SR 208

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 208
BY SENATORS CATHEY, BARROW, BASS, CONNICK, HENSGENS, KLEINPETER,
  LUNEAU, MCMATH, MORRIS, MYERS AND STINE
  A RESOLUTION
To direct the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report to the
       Legislature of Louisiana detailing the length of time between a veteran's discharge
       from military service and the filing of a claim for services.
       WHEREAS, the Legislature of Louisiana recognizes the importance of ensuring that
all veterans of the United States Armed Forces receive timely access to the benefits, services,
and support to which they are entitled; and
       WHEREAS, understanding the time interval between a veteran's discharge from
military service and the filing of a claim for services is essential to identifying barriers to
access, improving outreach, and strengthening the delivery of veterans' programs throughout
the state; and
       WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) is the state
agency charged with assisting veterans in securing federal and state benefits, providing
advocacy, and ensuring that veterans and their families receive appropriate support; and
       WHEREAS, the legislature finds that regular reporting on claim-filing timelines will
assist policymakers in evaluating service gaps, improving program effectiveness, and
ensuring that Louisiana's veterans receive the highest standard of care; and
       WHEREAS, it is both appropriate and necessary for the legislature to receive annual
data that will support informed decision-making and enhance the state's commitment to
those who have served.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby direct the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report
to the legislature no later than February first of each year, beginning in 2027, detailing:
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SR NO. 208  ENROLLED
       (1) The average length of time between a veteran's discharge from military service
and the filing of a claim for services.
       (2) The distribution of claim-filing intervals across all veterans served.
       (3) Any identified trends, barriers, or factors contributing to delays in filing.
       (4) Recommendations for improving timely access to veterans' services.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report shall be submitted to the Senate
Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans and
Military Affairs, and shall be made available to all members of the legislature.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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