Existing law establishes the Veterans’ Home of California system within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Existing law defines a “home” as a facility operated by the department for the provision of long-term care, assisted living, adult day health, independent living, or other health care services to eligible veterans. The Veterans’ Home of California system is comprised of 8 homes, including Yountville, Barstow, and Chula Vista. Existing law authorizes the Director of General Services to lease any real property held by the department for a home, and not needed for any direct or immediate purpose of the home, to any entity or person upon terms and conditions determined to be in the best interests of the home.

This bill would require the department to promulgate regulations that define the types of short-term uses of Veterans’ home property that are in the best interests of the homes, including the residents. The bill would prohibit the department from approving short-term use agreements that do not meet that definition. The bill would require all short-term use agreements to include conditions that protect the state’s best interests. Finally, the bill would also require the department to develop and implement a fee schedule for short-term third-party uses of veterans’ home property.