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Kentucky House passes bill creating ramp-assistance program for disabled veterans
Summary
The House unanimously passed HB214 to create a KDVA-administered program to fund construction and installation of wheelchair ramps for disabled veterans through local veterans service organizations and an application to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Kentucky House of Representatives on Jan. 29 passed House Bill 214, creating a program to help disabled veterans obtain wheelchair ramps and home-access modifications.
The clerk identified Representative Wesley as the bill sponsor. The gentleman from Estill, speaking in explanation, said the bill establishes a program administered by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) in which veterans in need of a ramp would apply through their local veterans service organization — such as a VFW post or American Legion — and KDVA would provide funds for construction and installation. "So with this proposal, it creates a program to assist our disabled veterans with the construction installation of ramps for their homes and their residences," the gentleman from Estill said.
The sponsor moved for passage after the explanation. With no further floor discussion, the clerk opened the roll call; the House recorded 95 members voting in favor and no members voting against, and the bill was passed. The Speaker applied the clincher motion to finalize the vote.
Advocates and lawmakers described the measure as a targeted, administrative program to improve accessibility for veterans returning to or living in private residences. The bill assigns KDVA responsibility for administering applications and distributing funds through local VSOs. The bill text as explained on the floor did not include a specified statewide appropriation amount during the presentation; funding details were not specified in the floor explanation.
The bill will move to the Senate for its further consideration or enactment procedures.
