Department of Veterans’ Affairs

2011 Legislative Initiatives

FDVA Legislative Policy Proposals for the 2011 Session:

 Priority 1: Amend 20.37 FS to more accurately reflect the current organizational

structure of the agency by changing the name of the Division of Administration and
adding the Division of Veterans’ Homes. Also address the number of Cabinet members
needed to support a Governor’s FDVA Executive Director nomination based on the
current composition.

 Priority 2: Recognizing the establishment of Operation New Dawn (replacing Operation

Iraqi Freedom), which began on Sept. 1, 2010: Amend 1.01(14) FS related to the
definition of ‘veteran.’ Amend 295.0185 related to educational benefits for dependent
children.

 Priority 3: Amend 296.06(2)(b) and 296.36(1)(b) striking the one-year residency

requirement for admission into State Veterans’ Homes. These amendments would retain
residency status as an admissions eligibility requirement but remove the one-year time
requirement.

 Priority 4: Amend 258.0145 to include Gold Star parents eligible for free lifetime
admission to state parks.

 Priority 5: Create 683.146 FS making August 7 of each year Purple Heart Day in
Florida

 Priority 6: Amend 379.353FS relating to totally and permanently disabled persons

(including T&P veterans) hunting and fishing licenses. Removing the requirement for
renewal every five years…make it lifetime.