Board

MISSISSIPPI VETERANS AFFAIRS BOARD OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 120 NORTH STATE STREET POST OFFICE BOX 3439 JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201-2810

GENERAL INFORMATION: These are the Policies, Rules and Regulations for the State Veterans Affairs Board, hereinafter refer to as “Board”. When referring to the state agency, Mississippi Veterans Affairs, it will be referred to as “MSVA”. Title 25: Military and Veterans Part 101: State Veterans Affairs Board Part 101 Chapter 1: Board Rule 1.1 Repeal of Prior Rules. Upon their effective date, these rules and regulations supercede and repeal all previous rules and regulations previously filed by the State Veterans Affairs Board. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 (Rev. 2007). Rule 1.2 Purpose. The State Veterans Affairs Board will assist all service men and women, veterans and/or dependents, widows, and orphans, with problems relating to or contingent on service in the armed forces of the United States or its allies when requested and authorized to do so. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 (Rev. 2007). Rule 1.3 Board Established. The State Veterans Affairs Board shall consist of seven (7) members, to be appointed by the Governor, with advice and consent of the Senate, one (1) member from each congressional district, and two (2) members shall be appointed from the state at large. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-1 (Rev. 2007). Rule 1.4 Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Members of the board shall annually elect as chairman one of their number and another member as vice-chairman. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-1(1)(b) (Rev. 2007). Rule 1.5 Meetings. Members of the board shall hold regular monthly meetings on the second Friday of each month and such other meeting as may be called by the chairman or the vicechairman in his/her absence. Board meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (as amended). A. The Executive Secretary to the Board will mail notices of Statutory meeting to all 1

Board members at least one week prior to meeting date. Such notice will include an agenda of known items to come before the Board. B. All Board Meetings will comply with Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-41-5 and 25-41-13. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-1(2) (Rev. 2007). Rule 1.6 Quorum and Proxies. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members duly appointed in accordance with Miss. Code. Ann. § 35-1-1(1)(b). A quorum is required for this Board to conduct business unless otherwise noted in this document. Proxies shall not be allowed. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 (Rev. 2007). Rule 1.7 General Duties and Power. The duties of the State Veterans Affairs Board shall be to: A. Assist former and present members of the Armed Forces of the United State, and their dependents, in securing any benefits or privileges under any federal or state law or regulation to which they are entitled B. Advise the Governor and Legislature on Veterans affairs C. Fully cooperate with all congressionally chartered veterans organizations within the state, including servicing the power of attorney of the congressionally chartered veterans organizations upon the request of the organizations to the State Veterans Affairs Board in the prosecution of all claims on behalf of veterans. D. Inspect, approve and supervise school, institutions and establishments for war orphan and veteran training as the “State Approving Agency” for the State of Mississippi and to enter into contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs for salary and travel reimbursement for personnel employed for this purpose E. Operate and manage all state veterans nursing homes to provide domiciliary care and other related services for eligible veterans in the most cost efficient manner. F. Adopt policies and prescribe rules and regulations for the proper administration of it general duties and powers G. Appointments as local representatives of the State Veterans Affairs Board may be revoked at any time by the State Veterans Affairs Board. At no time and under no circumstance will members of the Board, while representing the Board, engage in controversial matters or promotional activities of any veterans organization or other similar organization. It is desired that members of the Board will take interest in veterans affairs, keep in touch with veterans, and impart information to them. H. Cooperate with all agencies and organizations in providing assistance to servicemen and women, veterans and/or their dependents, widows and orphans. Particular attention will be given to cooperation with County Veteran Service Officers and Service Officers of the various veterans organizations in the prosecution of claims and the handling of problems relating to or contingent on service with the armed forces. I. Preference will not be shown to individuals, counties, or organizations. The service will be given courteously and on an equal basis. However, emergency or distress cases shall take priority. No services will be undertaken or any privilege extended any are, county, or organization which cannot be provided for all. No special records will be maintained and no special information will be compiled for one that is not available for 2

