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HD 4953

An Act relative to establishing the temporary emergency veterans’ assistance program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger

HD 4953: Temporary Emergency Veterans' Assistance Program OverviewBill Number: HD 4953 Title: An Act relative to establishing the temporary emergency veterans' assistance program

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 4953

HD 4953: Temporary Emergency Veterans' Assistance Program

Overview

Bill Number: HD 4953
Title: An Act relative to establishing the temporary emergency veterans' assistance program
Status: Referred to the committee on House Rules
Introduced: July 28, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed bill aims to establish a temporary emergency assistance program to provide critical support and resources for veterans facing financial hardship or other crises. The program is intended to help address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that veterans may experience, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated economic instability and mental health issues for many former service members.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a new "Temporary Emergency Veterans' Assistance Program" to be administered by the state's Department of Veterans' Services
  • Authorizes the program to provide the following types of emergency aid to eligible veterans:
    • Direct financial assistance for housing, utilities, medical expenses, and other critical needs
    • Referrals and connections to mental health services, job training, and other support programs
    • Temporary shelter and transitional housing options
  • Establishes eligibility criteria based on factors such as military service history, current financial/employment status, and demonstration of urgent need
  • Appropriates $50 million in initial funding for the program, to be allocated from the state's general fund

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • The primary beneficiaries would be veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, mental health crises, or other emergencies
  • The program aims to provide a critical safety net and access to essential resources to help stabilize veterans' lives and prevent further deterioration of their circumstances
  • Indirect beneficiaries could include veterans' families, as well as local communities that may see reduced strain on social services and public resources

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has been referred to the House Rules committee for initial review and consideration. If approved by the committee, it would then proceed to the full state House of Representatives for debate and a vote. If passed by the House, the bill would move to the state Senate for further review and voting. Ultimately, the governor would need to sign the legislation into law for it to take effect.

The proposed program is intended to be a temporary, emergency measure, with the initial $50 million in funding intended to cover a 2-year period. Ongoing funding and potential extensions would require additional legislative action.

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

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