Committee hears multiple veterans resolutions; Senate Bill 39 favorably reported to Rules and Reference

The Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee heard multiple veterans‑focused resolutions and testimony and recorded a favorable committee report for Senate Bill 39.

Senator Kaler introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 urging Congress to resume issuance and renewal of Department of Defense civilian retiree identification cards, saying the DOD stopped issuing those cards in February 2023 under the federal Real ID Act and that the change has forced civilian retirees to seek base‑access approvals each time they visit installations. "Civilian employees of the DOD form a vital and indispensable component of our national defense," Kaler said, urging congressional action to restore the civilian retiree IDs.

The committee then considered proponent testimony for Senate Resolution 21 (support for veteran mental‑health treatment) and Senate Resolution 22 (urging reduced processing times for veteran disability claims). David Root, past state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Ohio, testified in support of both resolutions and highlighted long‑standing VA backlogs and mental‑health needs. "More than 30,000 active duty personnel and veterans have died by suicide since the attack on '9/11," Root said, citing figures included in the resolution's whereas clauses and urging faster implementation of effective care.

Timothy Page, a Navy hospital corpsman and veteran, delivered emotional testimony describing military sexual trauma (MST), long waits for treatment and denials of care, and called for stronger VA oversight and faster access to qualified clinicians. In his testimony he said personal experiences and long VA wait times have left many veterans without timely care.

During the meeting Vice Chair Wilson moved to favorably report Senate Bill 39 (to provide for informational posters on veteran benefits and services) to the Committee on Rules and Reference. The clerk called the roll and the recorded responses were: Chair Johnson — Yes; Vice Chair Wilson — Yes; Ranking Member Weinstein — Yes; Senator Spadden — Yes; Schaeffer — Yes; Craig — Yes. The chair announced the motion carried and SB 39 will be referred to Rules and Reference.

Senate Bill 26 (to create a Joint Law Enforcement Oversight Committee) was called for a hearing but no one provided testimony. The committee also noted written testimony from the American Legion and from Meridian Healthcare that was available on committee materials.

No formal committee votes were recorded on resolutions SR 7, SR 21 or SR 22 during this session; the committee received testimony and written materials and indicated continued interest in moving these policy discussions to appropriate next steps.

The committee adjourned after the presentations and Q&A.

Recorded committee actions and the roll‑call votes are reflected in the committee's official minutes.