SB 144 — An Act providing compensation to persons in active service in connection with the Global War on Terrorism or their beneficiaries; authorizing the incurring of indebtedness and the issue and sale of bonds by the Commonwealth for the payment of compensation contingent upon electorate approval; establishing the Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Fund and the Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking Fund; imposing a penalty; making appropriations; and making a repeal.

PRINTER'S NO.   91

                    THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



                        SENATE BILL
                        No. 144
                                                  Session of
                                                    2025

     INTRODUCED BY MASTRIANO, BAKER, AUMENT, PENNYCUICK, CULVER, KANE
        AND MILLER, JANUARY 22, 2025

     REFERRED TO VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS,
        JANUARY 22, 2025


                                    AN ACT
 1   Providing compensation to persons in active service in
 2      connection with the Global War on Terrorism or their
 3      beneficiaries; authorizing the incurring of indebtedness and
 4      the issue and sale of bonds by the Commonwealth for the
 5      payment of compensation contingent upon electorate approval;
 6      establishing the Global War on Terrorism Veterans'
 7      Compensation Bond Fund and the Global War on Terrorism
 8      Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking Fund; imposing a penalty;
 9      making appropriations; and making a repeal.
10                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
11   Section 1.    Short title.
12   Section 2.    Definitions.
13   Section 3.    Computation of compensation.
14   Section 4.    Application for compensation.
15   Section 5.    Incompetence or death.
16   Section 6.    Designation of beneficiaries.
17   Section 7.    Exemption from attachment.
18   Section 8.    Penalty for charging fees for assisting veterans.
19   Section 9.    Administration of compensation program.
20   Section 10.    Payment of compensation.
21   Section 11.    Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond
 1                 Fund.
 2   Section 12.    Commonwealth indebtedness.
 3   Section 13.    Question.
 4   Section 14.    Appropriations.
 5   Section 15.    Effective date.
 6      The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
 7   hereby enacts as follows:
 8   Section 1.    Short title.
 9      This act shall be known and may be cited as the Global War on
10   Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Act.
11   Section 2.    Definitions.
12      The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
13   have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
14   context clearly indicates otherwise:
15      "Active service."       As follows:
16          (1)    For a member of a component of the armed forces of
17      the United States, the time served on active duty during the
18      Global War on Terrorism, as proven by the official military
19      records of the United States or by other evidence deemed
20      sufficient by the department.
21          (2)    For a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or a
22      reserve component of the armed forces of the United States,
23      time served on active duty for the support of operations in
24      the Global War on Terrorism whether or not the service was
25      outside the continental United States, as proven by the
26      official military records of the United States or by other
27      evidence deemed sufficient by the department.
28          (3)    The term includes time spent in hospitals as a
29      result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries
30      sustained on active service, as proven by the official

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 1      military records of the United States or by other evidence
 2      deemed sufficient by the department.
 3          (4)   The term does not include time served on active duty
 4      for annual training or schooling, except for training and
 5      schooling in preparation for active duty in the Global War on
 6      Terrorism.
 7      "Compensation."     Money awarded to a veteran under this act.
 8      "Department."    The Department of Military and Veterans
 9   Affairs of the Commonwealth.
10      "Facility."   A mental health establishment, hospital, clinic,
11   institution, center, day-care center, base service unit,
12   community mental health center or other organizational unit, or
13   part thereof, which is devoted primarily to the diagnosis,
14   treatment, care, rehabilitation or detention of mentally
15   disabled persons.
16      "Fund."   The Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation
17   Bond Fund.
18      "Global War on Terrorism."     The conflict starting September
19   11, 2001, and ending December 31, 2022, against international
20   terrorist organizations in operations established by the United
21   States Department of Defense.
22      "Issuing officials."    The Governor, the Auditor General and
23   the State Treasurer.
24      "Legal resident of this Commonwealth."    An individual whose
25   home of record was or is within this Commonwealth without regard
26   to the place of enlistment, commission or induction, as proven
27   by the official records of the United States or by other
28   evidence deemed sufficient by the department.
29      "Parents."    The term includes individuals who, for a period
30   of not less than one year, acted in the capacity of a foster

