The House passed several measures last week to benefit Pennsylvania servicemen and servicewomen who honorably served our country, said State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129)
House Bill 2428 would offer a special designation on Pennsylvania driver’s licenses for veterans who served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including reserve units or the National Guard, and who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
House Bill 2591 would bring the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) into compliance with the Federal Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Act of 2008 (HEART) and would conform Pennsylvania law regarding pension credit for military leave for state employees and SERS members with federal law.
Senate Bill 623 would encourage stage agencies to contract with veteran-owned small businesses.
Cox also said additional veterans benefits bills were approved in House committees.
The House Transportation Committee voted in support of Senate Bill 1531, which would create the Veterans’ Trust Fund to authorize grants to the PA Veterans Foundation and other veterans’ and charitable organizations for the purposes of providing benefits to veterans and their families. Revenue for the fund will come from proceeds paid by PennDOT from sales of a special “Honor Our Veterans” license plate and from contributions from a voluntary $3 check-off from driver license and vehicle registration renewals.
The House State Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1255, which would enact the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act to simplify the process of absentee voting for United States military and overseas civilians in state elections conducted in Pennsylvania.
The House Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1442, which would update the Pennsylvania Code of Military Justice, which enforces order and discipline upon the Pennsylvania National Guardsmen who are not in active federal service under Title 10 of the United States Code. The code has not been extensively updated since 1975, and many of the current provisions date back to the Military Code of 1949.