07/16/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 08:52
Each year, state legislatures consider hundreds of bills and resolutions related to military and veterans affairs, including over 1,400 pieces of legislation so far in 2024. The bills address a variety of topics, including fraud prevention surrounding veterans benefits, suicide prevention efforts, National Guard issues, land use planning around military installations, veterans and military spouse employment and occupational licensing, property tax exemptions, housing and tuition credits.
The NCSL Legislative Summit this year in Louisville, Ky., will address many of these issues through sessions in the military and veterans track and a convening of the Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force. Summit delegates are invited to attend the task force meeting on Sunday, Aug. 4, which will include these agenda items:
Later in the week, sessions in the military and veterans track will address innovative policies to serve the nation's veterans, how states are managing PFAS contamination-including Defense Department efforts to mitigate the "forever chemicals"-and the distinctive role of the National Guard.
The National Guard forces operate as state organizations in all the states and territories, with state laws authorizing governors to activate them to respond to domestic emergencies such as natural disasters and civil disturbances. State adjutant generals are responsible for commanding these forces when not on federal active duty.
State leaders plan and collaborate with military officials to sustain the presence of military bases in their states, and especially their employment impact and overall economic footprint. Many states make funding available to assist with infrastructure needs at military installations to support the mission of particular bases.
Jim Reed staffs the NCSL Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force.