CA AB1638

Provides stipends to California counties hosting active U.S. military bases to maintain county veterans service officers (CVSOs) at least part-time on each base, subject to base approval

Requires legislative appropriation before funds can be disbursed; counties cannot receive stipends if they decline to station a CVSO on base or if the base denies approval

Aims to help the more than 33,000 service members discharged annually in California access federal benefits they are entitled to upon separation

Intended to offset California's high cost of living for new veterans and encourage them and their families to remain in the state after military service

Introduced by Assembly Member Ta on January 26, 2026; requires majority vote and fiscal committee review