| (a) Each sheriff/operator shall investigate and verify
the veteran status of each prisoner by using data made available from
the Veterans Reentry Search Service (VRSS) operated by the United
States Department of Veteran Affairs or similar service.
(b) Each sheriff/ operator shall provide assistance
to prisoners identified as veterans, identified through either self-report
or the VRSS, in applying for federal benefits or compensation for
which the prisoners may be eligible under a program administered by
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Assistance includes,
but not limited to, direct assistance by qualified claims counselor,
issuance of a referral card, or similar assistance.
(c) Each sheriff shall maintain a log of positive VRSS
returns with identifying prisoner number and whether a referral card
was issued to the identified veteran prior to his or her release.
If a referral card was not issued, a reason shall be provided on the
log.
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