Governor Signs Butler Legislation for Veterans

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Governor Signs Butler Legislation for Veterans

AB 2490 will help incarcerated veterans receive their rightfully earned benefits
AB 2371 will allow veterans who suffer from service induced mental illness a second chance
AB 1904 grants the spouses of active-duty military personnel temporary California professional licenses

SACRAMENTO –
Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Los Angeles) today announced that Governor Jerry Brown has signed three of the bills she authored and co-authored which will help ensure our military veterans are given every opportunity possible upon their return home.

Many veterans face incredible challenges following their service to this country, ” said Assemblymember Butler. “Our veterans and their families deserve our gratitude for the sacrifice they have made and we need to honor their commitment. We are learning a little more everyday about the ways we can assist our veterans in their transition and work to ensure their path remains a strong and successful one.
”
AB 2371 gives California courts the option of placing military veterans into a drug or mental health treatment program as a condition of probation. The restorative provisions of this bill will allow for those veterans who successfully complete treatment to obtain employment that is related to their life skills that would otherwise be precluded due to their criminal convictions.

AB 2490 will have the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) develop polices to assist veterans who are inmates in pursuing claims for federal veteran’s benefits. This bill also states that CDCR, in developing the policies, may coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs, county service officers or veterans service organizations.

AB 1904 is a bipartisan measure, co-authored with Assemblymembers Block and Cook, which grants the spouses of active-duty military personnel temporary California professional licenses to continue working when their military spouse has been relocated to California.

"Nobody in the California Legislature works harder on behalf of veterans, especially women veterans, than Betsy Butler, ” stated Lorraine Plass, a US Army Vietnam Era veteran and AMVETS Legislative Chairperson. "Betsy has just begun. In just two short years, she has made a significant impact on behalf of California veterans. All veterans look forward to working with Betsy in the coming years."

The bills are supported by the AMVETS Department of California, Vietnam Veterans of America - California State Council, American Legion - Department of California, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Public Defenders Association and Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.

Assemblymember Butler was named the 2012 American Veterans Legislator of the Year and last year was named the 2011 Vietnam Veterans of America's Legislator of the Year for her tireless advocacy on behalf of our military veterans.

Assemblymember Betsy Butler represents California's 53rd Assembly District, comprised of the communities of Venice, Marina del Rey, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and portions of the City of Los Angeles.

For more information, visit www.asmdc.org/butler.

Contact: Jay Day, (916) 319-2053

Thanks,

John Skoglund
Legislative Aide
Assemblymember Betsy Butler
john. skoglund@asm.ca.gov
916-319-2053