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 1   parent to the veteran immediately prior to the veteran having
 2   attained 18 years of age.
 3      "Veterans service officer."        An officer of a veterans service
 4   organization trained and accredited by the United States
 5   Department of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to veterans
 6   and their families.
 7      "Veterans service organization."        An organization dedicated
 8   to supporting veterans, service members, dependents and
 9   survivors, which is congressionally chartered or recognized by
10   the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
11   Section 3.     Computation of compensation.
12      (a)   Eligibility.--Compensation shall be payable to each
13   veteran for active service who:
14            (1)   was a legal resident of this Commonwealth at the
15      time of service during the Global War on Terrorism; and
16            (2)   either:
17                  (i)    is a legal resident of this Commonwealth at the
18            time of application for benefits under this act; or
19                  (ii)   was a legal resident of this Commonwealth when
20            the individual died.
21      (b)   Exclusion.--Compensation shall not be paid to any of the
22   following:
23            (1)   An individual who was separated from the armed
24      forces of the United States under other than honorable
25      conditions during the Global War on Terrorism or thereafter.
26            (2)   An individual who has renounced the individual's
27      United States citizenship.
28      (c)   Compensation for service in direct support of Global War
29   on Terrorism.--Subject to subsection (e), compensation for
30   active service in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism

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 1   shall be payable in the amount of $1,000. As used in this
 2   subsection, the term "in direct support of the Global War on
 3   Terrorism" means receipt of any of the following for the Global
 4   War on Terrorism:
 5            (1)   The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
 6            (2)   The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
 7            (3)   The Iraq Campaign Medal.
 8            (4)   The Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
 9            (5)   The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
10      (d)   Compensation for active service during Global War on
11   Terrorism.--Subject to subsection (e), compensation for active
12   service during the Global War on Terrorism shall be payable in
13   the amount of $500.
14      (e)   Eligibility.--An individual may not receive compensation
15   for active service under both subsections (c) and (d).
16      (f)   Deceased veteran.--In addition to any other compensation
17   under this section, the compensation on behalf of a veteran who
18   died in active service or as a result of service-connected
19   wounds, diseases or injuries sustained during active service
20   shall be $5,000.
21      (g)   Prisoner of war.--In addition to any compensation under
22   this section, the compensation of a veteran who was declared a
23   prisoner of war, regardless of the length of time spent as a
24   prisoner of war, shall, upon return, be $5,000.
25      (h)   Exclusion.--An individual who has received bonuses,
26   benefits or compensation of a nature similar to that provided
27   for by this act from any other state shall be ineligible for
28   compensation. The exclusion shall not apply to a similar bonus,
29   gratuity or compensation from the Federal Government.
30   Section 4.     Application for compensation.

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 1      (a)   Application.--Applications shall be made by a veteran,
 2   the facility entitled under section 5(a) or the beneficiaries
 3   designated under section 5(b) to the department.
 4      (b)   Review and determination.--Any of the following may
 5   receive and process an application under subsection (a) and
 6   determine whether to award compensation and the amount of
 7   compensation:
 8            (1)   The department.
 9            (2)   A veterans service officer from a veterans service
10      organization.
11            (3)   A county director of veterans affairs.
12      (c)   Donation of compensation.--Upon application for the
13   Global War on Terrorism bonus, a veteran may designate some or
14   all of their compensation for donation to the Veterans' Trust
15   Fund. Upon approval of a veteran's Global War on Terrorism
16   compensation, the department shall transfer the designated
17   amount to the Veterans' Trust Fund in the name of the veteran.
18      (d)   Veterans Registry requirement.--Prior to application, a
19   veteran must register or shall be registered on their behalf
20   with the department's Veterans Registry.
21      (e)   Application period.--The department may not accept
22   applications on or after 20 years from the effective date of
23   this subsection.
24   Section 5.     Incompetence or death.
25      (a)   Incompetence.--If a veteran is found to be incompetent
26   and if no guardian has been appointed, payment shall be made for
27   the benefit of the veteran to the person that is entitled to
28   payment under subsection (b) or, in the absence of the person
29   and if the veteran is in a facility, to the person in charge of
30   the facility to be expended for the clothing and incidental

