CA SB418

Amends Section 699.5 of the Military and Veterans Code to revise legislative findings regarding state funding for veterans service organizations providing claim assistance services.

Establishes that General Fund moneys may be used to compensate veterans service organizations for their services only after the annual budget for county veterans service officers reaches a minimum of $5,000,000.

Requires contracting veterans service organizations to document claims processed annually by their veterans service officers at California offices in accordance with department procedures.

Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine annually the monetary benefits paid to veterans and their dependents and survivors resulting from contracted organizations' work and report findings to the Department of Finance and Legislature by January 1 each year.

Defines "survivor," "veterans service officer," and "veterans service organization" for purposes of the law, with veterans service organizations required to be Congressional chartered, formed by and for military veterans, and maintain established committees in regional VA offices in California.