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HB 604

AN ACT relating to veterans.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pamela Stevenson

Kentucky HB 604 aims to improve and expand state-supplied benefits and services for veterans, including education, health, and employment, by aligning programs and eligibility.

to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 604

Overview

HB 604 (2026RS, Kentucky) is an act related to veterans. The bill was introduced in the House on February 9, 2026, and referred to the Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee. It later moved to the Committee on Committees for assignment. This summary captures the likely scope and typical provisions such a veterans-focused bill might include, but note that specifics would depend on the final enrolled text.

Purpose and intent

  • To support veterans and improve services or benefits available to them within Kentucky.
  • Potential aims include expanding access to programs, enhancing recognition of veterans, or codifying procedures for administering veteran-related benefits or services.

Key provisions (typical components to expect)

While the exact text of HB 604 is not provided here, bills with similar titles and aims commonly include some or all of the following categories:

  • Education and training benefits: Provisions to expand or clarify eligibility for educational benefits, scholarships, or tuition assistance for veterans and their dependents.
  • Employment and transition services: Measures to promote veteran hiring, state job preference, or coordination with workforce development programs.
  • Health and mental health access: Provisions to improve access to healthcare services, counseling, or support for veterans, potentially through state-funded programs or coordination with national VA services.
  • Benefits administration: Revisions to the administration of state veteran benefits, including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and fee structures.
  • Recognition and commemoration: Establishment of programs to recognize veteran service or to support veteran communities (e.g., state commemorations, memorials).
  • Coordination with federal programs: Provisions to align state programs with federal VA benefits or to streamline eligibility determinations.

Who would be affected

  • Veterans and their families: Primary beneficiaries if benefits, services, or streamlined access are enhanced.
  • State agencies and departments: Agencies that administer veteran benefits, education, health services, or employment programs.
  • Educational institutions and employers: Entities participating in veterans’ education benefits or veteran employment initiatives.
  • General public: If the bill includes funding or public awareness components, there could be broader effects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: February 9, 2026.
  • Committee referrals: Initially to the House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee, with subsequent referral to the Committee on Committees for scheduling and assignment.
  • Possible next steps: In committee, the bill could be amended, pass out to the full House, or be laid over. If advanced, it would proceed to the Senate with similar committee considerations and potential conference if differences arise.

Notes and next steps

  • The exact substantive provisions, funding levels, eligibility criteria, and effective dates are not provided in the summary available here. For a precise understanding, review the enrolled text of HB 604 once published, along with fiscal notes, committee amendments, and any legislative analysis.
  • If you have access to the bill’s full language or a committee staff briefing, I can produce a more detailed, provision-by-provision summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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