HB5853 Summary

• Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act to establish governance requirements for county Veterans Assistance Commissions, including mandatory bylaws, annual audits, and majority-vote approval for all commission actions.

• Requires commission delegates and alternates to begin terms with full voting rights on March 1, and prohibits employees from simultaneously holding delegate or alternate positions.

• Makes the superintendent an at-will employee answerable to the commission, subject to annual evaluations and removal by majority vote after a written request from delegates of at least 3 different veteran service organizations.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and bring civil actions for injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

• Requires counties to provide Veterans Assistance Commission employees with all county employee benefits including health insurance, retirement, and workers' compensation, with costs payable from commission funds.

• Effective January 1, 2023.