Governor Brian Sandoval signed five legislative bills benefiting veterans on Friday June 12, 2014 and completing a legislative session which furthered his goal to make Nevada the most veteran friendly state in the Nation.

Gov Sandoval Signs Nursing Home Bill

Veteran leaders Andy LePeilbet (blocked), Jeanette Rae, John Warden, David Evans, Loretta Nawojski, Rick Schuster watch as Governor Sandoval signs AB491. Submitted photo.

With veterans and legislators from across the state in attendance, the signing ceremony was held at American Legion’s Darrell Dunkle Post 1 in Reno, the first American Legion Post in Nevada.

“I have a profound respect for veterans and our military,” said Governor Sandoval. “These bills were very important to me and on behalf of the legislators, and all of you who have served with grace and dignity, we here in Nevada appreciate all you have done!”

The signing included $14 million in state funding for the Northern Nevada Veterans Home (AB491). The additional two-thirds to complete the home will come from the Veterans Administration will service approximately 95 veterans and family members.

Additional bills included requirements for reporting duties for various oversight bodies (AB482), a tax exemption for employing veterans (AB71), and the veterans employment preference which provides opportunities for employers in the preference of hiring veterans or a spouse and for regulatory bodies to develop opportunities for reciprocity of licensure for veterans (AB89). A five member Women Veterans Advisory council will be signed into law (AB241) and will conduct studies and provide advice to regulatory bodies on matters relating to women veterans. 

“Governor Sandoval made—and kept—his commitment to develop a complete veterans legislative package to address issues affecting veterans of all ages,” says Kat Miller, Director of Nevada Department of Veterans Services. “He, with the unwavering support of Nevada’s Legislature and the support of Nevada’s veterans, has signed a variety of critical bills spanning education, employment and the funding of the Northern Nevada Veterans Home.”

The scheduled opening date for the northern home is planned for September 2017 and is scheduled to be built in Sparks, NV.