Committee endorses expansion allowing state agencies to use VA summary-of-benefits letters for eligibility

The Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs adopted an A2 amendment to House Bill 2559A and voted to send the amended bill to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation. The amendment expands the bill from allowing only the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs to use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs summary-of-benefits letters to determine eligibility, to permitting any state agency to use those letters.

Committee staff told members that House Bill 2559A, as amended by the A2 change, carries no fiscal or revenue impact and that the public hearing on the bill took place on April 29. During the work session staff summarized the A2 amendment as allowing “any state agency” to use a veteran’s summary-of-benefits letter to determine eligibility for benefits or services.

“I appreciate the A2 amendments because I think it's important that all of our veterans be able to access their benefits and to have those other agencies have the access to those those details makes it much simpler and less headache and less bureaucracy to have to navigate so I'm thankful we're able to make it easier for our veterans to receive their benefits,” Senator Pham said during the session.

The committee conducted a roll call on the motion to move House Bill 2559A as amended to the floor. Recorded votes included Senator Meade — Aye; Senator Pham — Aye; Senator Brock Smith — Aye; Vice Chair Patrick — Aye; and Chair Manning — Aye. The committee announced the motion passed. Committee staff confirmed there is no subreferral for the measure.

The work session closed after the committee completed its business for the day.