VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM | 445 State Capitol

Members of the public may participate remotely in the meeting by visiting the commission’s webpage to access the live streaming options: https://le.utah.gov/committee/committee.jsp?year=2026&com=SPEVMA

 

Approximate

timeframe

 

1    

1:00
. Commission Business

·         Call to order

·         Approval of the meeting minutes from October 20, 2025

·         Other commission business

 

2    

1:05
. Commission Membership

The commission will acknowledge both newly appointed members and those departing from the commission.

·         Commission staff

·         Public comment

·         Commission discussion/action

 

3    

1:15
. 2026 General Session Bills

The commission will review relevant legislation passed during the 2026 General Session.

·         Commission staff

·         Public comment

·         Commission discussion/action

1:20

4. National Guard Update

The commission will receive updates from the National Guard, including information regarding the new infantry battalion.

·         Colonel Andrew Owens, Assistant Adjutant General, U.S. Army

·         Public comment

·         Commission discussion/action

 

1:40
5. Hill Air Force Base Update

The commission will receive updates from Hill Air Force, including current activities and support to worldwide missions.

·         Colonel Dan Cornelius, Commander, 75th Air Base Wing, U.S. Air Force

·         Public comment

·         Commission discussion/action

 

2:00
6. Department of Veterans and Military Affairs Update

The commission will receive updates from the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, including the construction of a new nursing home in Salt Lake City and a cemetery in northern Utah.

·         Gary Harter, Commissioner, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA)

·         Jeff Hanson, Deputy Director, Facilities, UDVMA

·         Public comment

·         Commission discussion/action

 

 

 

2:25
7. Veteran Suicide Prevention

The commission will hear the findings of two reports regarding suicide prevention among Utah veterans.

A.      Office of the Medical Examiner

·         Dr. Michael Staley, Suicide Prevention Research Coordinator, Office of the Medical Examiner

B.     Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

·         Dr. Kara Byrne, Senior Health and Human Services Analyst, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute  

·         Public comment

·         Commission discussion/action

 

3:00
8. Adjourn