WOMEN VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY                                                         H.B. 4555:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                     REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4555 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Julie M. Rogers

House Committee:  Military, Veterans and Homeland Security

Senate Committee:  Veterans and Emergency Services

CONTENT

The bill would enact a new law to declare June 12 of each year as "Women Veterans Recognition Day", in recognition of women veterans.

BRIEF RATIONALE

On June 12, 1948, President Harry Truman signed the Women's Armed Service Integration Act into law. This allowed women to legally serve in the military for the first time in American history, though it capped female participation at 2.0% of the military's population and excluded women from combat positions. According to testimony, women veterans face unique problems that often get overlooked such as sexual assault in the military and a lack of support at the Veteran's Affair's Office. The establishment of a state holiday in recognition of women veterans would help raise awareness of these issues and celebrate the contributions of women veterans.

                                                                                  Legislative Analyst:  Alex Krabill

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  6-7-23                                               Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco, Jr.

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.