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 1   needs of the veteran. No part of the compensation paid to a
 2   facility shall be used for the maintenance of the veteran. A
 3   statement from the person in charge of the facility in which the
 4   veteran resides shall be evidence to determine the competence of
 5   the veteran.
 6      (b)   Death.--If a veteran is deceased, payment shall be made,
 7   in the order named, to the:
 8            (1)   surviving spouse unless the spouse was living
 9      separate and apart from the veteran at the time of departure
10      for active service;
11            (2)   surviving children, in equal shares; or
12            (3)   surviving parents, in equal shares.
13   Section 6.     Designation of beneficiaries.
14      Each individual applying for compensation shall state in the
15   application the names and addresses of each person that, under
16   this act, would be entitled to receive compensation in the event
17   of the death of the applicant. If the applicant dies before the
18   payment of the compensation, the application shall be deemed to
19   inure to the benefit of the person next entitled to
20   compensation, and payment shall be made to the individual upon
21   proof of identity satisfactory to the department. If no person
22   is designated under this section as being entitled to
23   compensation survives the veteran, the right to the compensation
24   shall cease.
25   Section 7.     Exemption from attachment.
26      (a)   Exemption from attachment.--Sums payable under this act
27   to a veteran or to any other authorized person under this act
28   shall not be subject to attachment, levy or seizure under any
29   legal or equitable process and shall be exempt from all State
30   taxation. Subject to subsection (b), a right to compensation is

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 1   not assignable or may not serve as a security for any loan. Any
 2   assignment or loan made in violation of this section shall be
 3   void.
 4      (b)   Validity.--Assignments to an incorporated or
 5   unincorporated organization of veterans, a nonprofit corporation
 6   formed solely for the purpose of aiding disabled or
 7   incapacitated veterans and the State Veterans' Commission shall
 8   be valid.
 9   Section 8.   Penalty for charging fees for assisting veterans.
10      A person that charges or collects or attempts to charge or
11   collect, either directly or indirectly, any fee or other
12   compensation for assisting a veteran in obtaining compensation
13   commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.
14   Section 9.   Administration of compensation program.
15      (a)   Duties.--The department shall administer this act,
16   including preparing and distributing application forms,
17   verifying application information and, if satisfied of the proof
18   of an application, approving and paying compensation.
19      (b)   Rules and regulations.--The department shall promulgate
20   rules and regulations to implement, administer and enforce this
21   act. The department shall, as soon as practicable after the
22   effective date of this subsection, prepare and distribute a
23   digest explaining the provisions of this act to assist veterans
24   in filing their applications and shall prepare and distribute
25   additional or supplemental information as may be found
26   necessary. The department shall enlist the services of veterans
27   service organizations to disseminate the digest and supplemental
28   information and to receive, process and make determinations on
29   compensation for each application. An amount of 2% of the total
30   bond may be used for administration of this act.

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 1   Section 10.     Payment of compensation.
 2      Compensation payable shall, upon requisition by the
 3   department, be paid by the State Treasurer from the fund. The
 4   source of the fund shall be money generated from a proposed bond
 5   issue. Payments shall be made as soon as possible after money is
 6   available.
 7   Section 11.     Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond
 8                  Fund.
 9      (a)   Purpose.--The Global War on Terrorism Veterans'
10   Compensation Bond Fund is created in the State Treasury and
11   shall be the source from which all compensation payments are
12   authorized with the approval of the Governor to carry out the
13   purposes of this act. Money in the fund shall only be utilized:
14            (1)   For the purpose of providing compensation to
15      veterans in accordance with the provisions of this act.
16            (2)   For the administrative costs of this act, including
17      the costs incurred in the issuance of the bonds.
18      (b)   Interfund transfers authorized.--
19            (1)   (i)     If the cash balance and the current estimated
20            receipts of the fund are insufficient at any time during
21            a State fiscal year to meet the obligations of the
22            Commonwealth from the fund, the State Treasurer is
23            authorized and directed during the fiscal year to
24            transfer from the General Fund to the fund money as the
25            Governor directs, but in no case less than the amount
26            necessary to meet the obligations to be paid from the
27            fund nor more than an amount which is the smallest of:
28                        (A)   the difference between the amount of debt
29                  authorized to be issued under the authority of this
30                  act and the aggregate principal amount of bonds and

