The original instrument was prepared by Heyward Jeffers. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Christopher D. Adams.
DIGEST
John Smith (SB 538)
Proposed law establishes the Military Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
Proposed law establishes the areas of service eligibility as the Gulf War of 1990-1991, Operation
Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, or other conflicts or theaters
of war which may subsequently be identified.
Proposed law provides that the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs will monitor the
most current published epidemiological studies and recommendations arising as a requirement of
38 U.S.C. 527, and any developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with
exposure to airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits.
Proposed law provides that the secretary will create a database of service members and veterans
who have been exposed to burn pits, including the name, address, electronic address, phone
number, location and the period of service, and any other information deemed necessary by the
secretary.
Proposed law requires the secretary to establish and maintain a public information program in
order to educate and inform service members, veterans, and their families regarding:
1. The most recent scientific developments on the effects of exposure to open burn pit
smoke or other airborne hazards.
2. Availability of possible treatments for their conditions.
3. Applying for service-connected disability compensation.
4. Appealing an existing disability rating decision or requesting an upgrade in
disability rating from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 29:331)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill 1. Changes R.S. 29:330 to R.S. 29:331.
2. Makes technical corrections.