§9A-2-1. State homes for veterans.

(a) In consultation with the Governor and other appropriate state agencies, the Division Of Veterans" Affairs shall establish and maintain a home for qualified veterans. The home in Barboursville shall be designated as the sole veterans home of its type in the state. As used in this article the term "qualified veteran" means a veteran as determined by the Division of Veterans" Affairs, who meets the requirements under federal regulations and laws.

(b) Any individual enlisting for the first time on or after September 8, 1980, who fails to complete at least 24 months of his or her enlistment is not eligible for any right, privilege or benefit for which eligibility is based on active duty in the Armed Forces. This provision does not apply when a person: (1) Is discharged because of hardship; (2) is retired or separated because of disability; or (3) is later determined to have a service connected disability incurred during a completed period of enlistment.

(c) In the event that a residential vacancy exists at any veterans home or facility created and established pursuant to this article, a veteran who has been a resident of the State of West Virginia for one year or more prior to filing for admission shall be given preference in filling such residential vacancy over nonresident veterans.

(d)(1) The secretary shall study: (1) The need for additional veterans homes; (2) general housing needs for veterans; (3) and other veteran needs relating to housing.

(2) On or before November 1, 2019, the secretary shall submit its study to the Joint Committee on Health and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance regarding the housing needs of veterans, including draft legislation addressing those needs, where the need is greatest and the need for additional veterans homes.