CA SB745

Establishes the California Veterans Board as a separate and independent entity from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Requires the board to independently advise the department and secretary on operations policies, with the department required to respond to proposed policy changes prior to the next scheduled board meeting.

Authorizes veterans to appeal department benefit decisions to the board and requires the board to grant an independent hearing upon request, with decisions due by the second board meeting following the appeal.

Specifies that board hearings may be supported by department staff in administrative or advisory capacity, and requires the board to be assisted by independent counsel during hearings.

Updates language regarding appeals related to the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act to be conducted by administrative law judges of the Office of Administrative Hearings with proposed decisions submitted to the board for final decision.