HI HB227

Office of Veterans' Services within the Department of Defense shall conduct a feasibility study on establishing a veterans conservation corps program for environmental protection, restoration, and management training and employment.

Study must analyze steps to establish and administer the program, evaluate enrollment procedures, develop a list of volunteer projects and certifications, and project establishment and administrative costs.

Study shall include analysis of program administration by a private non-profit organization or through a public-private sector partnership.

Office of Veterans' Services shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than 30 days before the 2018 regular legislative session.

Program aims to provide veterans with on-the-job training and certification in environmental fields while providing therapeutic benefits for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder or other service-related mental health or substance use disorders.