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House creates standing veterans commission from task force, sends bill to Senate
Summary
Lawmakers adopted a second substitute for House Bill 313 to convert a 1-year veteran reintegration task force into a permanent commission aimed at coordinating services for returning service members; the measure passed unanimously and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 20 approved a second substitute for House Bill 313 to establish a veterans commission intended to coordinate reintegration services for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Representative Cosgrove, sponsor of the substitute, said members of the earlier veterans reintegration task force identified issues such as employment, traumatic brain injury, mental health, and accreditation of military education credits that require sustained, statewide coordination. "We've done a lot to address those unmet needs," he said, arguing that establishing a permanent commission would sustain the task force’s gains.
Representative Ray, who chaired aspects of the work with members and senators, called the measure "probably one of the biggest, most important military veterans bills that we're gonna see in a long time," citing it as essential for protecting Hill Air Force Base missions and capturing jobs tied to base realignment and closure (BRAC) opportunities.
The House adopted the second substitute and approved final passage by voice and roll call: the clerk recorded 69 ayes and 0 nays. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
The floor record shows broad bipartisan support and emphasized the commission’s role in economic and military readiness, with sponsors repeatedly stressing transition services for veterans. No amendments on final passage were recorded.
