Veterans Affairs – Week of February 24, 2011

STAFF CONTACT:  Julie T. Simon

SSB 1123 – Duties of Commission of Veterans Affairs

COMMITTEE ACTION:

SSB 1123 requires rules proposed by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs 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. The bill 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, the bill requires the Commission to consult with the IDVA regarding the education and certification of county veterans affairs commissions’ executive directors and administrators. [2/22: short form]