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 1                  notes issued, not including refunding bonds and
 2                  replacement notes; and
 3                         (B)   the difference between the aggregate
 4                  principal amount of bonds and notes to be issued
 5                  during a State fiscal year and the aggregate
 6                  principal amount of bonds and notes, not including
 7                  refunding bonds and replacement notes, issued during
 8                  such State fiscal year.
 9                  (ii)    Money transferred shall be available only for
10            the purposes for which money is appropriated from the
11            fund. The transfers shall be made under this section upon
12            warrant of the State Treasurer upon requisition of the
13            Governor.
14            (2)   In order to reimburse the General Fund for money
15      transferred from the General Fund under paragraph (1), there
16      shall be transferred to the General Fund from the fund money
17      from the proceeds obtained from bonds and notes issued under
18      the authority of this act or from other available money in
19      amounts and at times as the Governor shall direct. The
20      retransfers shall be made upon warrant of the State Treasurer
21      upon requisition of the Governor.
22   Section 12.     Commonwealth indebtedness.
23      (a)   Borrowing authorized.--
24            (1)   If the electorate approves a referendum question for
25      the incurring of indebtedness in the amount and for the
26      purposes prescribed in this act, the issuing officials, in
27      accordance with the provisions of section 7(a)(3) of Article
28      VIII of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, are authorized and
29      directed to borrow, on the credit of the Commonwealth, money
30      not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of $50,000,000, not

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 1    including money borrowed to refund outstanding bonds, notes
 2    or replacement notes, as may be found necessary to carry out
 3    the purposes of this act.
 4        (2)   As evidence of the indebtedness, general obligation
 5    bonds of the Commonwealth shall be issued to provide money
 6    necessary to carry out the purposes of this act in amounts,
 7    in such form, in such denominations and subject to such terms
 8    and conditions of issue, redemption and maturity, rate of
 9    interest and time of payment of interest as the issuing
10    officials direct, except that the latest stated maturity date
11    shall not exceed 20 years from the date of the first
12    obligation issued to evidence the debt.
13        (3)   All bonds and notes issued under the authority of
14    this act shall bear facsimile signatures of the issuing
15    officials and a facsimile of the Great Seal of the
16    Commonwealth and shall be countersigned by a duly authorized
17    officer of a duly authorized loan and transfer agent of the
18    Commonwealth.
19        (4)   All bonds and notes issued in accordance with the
20    provisions of this section shall be direct obligations of the
21    Commonwealth, and the full faith and credit of the
22    Commonwealth is hereby pledged for the payment of the
23    interest thereon, as it becomes due, and the payment of the
24    principal at maturity. The principal of and interest on the
25    bonds and notes shall be payable in lawful money of the
26    United States.
27        (5)   All bonds and notes issued under the provisions of
28    this section shall be exempt from taxation for State and
29    local purposes.
30        (6)   The bonds may be issued as coupon bonds or

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 1    registered as to both principal and interest as the issuing
 2    officials may determine. If interest coupons are attached,
 3    the coupons shall contain the facsimile signature of the
 4    State Treasurer.
 5        (7)   The issuing officials shall provide for the
 6    amortization of the bonds in substantial and regular amounts
 7    over the term of the debt so that the bonds of each issue
 8    shall mature within a period not to exceed the appropriate
 9    amortization period as specified by the issuing officials but
10    in no case in excess of 20 years. The first retirement of
11    principal shall be stated to mature prior to the expiration
12    of a period of time equal to one-tenth of the time from the
13    date of the first obligation issued to evidence the debt to
14    the date of the expiration of the term of the debt.
15    Retirements of principal shall be regular and substantial if
16    made in annual or semiannual amounts whether by stated serial
17    maturities or by mandatory sinking fund retirements.
18        (8)   The issuing officials are authorized to provide by
19    resolution for the issuance of refunding bonds for the
20    purpose of refunding any debt issued under the provisions of
21    this act and then outstanding, either by voluntary exchange
22    with the holders of the outstanding debt or providing money
23    to redeem and retire the outstanding debt with accrued
24    interest, any premium payable on the debt and the costs of
25    issuance and retirement of the debt, at maturity or at any
26    call date. The issuance of the refunding bonds, the
27    maturities and other details, the rights of the holders and
28    the duties of the issuing official shall be governed by the
29    provisions of this section. Refunding bonds, which are not
30    subject to the aggregate limitation of $50,000,000 of debt to

