(a)
The secretary may whenever he or she deems it advisable and shall when required so to do by the board present reports and recommendations to the board concerning any matter relating to veterans’ welfare whether or not provided by existing law.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the secretary shall not effectuate any policy change that would modify any veterans’ program without first fully briefing the board regarding the effects upon veterans of the proposed policy change.
(c)
For the purposes of this section and Section 700, “program” means the Veterans Home of California, the veterans’ farm and home purchase program, including any associated insurance programs, and any veterans’ education assistance program.
(d)
“Policy change” for the purposes of this section means any proposed changes to the programs set forth in subdivision (c) that would directly or indirectly affect the eligibility of veterans to participate in, the affordability for veterans of, or the financial stability of, those programs.