Substitute Senate Bill No. 634 Summary

• Effective October 1, 2023, each municipality must either establish a municipal veterans advisory committee, appoint a director of municipal veterans services, or appoint one or more municipal veterans representatives, all of whom must be veterans or have practical experience handling veterans' issues.

• Municipal veterans advisory committee members, directors, and representatives must complete a veterans benefits and programs training course within one year of appointment through the Office of Advocacy and Assistance, and thereafter receive updated training information electronically.

• Designated municipal staff or volunteers must be available to veterans in person, by telephone, or by electronic mail for a minimum number of days or hours per week as determined by the municipality, and must file monthly reports on veterans assisted and services provided.

• The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs must annually notify each municipality's chief executive officer of compliance requirements and request submission of names and email addresses of designated personnel within 30 days.

• The Office of Advocacy and Assistance staff increased from eight to ten employees, including from six to eight veterans' service officers, with at least two officers responsible for overseeing municipal compliance with the new requirements.