preserves that safeguard. That what this bill does is simple.
It ensures that once a veteran has a physician verified disability under California law and a federal designation of being both permanent and total, that there are not required they are not required to navigate additional duplicative barriers beyond that point. Let me briefly illustrate. Maria is a veteran rated a 100% permanent total due to military sexual trauma. She lives with mobility limitations and severe service connected mental health conditions. Because of those conditions, public transportation or even taxis can be a major hurdle, often triggering anxiety and making those options unreliable.
She relies on her own vehicle to attend VA medical appointments and maintain treatment. She has already been evaluated by the VA, and she's already been verified by a California physician, yet she still faces additional barriers. This bill fixes that. It does not create a broad new eligibility. It does not lower standards.
It simply addresses a narrow population, removes duplication, and recognizes determinations that have already been made. For many permanent and totally disabled veterans, a personally owned vehicle is luxury. It is essential to maintaining care, stability, independence, and dignity. Reducing unnecessary barriers to that mobility matters. SB ten thirty four is targeted common sense reform.
It aligns state and federal system, reduces bureaucracy, and ensures fairness for some of our most severely disabled veterans. On behalf of the Department of California Disabled American Veterans, we respectfully ask for your I vote on s b ten thirty four. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Speaker 17
Chair members, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Hector So to, and I am here in support of SB ten thirty four. As a disabled veteran, I have also spent time advocating for fellow veterans and helping them navigate the Veterans Benefit Administration, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and CalVet. Through that work, I've seen firsthand how California's current law creates confusion, inconsistency, and unfair barriers for disabled veterans seeking parking benefits they rightfully deserve. SB ten thirty four is important because it helps bring fairness and clarity to the law.
Right now disabled veterans can face stricter eligibility requirements. Then other disabled Californians when trying to access parking related benefits this creates unnecessary benefit that barrier for veterans who already live with serious mobility challenges. This bill helps correct that by aligning the rules for disabled veterans. More closely with the standards already used for other disabled individuals. It provides clear descriptions of qualifying mobility limitations makes a lot easier to understand and helps ensure that veterans with legitimate disabilities are not left out simply because the current.
Statute is too narrow or too vague. SB ten thirty four matters because it recognizes the real life challenges disabled veterans face for many veterans access to parking benefits is not a a minor inconvenience and can affect their ability to attend medical appointments and do their day to day activities. I respectfully ask for your I vote.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any more witnesses in the room in support of Senate Bill ten thirty four? Please come up.
Speaker 7
Chair members, my name is Seth Ribaud with REBE Government Relations, in representing American Legion, AMVETS, CALMOA, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, and the Vietnam Veterans of America, all in support. Thank you.
Speaker 5
Hey, Bussie, representing Veterans of California. And by the way, you are right. A lot of people don't realize they're eligible for these things. Also, it's a hard time to even get it done and complete. So thank you for this and explaining that eligibility.
Definitely helps in ask for an I vote. Appreciate it.
Speaker 16
Good afternoon, Yolanda Benson representing the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers. We're kind of a tweener, but we're definitely moving towards support and we just wanna thank the author's office. We wanna thank your consultant and the staff and we are moving towards support and we are very appreciative. Thank you.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Is there anyone in the Room 113 in opposition of the bill ten thirty four. I see none. Members, any question or comment? No.
Motion to move the bill. Okay. Senator McKernie, would you like to go ahead and close? You can slide that mic over. There you go.
Speaker 11
Well, again, I thank the committee. SB ten thirteen is about recognizing the full picture of disability and honoring the sacrifice of those who served. I respectfully ask for an I vote.
Speaker 1
And I'm so honored that you're presenting this bill, never forgetting our disabled veterans. And we have a motion, and let's go ahead and call roll.
Speaker 2
This bill is due passed to the committee on appropriations. Senator Archuleta? Aye. Senator Archuleta, aye. Senator Grove?
Senator McNerney?
Speaker 1
aye. All right, and the bill will be on call. Okay. And let's go ahead and go with the next one.
Speaker 1
Senator McNerney, once again, I understand you're presenting Senate Bill 12 o one. Whenever you're ready, please begin.
Speaker 11
Well, thank you. Good afternoon, Chair Ochaleta and distinguished members of the committee. I'm here to present SB 12 o one, the No Hungry Heroes Act. I want to thank the committee staff for their work in preparing this bill, making it more perfect. HR1 enacted large and harmful cut to food assistance.
Speaker 3
These federal cuts specifically targeted vulnerable veterans. Veterans who are currently homeless, veterans raising children, veterans awaiting disability determination from the Veterans Administration. Veterans rely on CalFresh to feed their families and often face higher poverty and lower employment because of health challenges like post traumatic stress or brain injuries. SB twelve oh one helps protect veterans from these cuts by directing the state to request federal waivers to exclude job search costs from income. So in other words, if you're out there as a veteran trying to get a job, you've to spend money to do that, they're going to take that away from your income in calculating your eligibility for CalFresh.
