Torrance, CA –Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s (D-Torrance) Assembly Bill (AB) 360 would require the California State Bar to administer a program that encourages attorneys to provide free civil legal assistance to veterans and their families who otherwise could not afford legal services. The bill also would require the State Bar to conduct a statewide survey of programs that provide legal assistance to veterans in order to better identify where their needs are the greatest. This bill passed the Senate floor on a unanimous, bipartisan 37-0 vote.
“As the former Chairman of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I know that many veterans struggle to receive disability, health care, housing, and other benefits that they have earned through their service and sacrifice,” said Muratsuchi. “California is home to nearly 2 million veterans, the largest veteran population in the nation. We need to give our veterans the support they deserve, including civil legal assistance, to help them make the too-often difficult transition back to civilian life.”
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi represents California’s 66th Assembly District, which includes El Camino Village, Gardena, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, and West Carson. He serves as Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Aerospace. Muratsuchi is a member of the Assembly Committees on Budget, Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, Natural Resources, Utilities and Energy, and Veterans Affairs.
CONTACT: Kerry Townsend Jacob | kerry.jacob@asm.ca.gov | (310) 806-0893