Veterans' homes: lease of property.

Existing law establishes the Veterans' Home of California system for the operation of veterans' homes at various sites. Existing law sets forth the duties of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the administration and regulation of veterans' homes. Existing law authorizes the Director of General Services to lease or let any real property held by the department for a home, as specified, to any entity or person upon terms and conditions determined to be in the best interests of the home. Existing law requires each use, other than an easement, of real property held by the department for a home by a person or entity, other than the home or a resident of the home, to be in writing and meet certain criteria, including that it provide substantial and direct benefits to the home and its members and be appropriate and compatible with the nature of the home. This bill would make easements subject to the same use requirements as other real property held by the department. The bill would also specify that these requirements do not apply to an easement established prior to January 1, 2022, a public utility easement or other public easement, or an access easement.