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Bill would modernize membership of Washington Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee
Summary
Senate Bill 5338 would rearrange membership categories on the 17‑member Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee to add at‑large seats and allow tribal veteran representation and National Guard membership while preserving liaisons to the four state veterans homes.
William, staff to the committee, summarized Senate Bill 5338 at the Jan. 28 hearing, saying the bill "rearranges the membership of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee" without changing the committee's total of 17 members. The bill would remove two positions designated for state veterans homes and convert them into at‑large seats, lawmakers said, while retaining four liaisons assigned to the state veterans homes in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane and Walla Walla.
Senator Tawana Nobles, prime sponsor, said the change would "modernize its membership structure to better serve Washington's veterans" and allow for broader expertise. "By replacing two positions designated for state veterans homes with at‑large positions, the bill allows for broader expertise and flexibility," Nobles said.
David Puente, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, told the committee the changes were requested by the department and the VAC to improve statewide representation. Puente said the VAC has been holding town halls in rural counties to increase outreach; recent and planned events included Long Beach, Stevens, Whatcom, Cowlitz, Island, Okanogan and Walla Walla counties. He added the VAC trains tribal veteran representatives and has signed memoranda of agreement with eight tribes in Washington.
Committee members raised implementation questions. Senator Bob Hasegawa asked whether removing the two veterans‑home seats would reduce the residents' voice; Puente said the liaison positions to the homes remain and resident councils will continue to provide input. He noted practical concerns about transporting long‑term skilled‑nursing residents to town halls, saying it could require "about 3 to 4 staff to take that one resident around the state depending on where we're going," which could reduce on‑site care.
Senators thanked the sponsor for including tribal veteran representation and discussed clarifying language about whether the bill should specify "enrolled member" for tribal representation. Miguel Padilla, testifying for a veterans coalition, offered brief support; Vincent McDonald did not appear. The vice chair closed the hearing after reporting one written respondent in favor and no opponents.
Committee staff and witnesses said the total committee size remains 17 and that the Department of Veterans Affairs requested the change to improve representation and flexibility for the VAC.
