Committee on Veterans and Military accepts introduction of three bills, hears Guard and event updates

The Committee on Veterans and Military accepted the introduction of three bills and received department materials and event scheduling information during a short meeting.

The committee accepted introduction of Bill RS 0497 “concerning roads and highways” to designate a section of highway and a bridge for MIA/POW remembrance. An unnamed legislator asked the committee to “accept the introduction of Bill RS 0497 and act concerning roads and highways designating a section of a highway and bridge for MIA POW remembrance,” and no objections were raised. The transcript records no roll-call vote on the introduction.

Jim Carlskind introduced Bill RS 0524 on behalf of Representative Johnson and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Carlskind said, “on behalf of Representative Johnson and the VFW, I'd like to request introduction of RS 0524 prohibiting certain conduct and improper collection of veteran benefits fees.” The committee accepted the bill’s introduction with no objections recorded in the transcript.

A representative appearing for Veterans Benefit Guide requested introduction of RS 0525, described in the transcript as a bill to “establish guardrails for for profit companies [that] assist in veterans seeking benefits.” The speaker thanked the reviser and asked the committee to introduce RS 0525; the request was accepted with no objections recorded.

In announcements, Lieutenant Colonel Marshall of the Adjutant General’s Department handed out two documents to committee members: the department’s annual report and a legislative-session newsletter. Marshall pointed to a fold-out map in the annual report showing the locations of Kansas National Guard facilities throughout the state.

General Turner said coordination is underway for Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Feb. 11, describing planned activities including proclamation signings by the governor, recognition of airmen of the year and Vietnam War veterans, and displays in the statehouse rotunda. The committee chair said the committee might shorten or cancel its meeting that day to allow members to participate and said a resolution for Armed Forces Appreciation Day is being prepared for the House floor.

The committee’s first military caucus meeting was announced for Monday the 27th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 218 North; William Wilkes of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce was listed as the scheduled speaker to discuss a military and veterans committee the chamber is forming.

All three bill introductions were accepted for filing and referral according to the transcript; no hearings, roll-call votes, or amendments on the bills were recorded during this meeting. The committee chair reminded members the deadline to submit bills from legislators or committee members is the 30th of the month and asked members to check their calendars for upcoming deadlines and meeting dates.