John Smith (SB 538) Act No. 312
New law establishes the Staff Sergeant William Austin Daniel Military Airborne Hazards
and Open Burn Pit Registry Act of 2014.
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.
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.
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.
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)