Veterans Affairs

A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS, TO ESTABLISH THE DIVISION WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND CONFIRMED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND TO ENUMERATE THE DIVISION'S POWERS AND DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS, TO ENUMERATE SPECIFIC DUTIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL, TRAINING, AND ACCREDITATION OF COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "VETERAN" FOR THE PURPOSES OF APPOINTING COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS, TO ELIMINATE THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT NONVETERANS TO SERVE AS COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR PERSONS CURRENTLY SERVING AS COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS, AND TO REMOVE LOCAL NONCONFORMING PROVISIONS.