Speaker 11
And it also eases work requirements for vulnerable veterans. SB twelve oh one ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county service veteran officer, a county veteran service officer. So I just permuted those two words. With me here to testify is David West on behalf of the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers. And Gabby Davidson on behalf of the California Association of Food Banks.
With the chair's permission, I would recognize David West.
Speaker 6
Thank you. Thank you, senator. Good afternoon, chair and members of the senate military and veterans affairs committee. Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of senate bill 12 o one, the no hunger heroes act. My name is David West and I'm representing the California association of county veteran services officers and I also serve as a Nevada county veteran service officer.
Across California, County veteran services officers work on the front lines with veterans and their families every day. We see firsthand the challenges many face as they transition from military to civilian life, especially when it comes to stable employment and access to basic needs needs like food. Recent federal changes to SNAP, known as CalFresh here in California, have imposed strict work requirements and time limits do not reflect the realities veterans face. These rules now apply to even veterans who are newly discharged, experiencing homelessness, awaiting disability determinations, or raising children. As a result, many are at risk of going hungry.
Senate Bill 12 o one provides a thoughtful and targeted solution. It directs the state to seek federal waivers to protect these vulnerable veterans, ensure the job search costs are not counted against them, and critically requires direct referrals to county veteran services officers when veterans apply for benefits. That connection is essential. Veteran services are often spread across multiple systems making them difficult to navigate. CVSOVS help bridge that gap, providing culturally competent accredited assistant that connects veterans to the full range of benefits they have earned.
Speaker 12
Importantly at the local level most CVSOs are structurally housed within County departments of social services and even in counties where they are not they maintain strong director of direct collaborative relationships with those departments. This means SB twelve oh one builds on an existing infrastructure It strengthens coordination rather than creating something new. Simply put, this bill meets veterans where they are, removes unnecessary barriers, and ensure that those who served our country do not go without food while working to rebuild their civilian lives. We respectfully ask for your aye of vote on s b twelve o one. Thank you for your consideration.
Speaker 14
Thank you. Hi, chair and members. Gaby Davidson with the California Association of Feed Banks. Last year on July 4, Congress passed HR1, which includes the largest cuts to SNAP, known as CalFresh in California, in the program's history. It cannot be overstated how important the CalFresh program is.
Over 5,000,000 Californians rely on food benefits, and food banks cannot make up the difference. For every meal our volunteers provide, SNAP provides nine. These federal cuts impact people that are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, including abuse and trafficking survivors, families with children, former foster youth, and veterans. HR1 added a three month time limit on veterans, which requires them to report twenty hours of work per week or lose benefits after just three months. These requirements apply even if a veteran has children in their home and there are no exemptions if the veteran is unhoused, has a less than 100% disability diagnosis, or is recently discharged.
Speaker 8
In California, an estimated 115,000 veteran families rely on the vital CalFresh food benefits. In recognizing the unique challenges that veterans faced after service, SB twelve oh one does three things. One, it requests a federal waiver to exempt veterans from the CalFresh time limits if they are homeless, newly discharged, awaiting a disability determination, or if they have children. Two, it requires counties to give veterans who apply for benefits a direct referral to County veteran service officers who are best prepared to serve Americans who have served. And three, it ensures that the money veterans spend on job searching does not count against them being able to receive food assistance.
Speaker 14
Taking away food never helps anyone find a job, keep a job, or get more hours at a job. And, making veterans hungry will never make us a better country. The California Association of Food Banks has asked Congress to repeal HR1 food cuts to veterans and their families, and you should too. Until they do, the least that we can do is make sure we are doing all we can in California to protect veterans most at risk of going hungry. For these reasons, we are proud to support SB twelve oh one, and we urge your I vote.
Thank you.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any other witnesses in the room in support of this bill? And please come up the microphone and express your support on twelve oh one please.
Speaker 2
Mister chair and members, Tiffany White with SEIU California in strong support. Thank you so much.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Anyone else in support of the bill? If not, let's go to the opposition. Anyone in the room in opposition of Senate Bill 12 o one? I see none.
Okay. Question or comments? Move the vote. Bill? Okay.
Senator McErnie, would you like to close?
Speaker 11
Federal cuts have been harmful specific to veterans and SB 12 o one gives California a chance to protect our heroes from hunger. I ask for an I vote.
Speaker 1
Senator, thank you for bringing this bill forward. It's a very, very important bill. So many of our veterans that are struggling, this will make a difference. And I thank you once again for bringing it. So we have a motion and please call the roll, madam secretary.
Speaker 2
This bill is due passed to the committee on appropriations. Senator Archuleta.
Speaker 2
Senator Archuleta, aye. Senator Grove. Senator McNerney. Aye. Senator McNerney, aye.
Senator Minjevar. Senator Umber. Aye. Senator Umber, aye.
Speaker 1
Okay, this bill will be on call. Okay, thank you senator. We appreciate your time and effort. Senator Membert, may I give you the gavel? Sure.
While I present my bill, where'd it go?
