Veterans proposals headed to Legislature

CARSON CITY - Veterans could ask the Department of Motor Vehicles to place on their driver's licenses a designation that they were honorably discharged from the armed forces under a bill headed to the 2013 Legislature.

The bill also would allow all driver's licenses to include information on medical problems such as diabetes or a tendency for seizures, which could be useful emergencies.

The legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults with Special Needs also requested that Clark County District Court create a specialty court for veterans.

Caleb Cage, director of the state Office of Veterans Affairs, said his agency has funds to pay L-1 Identity Solutions to program its equipment to allow the DMV to add the designations on licenses. The DMV would be required to confirm veteran status.

With the veterans designation, Cage said, his office more easily could get the word out on veterans nights, festivals and new programs. It also would help retailers that offer discounts for veterans and the state to provide discounted hunting and fishing licenses.

Members agreed to draft a bill and send a letter to Clark County District Court asking it to establish a veterans court. If the court balks on making the change voluntarily, Assemblyman Elliot Anderson said, then the bill would mandate creation of the court.

"We don't want to move the legislation; all of us would rather they do it on their own," he said.

Veterans returning from combat often "lash out" because of psychological problems, and too often they are not aware of their benefits and help they could receive, he said, adding, "We want to help them before it gets to be a violent crime."

Washoe is the only county that has established a veterans court in Nevada. The court has found that the recidivism rate has dropped as veterans learn of programs to help them.

Veterans charged with violent felony crimes would not be diverted to the specialty court, but those with lesser offenses could receive the attention they need, Anderson said.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.