§9A-1-1. Creation and general purposes.

(a) Effective July 1, 2011, the West Virginia Division of Veterans' Affairs is redesignated the Department of Veterans' Assistance.

(b) The purpose of the department is to aid, assist, counsel and advise, and to encourage competition among counties and municipalities to develop, improve and enhance veteran-friendly services, benefits and assistance to, veterans who have served in and been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States and their widows, widowers and dependents, including populations of veterans who may have special needs as a result of homelessness, incarceration or physical or mental disabilities.

(c) All references in this code to the West Virginia Division of Veterans' Affairs and the Director of the West Virginia Division of Veterans' Affairs shall mean the Department of Veterans' Assistance and the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Assistance, respectively.