(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) says he introduced Assembly Bill 866, which was approved this week by the Assembly Veterans Committee, in order to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by all military service members and to ease the burden they experience in tending to their personal affairs when they are called to active duty.

During a hearing this week before the Assembly Veterans Committee Davis said, "I believe the fact that men and women in the military have given their life in order that we might enjoy the freedoms that make our country great is reason enough to provide a public service that recognizes this extraordinary duty they pay to our country and our state. It is a small, no-cost privilege earned from the valiant service to our country and our state. During a budget shortfall year, it expresses our gratitude as our challenge for democracy continues throughout the world. They would be served anyway, but this bill will expedite the order in which they are served."

Assembly Bill 866 requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to give priority to certain members of the California National Guard (CNG) and US Armed Forces Reserves (USAFR). Specifically, this bill requires DMV to give priority customer service to CNG and USAFR members who have valid military identification cards, have been ordered to active duty, and provide verification of such orders upon DMV's request. AB 866 defines priority customer service as: First priority in receiving DMV counter assistance, scheduling DMV appointments, or receiving other DMV services, and prioritization of every application or document filed or submitted to DMV.
For more information on Assemblymember Davis’ legislation please click here.

Here are links to audio of Assemblymember Davis and Navy veteran William Manes:

Assemblymember Davis says his legislation is a no-cost way to say “thank you” to active duty military personnel.

Assemblymember Davis says, in these tight budget times, AB 866 is one way to assist members of the military without spending scarce state resources.

Assemblymember Davis says AB 866 gives active duty military personnel a spot at the front of the line at the DMV.

Navy veteran William Manes of Dana Point testified at the Assembly Veterans Committee hearing and says AB 866 can be very helpful to members of the military.

Navy veteran William Manes of Dana Point testified at the Assembly Veterans Committee hearing and says AB 866 is a very nice gesture.