all as taken from the available records of the Board. J. The Board shall provide training and certification of County Veteran Service Officers. In addition, County Service Officers undergoing initial certification will be required to receive one (1) day of training at the Board’s Claims Office with the Claims Office providing two (2) days (different sessions) of training. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 and §35-3-21 (Rev. 2007). Title 25: Military and Veterans Part 101: State Veterans Affairs Board Part 101 Chapter 1: Board Rule 1.1 Repeal of Prior Rules. Upon their effective date, these rules and regulations supersede and repeal all previous rules and regulations previously filed by the State Veterans Affairs Board. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 (Rev. 2024). Rule 1.2 Purpose. To Honor Mississippi’s Veterans and their dependents through superior service, care, and assistance. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 (Rev. 2024). Rule 1.3 Board Established. The State Veterans Affairs Board shall consist of seven (7) members, to be appointed by the Governor, with advice and consent of the Senate, one (1) member from each current Congressional District, and the remainder members shall be appointed from the state at large. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-1 (Rev. 2024). Rule 1.4 Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Members of the board shall annually elect as chairman one of their number and another member as vice-chairman. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-1 (1) (b) (Rev. 2024). Rule 1.5 Meetings. Members of the board shall hold regular monthly meetings and such other meeting as may be called by the chairman or the vice- chairman in his/her absence. Board meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (as amended). A. The Executive Secretary to the Board will provide notices (may be email) of Statutory meeting to all Board members at least one week prior to meeting date. Such notice will include an agenda of known items to come before the Board. B. All Board Meetings will comply with Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-41-5 and 25-41-13.

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Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-1 (2) (Rev. 2024). Rule 1.6 Quorum and Proxies. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members duly appointed in accordance with Miss. Code. Ann. § 35-1-1(1)(b). A quorum is required for this Board to conduct business unless otherwise noted in this document. Proxies shall not be allowed. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 (Rev. 2024). Rule 1.7 General Duties and Power. The duties of the State Veterans Affairs Board shall be to: A. Assist former and present members of the Armed Forces of the United States, and their dependents, in securing any benefits or privileges under any federal or state law or regulation to which they are entitled. B. Advise the Governor and Legislature on veterans’ affairs. C. Fully cooperate with all congressionally chartered veterans organizations within the state, including servicing the power of attorney of the congressionally chartered veterans organizations upon the request of the organizations to the State Veterans Affairs Board in the prosecution of all claims on behalf of veterans. The Board will have thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of a claim through power of attorney in order to process the claim. It the appeal is less than thirty (30) days the Board may only advise the veteran with the claim. D. Inspect, approve, and supervise school, institutions and establishments for veterans training as the “State Approving Agency” for the State of Mississippi and to enter into contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs for salary and travel reimbursement for personnel employed for this purpose. E. Operate and manage all state veterans nursing homes to provide domiciliary care and other related services for eligible veterans in the most cost-efficient manner. F. Adopt policies and prescribe rules and regulations for the proper administration of its general duties and powers. G. Appointments as local representatives of the State Veterans Affairs Board may be revoked at any time by the State Veterans Affairs Board. At no time and under no circumstance will members of the Board, while representing the Board, engage in controversial matters or promotional activities of any veterans organization or other similar organization. It is desired that members of the Board will take interest in veterans affairs, keep in touch with veterans, and impart information to them. H. Cooperate with all agencies and organizations in providing assistance to servicemen and women, veterans and/or their dependents, widows and orphans. Particular attention will be given to cooperation with County Veteran Service Officers and Service Officers

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of the various veterans organizations in the prosecution of claims and the handling of problems relating to or contingent on service with the armed forces. I. Preference will not be shown to individuals, counties, or organizations. The service will be given courteously and on an equal basis. However, emergency or distress cases shall take priority. No services will be undertaken or any privilege extended to any county or organization, which cannot be provided for all. No special records will be maintained and no special information will be compiled for one that is not available for all as taken from the available records of the Board. J. MSVA shall provide training and certification of County Veteran Service Officers. In addition, County Service Officers undergoing initial certification will be required to receive training annually. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-7 and § 35-3-21 (Rev. 2024).

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