California State Capitol building, Sacramento, California (Photo: Rikki Almanza)

A series of laws take effect in 2024 to better the lives of California Veterans. These changes, both at the federal and state levels, include a range of initiatives designed to streamline processes, improve data collection, and pay homage to the sacrifices of military personnel.

On the federal front, Military Retirees and Disabled Veterans will benefit from a 3.2 percent benefits increase in 2024. This raise aligns with the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits.

At the state level, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed laws that address various aspects of Veterans’ lives. These include measures to expedite claims procedures, improve data collection practices by agencies and organizations, and introduce meaningful additions to the State Capitol in Sacramento through memorials and monuments.

One important change involves the acceptance of electronically generated letters of service-connected disabilities by county assessors. This move is to simplify the verification process for Disabled Veterans seeking property tax exemptions. The Disabled Veterans’ Exemption applies to eligible Veterans who are either blind in both eyes, have lost the use of two or more limbs, or were entirely disabled due to injury or disease incurred in military service, with a 100 percent disability rating from the VA or the Veteran’s military branch. In cases where the Veteran holds a 100 percent disability rating from the VA, further documentation of disability, such as medical files, may not be required for the exemption.

For more information on The Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, which reduces the property tax liability, readers can click here.

Another adjustment pertains to the College Fee Waiver for Veterans Dependents benefit, where changes in eligibility criteria, including adjusted gross income and the state poverty threshold, will better support the educational pursuits of Veterans’ children.

Furthermore, there’s a concerted effort to improve the dissemination of information about policies, resources, and services for student Veterans, as well as members of the California State Guard and the California National Guard, along with their dependents.

Recognizing the need for complete data, the California Department of Public Health will now compile information on drug overdoses involving Veterans, providing insights to both the Legislature and the California Department of Veterans Affairs annually. Additionally, collaboration between CalVet and the state Department of Housing and Community Development will streamline the tenant referral process for Veterans’ housing, ensuring that deserving Veterans have access to affordable homes.

In a bid to foster transparency, new laws require venture capital firms in California to disclose demographic information about their founding teams, including representation from Veterans, Disabled Veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and diverse racial and gender identities.

Moreover, a dedicated account managed by CalVet will track private-sector donations earmarked for the maintenance and repairs of existing memorials in Sacramento’s Capitol Park, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical tributes. Other legislations open avenues for groups to construct monuments honoring Veterans of specific wars, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and recognizing the challenges faced by blind Veterans.

For information on additional California laws that take effect in 2024, readers can click here.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.