Nevada Committee Hears Strong Support and Opposition for AB 145 on Veteran Services
March 10, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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On March 10, 2025, the Nevada Assembly Committee on Government Affairs convened to discuss Assembly Bill 145 (AB 145), a proposed legislation aimed at regulating the practices of organizations assisting veterans with their claims for benefits. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the potential impact of the bill on veterans' access to support services.
The primary focus of the meeting was the overwhelming support for AB 145 from various veteran organizations and advocates. Wesley Harper, the Director of Government Affairs for the City of North Las Vegas, emphasized the city's commitment to veterans, noting that North Las Vegas is home to over 17,000 veterans and the only jurisdictional veteran-focused center in Southern Nevada. He expressed strong support for the bill, which aims to enhance accountability among organizations assisting veterans.
Numerous speakers, including members of the United Veterans Legislative Council, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for accreditation of organizations that help veterans navigate the complex VA system. Levi Schultz, chairman of the Nevada Veterans Caucus, argued that the bill promotes accountability and ensures that veterans receive the quality of service they deserve. He stated, "We cannot afford to play fast and loose with veterans' care and benefits."
However, the meeting also revealed significant opposition to the bill, particularly from representatives of private organizations like Veteran Benefits Guide (VBG). Joshua Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of VBG, raised concerns that AB 145, as currently written, would limit veterans' choices and access to essential services. He argued that while the bill aims to protect veterans from predatory practices, it could inadvertently restrict access to legitimate assistance that many veterans rely on.
Opponents of the bill emphasized the importance of maintaining a range of options for veterans seeking help with their claims. They argued that the current system is already overwhelmed, and eliminating private assistance could leave many veterans without the support they need. Several speakers shared personal stories of how organizations like VBG had successfully helped them navigate the VA claims process, often when other resources had failed.
The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the bill's provisions, particularly regarding the balance between protecting veterans and ensuring they retain access to a variety of support services. As the committee prepares to deliberate on AB 145, the discussions from this meeting underscore the complexities of veteran care and the critical need for thoughtful legislation that addresses the diverse needs of Nevada's veteran community.
The primary focus of the meeting was the overwhelming support for AB 145 from various veteran organizations and advocates. Wesley Harper, the Director of Government Affairs for the City of North Las Vegas, emphasized the city's commitment to veterans, noting that North Las Vegas is home to over 17,000 veterans and the only jurisdictional veteran-focused center in Southern Nevada. He expressed strong support for the bill, which aims to enhance accountability among organizations assisting veterans.
Numerous speakers, including members of the United Veterans Legislative Council, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for accreditation of organizations that help veterans navigate the complex VA system. Levi Schultz, chairman of the Nevada Veterans Caucus, argued that the bill promotes accountability and ensures that veterans receive the quality of service they deserve. He stated, "We cannot afford to play fast and loose with veterans' care and benefits."
However, the meeting also revealed significant opposition to the bill, particularly from representatives of private organizations like Veteran Benefits Guide (VBG). Joshua Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of VBG, raised concerns that AB 145, as currently written, would limit veterans' choices and access to essential services. He argued that while the bill aims to protect veterans from predatory practices, it could inadvertently restrict access to legitimate assistance that many veterans rely on.
Opponents of the bill emphasized the importance of maintaining a range of options for veterans seeking help with their claims. They argued that the current system is already overwhelmed, and eliminating private assistance could leave many veterans without the support they need. Several speakers shared personal stories of how organizations like VBG had successfully helped them navigate the VA claims process, often when other resources had failed.
The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the bill's provisions, particularly regarding the balance between protecting veterans and ensuring they retain access to a variety of support services. As the committee prepares to deliberate on AB 145, the discussions from this meeting underscore the complexities of veteran care and the critical need for thoughtful legislation that addresses the diverse needs of Nevada's veteran community.
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