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 1    be issued under this act, may be issued by the issuing
 2    officials to refund debt originally issued or to refund bonds
 3    previously issued for refunding purposes.
 4          (9)   If any action is to be taken or decision made by the
 5    Governor, the Auditor General and the State Treasurer acting
 6    as issuing officials and the three officers are not able
 7    unanimously to agree, the action or decision of the Governor
 8    and either the Auditor General or the State Treasurer shall
 9    be binding and final.
10    (b)   Sale of bonds.--
11          (1)   Upon issuance, bonds shall be offered for sale at
12    not less than 98% of the principal amount and accrued
13    interest and shall be sold by the issuing officials to the
14    highest and best bidder or bidders after due public
15    advertisement on the terms and conditions and upon open
16    competitive bidding as the issuing officials direct. The
17    manner and character of the advertisement and the time of
18    advertising shall be prescribed by the issuing officials.
19          (2)   Any portion of any bond issued and not sold or
20    subscribed for at public sale may be disposed of by private
21    sale by the issuing officials in the manner and at prices,
22    not less than 98% of the principal amount and accrued
23    interest, as the Governor shall direct.
24          (2.1)   No commission shall be allowed or paid for the
25    sale of any bonds issued under the authority of this act.
26          (3)   Upon issuance of bonds, the bonds of each issue
27    shall constitute a separate series to be designated by the
28    issuing officials or may be combined for sale as one series
29    with other general obligation bonds of the Commonwealth.
30          (4)   Until permanent bonds can be prepared, the issuing

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 1    officials may issue, in lieu of permanent bonds, temporary
 2    bonds in the form and with privileges as to registration and
 3    exchange for permanent bonds as may be determined by the
 4    issuing officials.
 5        (5)   Proceeds from the sale of bonds and notes, except
 6    refunding bonds and replacement notes, under the provisions
 7    of this act shall be paid into the fund. The proceeds shall
 8    be paid by the State Treasurer to the department for purposes
 9    of payment of compensation. The proceeds of the sale of
10    refunding bonds and replacement notes shall be paid to the
11    State Treasurer and applied to the payment of principal, the
12    accrued interest and premium, if any, and cost of redemption
13    of the bonds and notes for which the obligations shall have
14    been issued.
15        (6)   Pending application for the purposes authorized,
16    money held or deposited by the State Treasurer may be
17    invested or reinvested as are other funds in the custody of
18    the State Treasurer in the manner provided by law. All
19    earnings received from the investment or deposit of money
20    shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the
21    fund. The earnings in excess of bond discounts allowed,
22    expenses paid for the issuance of bonds and notes and
23    interest arbitrage rebates due to the Federal Government
24    shall be transferred annually to the fund. Interest or
25    investment income shall be applied to assist in the payment
26    of the debt service incurred in connection with this act.
27        (7)   The Auditor General shall prepare the necessary
28    registry book to be kept in the office of the duly authorized
29    loan and transfer agent of the Commonwealth for the
30    registration of any bonds, at the request of owners thereof,

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 1    according to the terms and conditions of issue directed by
 2    the issuing officials.
 3          (8)   There is appropriated to the State Treasurer from
 4    the fund as much money as may be necessary for all costs and
 5    expenses in connection with the issue of and sale and
 6    registration of the bonds and notes in connection with this
 7    act and the payment of interest arbitrage rebates or proceeds
 8    of the bonds and notes.
 9    (c)   Temporary financing authorization.--
10          (1)   Pending the issuance of bonds of the Commonwealth as
11    authorized, the issuing officials are authorized, in
12    accordance with the provisions of this act and on the credit
13    of the Commonwealth, to make temporary borrowings not to
14    exceed three years in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
15    in order to provide money deemed advisable prior to the
16    issuance of bonds. In order to provide for and in connection
17    with the temporary borrowings, the issuing officials are
18    authorized in the name and on behalf of the Commonwealth to
19    enter into any purchase, loan or credit agreement or
20    agreements, or other agreement or agreements with any banks
21    or trust companies or other lending institutions, investment
22    banking firms or persons in the United States having power to
23    enter into the same, which agreements may contain provisions
24    not inconsistent with the provisions of this act as may be
25    authorized by the issuing officials.
26          (2)   All temporary borrowings made under this section
27    shall be evidenced by notes of the Commonwealth which shall
28    be issued in amounts not exceeding in the aggregate the
29    applicable statutory and constitutional debt limitation in
30    the form and in the denominations and subject to terms and

