AN ACT EXCLUDING VETERANS' FEDERAL SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM A PUBLIC DEFENDER.

HB 7121 amends eligibility rules for public defender services by excluding veterans' federal service-connected disability benefits from income calculations. It directly affects veterans who receive these benefits but might otherwise be disqualified from public defender assistance due to income thresholds. The bill requires the Public Defender Commission to set guidelines where veterans' income - excluding VA disability benefits - is compared to 250% of the federal poverty level to determine eligibility. This ensures veterans' disability compensation does not disqualify them from legal aid when they meet financial criteria. The change takes effect July 1, 2025.