Veterans.

Senator Archuleta's proposal to establish a Veteran Task Force addresses California's declining veteran population by creating a comprehensive review mechanism for military personnel retention policies. The task force would examine existing veteran benefits, transition assistance programs, and quality-of-life factors affecting service members' decisions to remain in California after completing their military service.

The legislation outlines a diverse membership structure that includes representatives from state agencies, legislative committees, and stakeholder organizations. Key participants would include the Department of Veterans Affairs, California Health and Human Services Agency, and various public safety and labor organizations. The VetFund Foundation would chair the task force, with the San Diego Military Advisory Council serving as vice chair. Members would serve without compensation.

The task force's mandate encompasses examination of multiple factors affecting veteran retention, including existing benefits, military-to-civilian transition services, professional licensing for military spouses, childcare access, housing affordability, tax policies, and support for veteran-owned businesses. The legislation authorizes the task force to establish working groups and incorporate outside expertise as needed to fulfill these responsibilities.

This addition to the Military and Veterans Code creates a new coordinating body while maintaining existing veteran support programs and administrative structures. The task force would operate within current agency resources, requiring no additional state appropriations for its establishment or operations.