In a recent meeting of the West Virginia Senate Military Committee, lawmakers discussed two significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and updating military definitions. The first, House Bill 2053, seeks to officially include the United States Space Force in the state's definition of armed forces. This amendment, which updates existing code across multiple chapters, reflects the growing recognition of the Space Force since its establishment in 2019. The committee unanimously recommended the bill for passage, noting that it carries no fiscal impact and primarily serves to clarify definitions.

The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 666, focuses on expanding the definition of "disabled veteran taxpayer" within the West Virginia Property Tax Adjustment Act. This bill, requested by the Department of Veterans Assistance, aims to ensure that veterans rated with a 90% or greater service-connected disability, as well as those deemed unemployable due to service-related injuries since September 11, 2001, qualify for tax credits on their property taxes. The committee emphasized that this change corrects previous definitions that did not align with federal standards, ensuring that no veterans are inadvertently excluded from benefits.

Both bills highlight the committee's commitment to supporting veterans and adapting state laws to reflect current military structures and needs. As these measures move forward, they promise to enhance the support available to West Virginia's veteran community, ensuring that those who have served are recognized and assisted appropriately. The committee plans to seek waivers for further reviews in the finance committee, aiming for a smooth passage through the legislative process.