Speaker 1
Thank you, mister chair. And members, thank you. I'm going to present senate bill thirteen fifty four. And I really appreciate your time and effort you've put in for us today on behalf of veterans. Senate Bill thirteen fifty four, which would prohibit military personnel not operating under title 10 from another state, territory, or district to enter California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the express permission of our governor here in the state of California.
The bill's clear prohibition on out of state unapproved military activity reinforces the governor's constitutional authority as commander in chief of here in the state of California and the state militia. It ensures California retains control over any armed or law enforcement operation conducted within its borders. Unfortunately, California is well aware of what it's like to have a national guard activated in our state without the express permission from the governor, our governor here in the state of California. Californians should not, Californians should not live in fear of an unwarranted, unwanted military involvement from any other state. I want to clarify that this bill does not affect the activation of the guard under title 10.
This legislation would not impact current mutual aid agreements such as the emergency management assistant compact or prohibit outside military personnel from attending schools and training here in California when they're assigned. At least seven other states have passed similar legislation that prohibits outside forces from entering into their states, including Maryland, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, North Carolina, and Washington. Oregon currently has legislation pending that includes similar prohibitions. This measure helped prevent the misuse of military power. With me today is Rebecca Marquez on behalf of the California Public Defenders Association.
And I would like to have her present her testimony. Mister chair?
Speaker 6
Good afternoon good afternoon chair and members. Rebecca Marcus, on behalf of the California Public Defenders Association, we are proud to support SB thirteen fifty four, which sends a clear message to the governors of other states who might be tempted to send their state national guard to California without the express request or permission of the governors. SB thirteen fifty four would make it a crime for military personnel from another state, territory, or district to enter California without the express permission of the governor. Californians are grateful for the assistance that the Nevada and Wyoming National Guard provided in multiple air and ground firefighting efforts as wildfires raged raged across the Los Angeles Basin in Southern California in January 2025. Although it's unclear if any other state's national guards were mobilized and arrived in LA in June 2025, a number of states volunteered their national guard to assist with immigration enforcement in other states and Washington DC.
Speaker 19
Responding to requests from our president, Republican governors from nine states have agreed to activate their guard troops under title 32 for deployment in DC, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Tennessee. As public defenders, we have long witnessed how unauthorized and and overly aggressive law enforcement actions, particularly those involving militarized tactics and racial profiling, inflict deep and lasting harm on our clients and communities. This bill is a critical safeguard affirming that California will not tolerate unlawful or uncoordinated incursions by outside state or federal forces that threaten our residents' constitutional rights, safety, and peace of mind. This bill's clear prohibition on out of state unapproved military activity reinforces the cal governor's constitutional authority as commander in chief of the state militia and ensures California retains control over any armed or law enforcement operations conducted within its borders. Respectfully, we ask for your yes vote on this bill.
Thank you.
Speaker 1
understand that the AG, the governor, feels very strong that they have the constitutional right to have this bill on the record and they will go ahead and do whatever's necessary to join the other states that have similar laws.
Speaker 1
Chair. Once again, this bill is supported by the governor, the AG, and our military that is looking forward to always supporting California. And we will always support those who need help. And remember, California is ready to be the first to go on national emergencies when we're called upon in emergencies, but it must be done in an authorized manner and this is what this bill is all about and I urge and I vote.
Speaker 2
bill is due passed to the committee on public safety. Senator Archuleta? Aye. Senator Archuleta, aye. Senator Grove?
Senator McNerney? Senator McNerney, aye. Senator Mengevar? Senator Umberg? Aye.
Senator Umberg, aye.
Speaker 1
We'll go back to the consent calendar. Can I have a motion? So moved. Motion. Madam Secretary, call the roll.
Speaker 2
Senator McNerney. Aye. Senator Umber. Aye. Senator Umber, aye.
Senator McNerney, aye.
Speaker 1
And Senator Archuleta, aye. Senator Archuleta, you already voted on it. Okay. So now, because, what about these?
Speaker 1
Okay. Senator Berg, thank you for your time, because I think we've been able to have our
Speaker 1
We've got all our bills through. We'll just wait for a couple to come back, so we have an open roll. Okay.
Speaker 9
So we still have a couple of members that are out and we'll wait for them for just a bit We'll call the roll once again. So the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs will take a ten minute recess until we have our Senator Groff back, and we'll go ahead and continue with the row. Thank you. The meeting on Military and Veterans Committee will come back to order, and we've got a few items that we're gonna take care of. Let's go ahead and start with item number five, Senate Bill ten thirty four.
Speaker 1
Okay, that bill gets out four zero. Let's go on to item number six, Senate Bill twelve oh one. McNerney?
Speaker 1
three to nine. Let's go on to next item, number eight, Senate Bill thirteen fifty four, Archuleta.
Speaker 1
Bill is out, fourteen oh seven is out. Okay, well thank you everyone who attended today. Senator Grove, thank you for coming back and all the senators today, thank you all. And to our veterans who attended the meetings, thank you for your support. And please understand this, we will never forget your service and welcome home and God bless you all.
Okay, that'll, you need adjourned.
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