Veteran service providers.

Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among other duties, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of any war of the United States and the dependent or survivor of every veteran in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States that the veteran may have arising from war service and in establishing the veteran's or dependent's right to privilege, preference, care, or compensation as provided for by federal or state law, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the board of supervisors of a county to grant financial assistance, relief, and support to indigent veterans. Existing law requires an organization desiring to assist indigent veterans to first file with the board of supervisors of the county in which it is operating or intending to operate a verified statement setting forth specified information regarding the organization, including its financial condition. This bill would establish a competitive grant program, to be administered by the department with existing funds, as defined, for purposes of awarding grant moneys to certified California veteran service providers for purposes of providing supportive services that improve the quality of life for veterans and their families, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to enter into memoranda of understanding with other state departments and agencies to implement these provisions. The bill would require competitive grants to be awarded in support of the state's strategic plan for providing veterans with transition assistance. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to implement the program and to define criteria for supporting the state's strategic plan. This bill would establish a certification process for California veteran service providers, as defined, applying for the competitive grants. The bill would require an applicant for certification to provide specified information to the department upon application and, after certification, on request and reasonable notice by the department.