(a) (1) The Controller, upon appropriation by the Legislature, shall transfer moneys from the Endowment Fund to the Operations Fund in an amount equal to the estimated costs of developing and submitting a State Veterans Cemetery Grant Program application to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

(2) The Controller, upon appropriation by the Legislature, shall transfer funds from the Endowment Fund to the Operations Fund in an amount at least equal to the estimated costs to complete preliminary plans and working drawings. Transfers shall be made only when sufficient funds, as determined by the Director of Finance, exist to fully accomplish each of these project phases.

(b) (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to act as the official representative of the state in connection with the State Veterans Cemetery Grant Program application, including providing the United States Department of Veterans Affairs throughout the application process with all necessary assurances that additional information shall be provided when required. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall have final approval of all aspects of the cemetery design and operation.

(2) Upon transfer of funds pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a), the department is authorized to proceed with all activities necessary to support the submission of the State Veterans Cemetery Grant Program application.

(3) Upon the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ certification of the grant award, the department is authorized to proceed with construction and equipping of the veterans cemetery.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 135, Sec. 2. (SB 949) Effective January 1, 2023.)