Senate approves bill allowing state agencies to accept VA summary letters as proof of veteran status

The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2559 B to let state agencies accept a summary of benefits letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as sufficient proof of eligibility for state-provided veterans benefits and services.

Senator Meek, who presented the bill, said many veterans face delays obtaining DD-214 discharge paperwork and that allowing the VA’s summary of benefits letter would reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed access to programs such as the veterans dental program. Meek added that a Senate committee adopted a technical amendment to allow any state agency — not just the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs — to accept the summary letters.

Sponsor remarks noted the bill had no fiscal or revenue impact according to the floor statement, and it had unanimous support in the House and unanimous approval in the Senate committee that heard it. The Senate declared the bill passed on third reading and the measure will move to enrollment and transmittal steps for executive action or agency implementation guidance.