RELATES TO:

KRS 40.310, 40.560, 40.350

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 40.350

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 40.350(1) establishes the Kentucky Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program. KRS 40.350(7) authorizes the program40.540 requires the department to promulgate administrative regulations required for the effective administration of KRS 40.310 through KRS 40.560. KRS 40.350 authorizes the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to accept and expend moneys that may be appropriated by the General Assembly; and other monies received from any other source, including donations and grants. KRS 40.350(6) authorizes the Department of Veterans' Affairs to promulgate administrative regulations to implement KRS 40.350. This administrative regulation establishes procedures for expenditures and fundraising by the Kentucky Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program and other contributions from a government unit and authorizes the department to administer the funds through the use of agency accounts. KRS 40.350 requires the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to manage the funds and authorize expenditures and establish a Program Coordinator to facilitate the administration of the Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program.

1. Section 1. Definitions.

   1. (1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.
   2. (2) "Coordinator" means the Coordinator of the Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program.
   3. (3) "Disabled Veteran" means a veteran who was deemed disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces, under conditions other than dishonorable, or was deemed disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs after being discharged, under conditions other than dishonorable.
   4. (2)(4) "Fund" means the Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program Fund.
   5. (3)(5) "Wounded Veteran" means a veteran who was wounded while serving in the United States Armed Forces, who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

2. Section 2. Expenditures and Fundraising.

   1. (1) In accordance with this section and sections (2)-(4), Money appropriated from the fund shall be expended in support of the Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program's initiatives as authorized by KRS 40.350that are focused on easing the transition from active service for wounded or disabled veterans or ensuring that wounded or disabled veterans receive the federal, state, and private benefits to which they are entitled.

   2. (2) Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program funds shall be used for the purposes and functions described in KRS 40.350Program's initiatives shall focus on at least one (1) of the following:

      1. (a) Performing outreach to improve wounded or disabled veterans' awareness of eligibility for federal, state, and private wounded or disabled veterans' services and benefits;
      2. (b) Supporting legislation and policies on the local, state, and national levels to advocate and bringing public awareness to wounded or disabled issues;
      3. (c) Collaborating with federal, state, and private agencies that provide services to wounded or disabled veterans, including entering into data-sharing agreements with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to obtain timely information with regard to the addresses and medical statuses of Kentucky's wounded or disabled veterans;
      4. (d) Assessing the needs of wounded or disabled veterans with respect to benefits and services;
      5. (e) Reviewing programs, research projects, and other initiatives that are designed to address or meet the needs of Kentucky's wounded or disabled veterans;
      6. (f) Incorporating wounded or disabled veterans' issues in strategic planning concerning benefits and services;
      7. (g) Monitoring and researching issues relating to wounded or disabled veterans and disseminating information and opportunities throughout the Program's network;
      8. (h) Providing guidance and direction to wounded or disabled veterans applying for grants, benefits, or services via conferences, seminars, and training workshops with federal, state, and private agencies;
      9. (i) Promoting events and activities that recognize and honor wounded or disabled veterans;
      10. (j) Providing facilities, as appropriate, in support of the Program through grants and other sources of funding.
   3. (3) Terms of Data-Sharing. With the consent of a wounded or disabled veteran, the Program's coordinator, or his or her designee, may obtain personal information concerning wounded or disabled veterans for the sole purpose of implementing the Program. Under the provisions of KRS 61.878, the information shall not be subject to public disclosure.
   4. (4) Fundraising. If fundraising on behalf of the Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs may accept a gift, donation, or grant from an individual, a corporation, or a government entity, provided that the funds are not restricted to tax exempt organizations as defined by Title 26, Section 501(c) of the Internal Review Code.

FILED WITH LRC: June 11, 2024

CONTACT PERSON: Juan Renaud, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, 1111 Louisville Rd., Suite B, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; phone (502) 782-5721; fax (502) 564-9240; email juan.renaud@ky.gov.