Veterans

HF 2782 is a budget bill that allocates state funds to the departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation provides specific funding for veterans' services, including the Iowa Veterans Home and a home ownership assistance program for military members. It also directs money toward aging and disability support, behavioral health treatment, and maternal care initiatives, while establishing reporting requirements for financial expenditures. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for graduate medical education and updates to various health-related programs.

This bill establishes a statewide electronic system for county veterans service offices to submit federal benefit claims and requires staff in these offices to obtain specific federal certifications and security clearances within twelve months of employment. It creates a new veterans services excellence fund funded by lottery proceeds and state appropriations to incentivize counties to improve veteran outreach and application efficiency, with annual allocations based on performance metrics starting in 2027. The legislation also clarifies that recognized veterans' service organizations can represent veterans in federal benefit claims and grants them power of attorney for this purpose. Additionally, it sets up quarterly reporting requirements to share performance data with county commissions and boards of supervisors.

HF 1049 is an appropriations bill that allocates state funds to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services. It directly affects programs including aging and disability services, behavioral health initiatives, the medical assistance program, and state-operated specialty care. The bill specifically includes funding for sex reassignment surgeries or associated procedures within health-related programs. Signed into law on June 11, 2025, it provides financial support for these services and includes reporting requirements for unspent funds.