Bill
S 3504
Creates the independent Office of the Veteran Advocate to investigate abuse, act as veterans' ombudsman, and press for reforms across state agencies serving veterans.
Status & procedural history
- Bill number: S 3504. Introduced: June 24, 2024. Primary sponsor: Senator Alexis Weik.
- Committee activity: Reported out of Senate Military & Veterans’ Affairs with amendments (10/21/2024); referred to Senate Budget & Appropriations and reported favorably (6/26/2025). Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs (1/28/2025). On 6/30/2025 the bill was substituted by A4712 (1R). Current listed status: REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS.
- Companion/related measures: A4712 (companion/substitute), A2369, S2248, S9168, etc.
Purpose / intent
- Establish an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate to ensure veterans receive effective, timely, and appropriate services; investigate and address abuse or neglect of veterans in state supervision; act as an ombudsman for veterans and their families; and advise state agencies on improvements.
Key provisions
- Office placement and independence: Creates the Office of the Veteran Advocate “in, but not of” the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). If a separate Department of Veterans Services is created, the office transfers there while remaining independent.
- Veteran Advocate appointment and term:
- Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice & consent.
- Must be a veteran; selected without regard to political affiliation.
- Five-year term; no more than two full terms. May be removed for cause.
- Minimum salary: $150,000/year.
- Powers and duties:
- Administer the office; hire necessary staff; adopt rules.
- Investigate system-wide and facility-specific operations, incidents of fatality/near-fatality/serious injury, and allegations of abuse or neglect.
- Conduct site visits, hold public hearings, establish a 24-hour toll-free hotline, receive complaints from veterans/families, and consult with other public entities.
- Issue subpoenas and administer oaths for formal investigations; seek Superior Court enforcement when needed.
- Serve as ombudsman for complaints against State entities and private entities receiving State funding for veterans’ services.
- Intervene in or institute litigation and administrative proceedings (including as amicus curiae).
- Require agencies to receive written findings and develop corrective action plans within 30 days; monitor implementation and periodic reporting.
- Submit an annual public report to the Governor, Legislature, and DMVA and meet periodically with veteran advocacy groups.
- Definitions & clarifications (committee amendments):
- Adds a definition of “veteran.”
- Clarifies services covered apply whether or not a veteran resides in a veterans’ facility.
- Explicitly includes Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South as “veterans’ facilities.”
- If an investigation involves a union employee, the collective bargaining agreement governs investigatory procedures.
Fiscal impact
- The Office of Legislative Services estimates an annual State expenditure increase of $1 million to $2 million to establish and operate the office (actual cost depends on staffing and resources). Appropriation from the General Fund is required; amount to be determined by the Legislature.
- OLS comparisons: similar offices range from ~$400,000 (small ombudsman office) to $4.2 million (Long-Term Care Ombudsman with ~40 staff).
Who is affected
- Veterans residing in or receiving services under DMVA supervision (including those not living in veterans’ facilities).
- Family members acting on behalf of veterans.
- State agencies (DMVA and potentially a future Department of Veterans Services), county/local veterans’ facilities, and private providers receiving State funding for veterans’ services—subject to investigations, corrective action plans, and oversight.
- Labor/unionized employees: investigatory processes constrained by applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Key timelines / procedural notes
- Governor appoints the Veteran Advocate (Senate confirmation required).
- Agencies must respond with corrective action plans within 30 days of receiving formal findings.
- Annual reporting requirement to the Governor and Legislature.
- The office is created subject to appropriation; implementation depends on funds the Legislature provides.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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