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Bill

HB 2071

DVS; powers and duties of Commissioner, identification of incarcerated veterans.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Buddy Fowler and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia requires its Department of Veterans Services to identify and track military veterans in state prisons, enabling targeted reentry and mental health support services starting July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0235)
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Bill Summary · HB 2071

Legislative bill overview

HB 2071 expands the powers and duties of Virginia's Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Commissioner to include the systematic identification of incarcerated veterans within the state's correctional system. The bill requires the DVS to work with the Department of Corrections to establish processes for identifying veterans in custody and maintaining records of their military service status.

Why is this important

Incarcerated veterans often have service-related trauma, mental health conditions, or disabilities that may contribute to their incarceration and complicate their rehabilitation. Identifying this population enables targeted support services, mental health treatment, and potential diversion or reentry programs specifically designed for veterans, potentially improving outcomes and reducing recidivism while honoring those who served.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data-sharing concerns: Requires sharing of personal military service information between state agencies, raising questions about data security and consent procedures
  • Resource allocation: Identifying veterans is only the first step; actual support services require funding and coordination that may strain already-limited DVS resources
  • Scope of responsibility: Unclear whether DVS Commissioner's expanded duties include providing services to incarcerated veterans or merely identifying them for referral to other agencies

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

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