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Bill to expand uncompensated‑care program to veterans advances after split testimony
Summary
AB 2531 would expand an existing uncompensated care grant program to include veterans denied abortion or counseling by the VA after a federal rule change; proponents said it fills a gap, opponents objected to using state funds for abortion. The committee passed the bill (9‑1 recorded).
The committee advanced AB 2531, described by the author as a narrow expansion of California’s existing uncompensated care grant program to include veterans affected by a federal rule change that restricts Veterans Health Administration provision of abortion care.
Assemblymember Erwin said the bill ensures veterans who cannot receive abortion care or counseling through the VA are not left without options; the measure requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to link to state resources and extends eligibility for existing uncompensated care grants.
Planned Parenthood and reproductive‑health advocates supported the bill as a targeted fix to a federal coverage gap. Opponents, including the California Family Council, framed the measure as a taxpayer‑funded expansion of abortion and urged a no vote, arguing the state should prioritize other unmet veteran needs such as housing and mental‑health services.
Senator Benjovar, the committee’s lone veteran speaker, said he has used VA services and supported the bill, noting the VA continues to provide other reproductive‑health supports and the bill only expands eligibility for a small, focused population.
The committee recorded a favorable vote (9‑1) and referred the bill to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.
