MINUTES OF THE
VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 • 1:00 p.m. • 30 House Building


Members Present:
Rep. Jefferson S. Burton, Chair
Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion
Rep. Val L. Peterson
MG Daniel Boyack
David Busk
Nancy Espinosa
Ross Ford
Jared A. Haines
Gary Harter
Dennis Howland
Michael Isom
Frank Maughan
Robert Pagnani
Carol Ruddell
Terry D. Schow

Members Absent:
Sen. Todd D. Weiler, Chair
Sen. Luz Escamilla
Tage Flint
Deivid Smart

Staff Present:
Lisa Sorensen, Policy Analyst
Jackie Rogers, Associate General Counsel
Tracey Fredman, Administrative Assistant

Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.

1.Committee Business
Chair Burton called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
Commission members and commission staff introduced themselves.
2.2024 Veterans and Military Affairs-related Legislation
2a - Overview of Legislation from the 2024 General Session related to Veterans and Military Affairs
Lisa Sorensen, Policy Analyst, Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, reviewed legislation related to veterans and military affairs issues that passed during the 2024 General Session.
3.Utah National Guard Update
3a - Presentation, Utah National Guard Update
Major General Daniel Boyack reported on administrative changes and updates of military personnel and facilities within the Utah National Guard.
4.Support for Military Children in School Districts
4a - Handout, Military Support Team, Davis School District
Brian Garrett, Deputy Director, Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, provided background to the issue.
John Zurbuchen, Assistant Superintendent, Casey Layton, Director, Responsive Services, and Francesca Suarez, Military Support Team Coordinator, Davis School District, provided an update on the district's Military Support Team, which provides support to military-connected students and their families.
5.Veterans Benefits Administration Update
Christopher Holly, Executive Director, Salt Lake City Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, presented an update on the Veterans Benefits Administration, including the PACT Act and its impact, and employment opportunities for veterans.
6.Other Items/Adjourn
In the absence of a quorum, Chair Burton adjourned the meeting at 2:28 p.m.