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 1    conditions of sale and issue, prepayment or redemption and
 2    maturity, rate or rates of interest and time of payment of
 3    interest as the issuing officials shall authorize and direct
 4    in accordance with this act. The authorization and direction
 5    may provide for the subsequent issuance of replacement notes
 6    to refund outstanding notes or replacement notes, which
 7    shall, upon issuance, evidence the borrowing and may specify
 8    other terms and conditions with respect to the notes and
 9    replacement notes authorized for issuance as the issuing
10    officials may determine and direct.
11        (3)   If the authorization and direction of the issuing
12    officials provide for the issuance of replacement notes, the
13    issuing officials are authorized in the name and on behalf of
14    the Commonwealth to issue, enter into or authorize and direct
15    the State Treasurer to enter into agreements with any banks,
16    trust companies, investment banking firms or other
17    institutions or persons in the United States having the power
18    to enter the same:
19              (i)    To purchase or underwrite an issue or series of
20        issues or notes.
21              (ii)    To credit, to enter into any purchase, loan or
22        credit agreements, to draw money pursuant to the
23        agreements on the terms and conditions set forth therein
24        and to issue notes as evidence of borrowings made under
25        any such agreements.
26              (iii)    To appoint an issuing and payment agent or
27        agents with respect to notes.
28              (iv)    To do other acts as may be necessary or
29        appropriate to provide for the payment, when due, of the
30        interest on and the principal of such notes. Such

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 1        agreements may provide for the compensation of any
 2        purchasers or underwriters of notes or replacement notes
 3        by discounting the purchase price of the notes or by
 4        payment of a fixed fee or commission at the time of
 5        issuance and all other costs and expenses, including fees
 6        for agreements related to the notes, issuing and paying
 7        agent costs and costs and expenses of issuance, may be
 8        paid from the proceeds of the notes.
 9        (4)   If the authorization and direction of the issuing
10    officials provide for the issuance of replacement notes, the
11    State Treasurer shall:
12              (i)    at or prior to the time of delivery of these
13        notes or replacement notes, determine the principal
14        amounts, dates of issue, interest rate or rates, or
15        procedures for establishing rates, rates of discount,
16        denominations and all other terms and conditions relating
17        to the issuance and shall perform all acts and things
18        necessary to pay or cause to be paid, when due, all
19        principal of and interest on the notes being refunded by
20        replacement notes; and
21              (ii)    ensure that the issuing officials may draw upon
22        money available for that purpose pursuant to any
23        purchase, loan or credit agreements established with
24        respect thereto, subject to the authorization and
25        direction of the issuing officials.
26        (5)   Outstanding notes evidencing borrowings may be
27    funded and retired by the issuance and sale of the bonds of
28    the Commonwealth. The refunding bonds must be issued and sold
29    not later than a date three years after the date of issuance
30    of the first notes evidencing the borrowings to the extent

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 1      that payment of the notes has not otherwise been made or
 2      provided for by sources other than proceeds of replacement
 3      notes.
 4            (6)   The proceeds of all temporary borrowing shall be
 5      paid to the State Treasurer to be held and disposed of in
 6      accordance with the provisions of this act.
 7      (d)   Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond
 8   Sinking Fund.--
 9            (1)   The Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation
10      Bond Sinking Fund is created in the State Treasury. All bonds
11      issued under the authority of this act shall be redeemed at
12      maturity, together with all interest due on the bonds, and
13      the principal and interest payments shall be paid from the
14      Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking
15      Fund. For the specific purpose of redeeming the bonds at
16      maturity and paying all interest thereon in accordance with
17      the information received from the Governor, the General
18      Assembly shall appropriate money to the Global War on
19      Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking Fund for the
20      payment of interest on the bonds and notes and the principal
21      thereof at maturity. All money paid into the Global War on
22      Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking Fund and all of
23      the money not necessary to pay accruing interest shall be
24      invested by the State Treasurer in securities as are provided
25      by law for the investment of the sinking funds of the
26      Commonwealth.
27            (2)   The State Treasurer, with the approval of the
28      Governor, is authorized to use any of the money in the fund
29      not necessary for the purposes of the referendum authorizing
30      the indebtedness necessary to carry out this act, for the

