Veterans Affairs – Week of April 7, 2011

STAFF CONTACT:  Julie T. Simon

HF 195 – Active-duty assignment of visitation/physical care parenting

HF 363 – Duties of Commission of Veterans Affairs

HF 364 – IDVA monthly reports to counties on recently discharged service members

HF 474 – Designation of annual Purple Heart Day

FLOOR ACTION:

HF 363 addresses the duties of the Commission of Veterans Affairs and additional rulemaking provisions and transfers of authority. The Senate unanimously approved an amendment that makes the bill conform to SF 294, which was previously approved by the Veterans Committee. As amended, it requires rules proposed by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) to first be approved by the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs on a majority vote, and strikes current language that states the Commission may disapprove a specific rule by a two-thirds vote. It requires the Commission to give guidance and make recommendations to the IDVA on its annual departmental budget, and on any adjustments to that budget during a fiscal year. To reinforce the partnership between IDVA and the Commission in the goal of hiring and keeping well-trained personnel in county offices statewide, it requires the Commission to consult with the IDVA regarding the education and certification of county veterans affairs commissions’ executive directors and administrators. [4/4: 49-0]

HF 364 will enhance timely sharing of information between the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and county commissions of veteran affairs regarding service members discharged from active duty. It requires the IDVA to provide to the appropriate county commission information including the name, address of  record, and the county of residence of military service members discharged from active duty within 30 days after the IDVA receives the notification from the federal government. Supporters include the American Legion and the Iowa County Commissioners of Veterans Affairs. The bill passed the House 96-0. [4/4: 49-0]

HF 474 requests and authorizes the Governor to issue an annual proclamation designating August 7 as Purple Heart Day and encourages all government entities in Iowa to observe the day in a way that honors the sacrifice of those men and women wounded or killed in enemy action in military service to the United States of America. The bill passed the House 98-0. [4/5: 50-0]

HF 195 relates to assignment of visitation or physical care parenting time for minor children of military service members on active duty. It makes changes to Iowa Code Chapter 598.41D, as amended by SF 2226 in 2010, to address some glitches that have arisen. HF 195 was crafted after discussions with representatives of the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa State Bar Association’s Family Law section. Factors that will be considered in assignment continue to be in the best interest of the service member’s child or children. “Parenting time” means actual time spent with the child as specified in a decree or order, but does not include any other element of legal custody, physical care or joint physical care. The provisions would take effect upon enactment. [4/5: 50-0]