Chapter 42 Oregon Laws 2007

 

AN ACT

 

HB 2157

 

Relating to emergency financial assistance; amending ORS 408.500.

 

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

 

          SECTION 1. ORS 408.500 is amended to read:

          408.500. (1) The Oregon Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program is created.

          (2) The purpose of the program is to provide emergency financial assistance to Oregon veterans and their immediate families for needs that include but are not limited to:

          (a) Emergency or temporary housing and related housing expenses, such as expenses for utilities, insurance, house repairs, rent assistance or food;

          (b) Emergency medical or dental expenses;

          (c) Emergency transportation;

          (d) Expenses related to starting a business, such as business licenses or occupational licenses;

          (e) Temporary income after military discharge; and

          (f) Legal assistance.

          (3) The [Director] Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall administer the program created under subsection (1) of this section and shall adopt rules implementing [subsection (2) of this section] the program, including but not limited to establishing procedures for applying for emergency financial assistance and criteria for determining eligibility to receive emergency financial assistance.

          (4) As used in this section:

          (a) “Immediate family” means a spouse, unremarried surviving spouse, child or stepchild.

          (b) “Veteran” means:

          (A) A veteran as defined in ORS 408.225;

          (B) A person who is a member of the Oregon National Guard who has been demobilized after serving on federal active duty for more than 30 days; or

          (C) A person who is an Oregon resident, is a member of the Reserves and has been demobilized after serving on federal active duty for more than 30 days.

 

Approved by the Governor April 17, 2007

 

Filed in the office of Secretary of State April 17, 2007

 

Effective date January 1, 2008

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