District 22 Legislative Representative notes:

By Fred Green; Feb 2025

1) California Budget- the governor's budget released today identified funding for the exemption on uniformed services and SBP (Surviving Benefit Plan) for the first $20,000 of military retirement and SBP pay in his proposed budget.  The exemption does not apply to joint fliers with income over $250,000.00 or single fliers over $125,000.00.

2) AB-53 which exempts military retirement and SBP. The Department of California American Legion sponsors this bill along with the following sponsors.  Bill Text: AB-53 Personal income taxes: exclusion: Military Services Retirement and Surviving Spouse Benefit Payment Act.

American Legion, Department of California (Sponsor)

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (Sponsor)

California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (Sponsor)

Marine Corp League, Department of California (Sponsor)

Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters (Sponsor)

California State Commanders Veterans Council

3) SB-99, introduced by Senator Blakespear, which addresses the critical shortage of child care options for military families.
Bill Text: SB-99 Family childcare homes: United States Armed Forces.

Key Provisions of SB-99:
Allows DOD-certified family child care providers to operate without state license when serving military families
Maintains California health and safety requirements
Enables faster deployment of child care services by eliminating redundant licensing
Preserves Department of Social Services' right to inspect facilities

Why This Matters:
Military families face unique challenges in finding childcare due to frequent relocations every 2-4 years. The current duplicative licensing requirements create unnecessary delays and discourage providers from operating in California. This bill aligns California with eight other states that already accept DOD certification1.

The American Legion's 2025 Legislative Priorities