DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 385 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Owen
Abstract: Provides for education benefits for survivors of qualified veterans.
Present law (R.S. 29:288(A)(1)(a)) defines a "qualified veteran" as a member of the armed forces
of the U.S. who was a resident of La. for a period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding
entrance into service or for a period not less than 24 months prior to the veteran's death.
Proposed law retains present law but changes the residency requirement prior to death from 24 to
12 months and extends to include those that reported for duty to an active, National Guard, or
Reserve installation or assignment in the state of La.
Present law (R.S. 29:288(A)(1)(b)) defines "qualified veteran" as one who is rated 90% to 100%
service-connected disabled by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs by evaluation of the rating schedule
or is determined by the department to be unemployable as a result of a service-connected disability
and has been a resident of La. for a period of not less than 24 months prior to the admission of the
veteran's child into a program of education at a public postsecondary institution.
Proposed law retains present law but changes the definition of "qualified veteran" as one who has
been a resident of La. for a period of not less than 12 months prior to the admission of the veteran's
child into a program of education at a public postsecondary institution.
Present law (R.S. 29:288(B)(1)) defines "qualified veteran" as a member of the armed forces of the
U.S. who was killed in action, died in active service from other causes, is missing in action, is a
prisoner of war, died as a result of a service-connected disability incurred during a wartime period
as defined in R.S. 29:251.2, or who, prior to death, was rated 90% to 100% service-connected
disabled by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs by evaluation of the rating schedule or was
determined by the department to be unemployable as a result of a service-connected disability, and
was a resident of Louisiana for a period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding entrance
into service or for a period not less than 24 months prior to death.
Proposed law retains present law but changes the time requirement prior to service from 24 to 12
months and extends to include those who reported for duty to an active, National Guard, or Reserve
installation or assignment in the state of La.
(Amends R.S. 29:288(A)(1) and (B)(1))