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 1    purchase and retirement of all or any part of the bonds and
 2    notes issued pursuant to the authorization of this act. In
 3    the event that all or any part of the bonds and notes are
 4    purchased, they shall be canceled and returned to the loan
 5    and transfer agent as canceled and paid bonds and notes, and,
 6    thereafter, all payments of interest thereon shall cease. The
 7    canceled bonds, notes and coupons, together with any other
 8    canceled bonds, notes and coupons, shall be destroyed as
 9    promptly as possible after cancellation but not later than
10    two years after cancellation. A certification evidencing the
11    destruction of the canceled bonds, notes and coupons shall be
12    provided by the loan and transfer agent to the issuing
13    officials. All canceled bonds, notes and coupons shall be so
14    marked as to make the canceled bonds, notes and coupons
15    nonnegotiable.
16        (3)   The State Treasurer shall determine and report to
17    the Secretary of the Budget by November 1 of each year the
18    amount of money necessary for the payment of interest on
19    outstanding obligations and the principal of the obligations,
20    if any, for the following fiscal year and the times and
21    amounts of the payments. It shall be the duty of the Governor
22    to include in every budget submitted to the General Assembly
23    full information relating to the issuance of bonds and notes
24    under the provisions of this act and the status of the Global
25    War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking Fund of
26    the Commonwealth for the payment of interest on the bonds and
27    notes and the principal thereof at maturity.
28        (4)   The General Assembly shall appropriate an amount
29    equal to the sums as may be necessary to meet repayment
30    obligations for principal and interest for deposit into the

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 1      Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking
 2      Fund.
 3      (e)   Expiration.--Authorization to issue bonds and notes, not
 4   including refunding bonds and replacement notes, for the purpose
 5   of this act shall expire 10 years from the effective date of
 6   this subsection.
 7   Section 13.   Question.
 8      (a)   Submission of question to electorate.--The question of
 9   incurring indebtedness of up to $50,000,000 for the purposes
10   specified in this act shall be submitted to the electors at the
11   next general election following the effective date of this
12   subsection.
13      (b)   Certification.--The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall
14   certify the question to the county boards of elections.
15      (c)   Form of question.--The question shall be in
16   substantially the following form:
17            Do you favor indebtedness by the Commonwealth of up to
18            $50,000,000 for the payment of compensation for service
19            in the Global War on Terrorism?
20      (d)   Election.--The election shall be conducted in accordance
21   with the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the
22   Pennsylvania Election Code, except that the time limits for
23   advertisement of notice of the election may be waived as to the
24   question.
25      (e)   Proceeds.--Proceeds of the borrowing shall be used for
26   the payment of compensation for service in or in support of the
27   Global War on Terrorism.
28   Section 14.   Appropriations.
29      (a)   Compensation appropriation.--For the purpose of payment
30   for the compensation to veterans, staff services, postage and

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 1   other necessary expenses incurred by the department in the
 2   administration of this act, sums, or as much thereof as may be
 3   necessary, are specifically appropriated to the department out
 4   of any money in the Global War on Terrorism Veterans'
 5   Compensation Bond Fund.
 6      (b)   Continuing appropriations.--The appropriation under
 7   subsection (a) shall be a continuing appropriation and shall not
 8   lapse.
 9   Section 15.    Effective date.
10      This act shall take effect as follows:
11            (1)   This section and sections 9 and 13(a), (b), (c) and
12      (d) shall take effect immediately.
13            (2)   The remainder of this act shall take effect after
14      the certification of the approval by the electorate to incur
15      the indebtedness necessary to carry out the provisions of
16      this act.




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