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House passes veterans outreach bill to create state database for benefit outreach
Summary
The House approved House Bill 401 to create a database in the Division of Veterans Affairs to track Utah veterans and connect them with federal benefits; members stressed the bill creates no new benefits but aims to improve access. It passed 64-0.
The Utah House passed House Bill 401 on Feb. 23 to create a veterans database within the Division of Veterans Affairs to improve outreach about federal benefits and services. Representative D., sponsor of the bill, said the measure does not add or expand benefits but helps identify and inform eligible veterans.
"We have in Utah over a 56,000 veterans in the state," the sponsor said, adding that many do not access benefits for housing, disability, or hospitalization because they are unaware of them. The bill, the sponsor said, provides a way to "track where these veterans are and to make sure they understand some of their benefits." Members from both parties voiced support and described personal or constituent experiences that underscored the need for improved outreach.
The floor exchange noted a $100,000 fiscal note; the sponsor said that appropriation had been prioritized in an appropriations committee, and members discussed that funding was being pursued. Representative Hughes and others spoke in support, describing the bill as a way to connect veterans to benefits without increasing state-provided entitlements.
House Bill 401 passed the House with 64 yes votes, 0 no votes, and will be referred to the Senate for further action.
