SENATE BILL 275

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Harold Pope, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO VETERANS' SERVICES; PROVIDING THAT THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS WHO ARE OR ARE AT RISK FOR EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 9-22-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2004, Chapter 19, Section 7, as amended) is amended to read:

     "9-22-7. DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES.--The department is responsible for:

          A. assisting veterans and their surviving spouses, children and gold star parents in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims against the United States arising by reason of military or naval service;

          B. assisting veterans and their surviving spouses, children and gold star parents in establishing the rights and the procurement of benefits that have accrued or may accrue to them pursuant to state law;

          C. disseminating information regarding laws beneficial to veterans and their surviving spouses, children and gold star parents; [and]

          D. cooperating with agencies of the United States that are or may be established for the beneficial interest of veterans, to which end the department may enter into agreements or contracts with the United States for the purpose of protecting or procuring rights or benefits for veterans; and

          E. assisting veterans who are experiencing, or at risk for experiencing, homelessness to access services and to provide assistance to organizations offering services to those veterans."

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