RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 74 (HB 385) 2024 Regular Session Owen
Existing 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.
New law changes the residency requirement prior to death from 24 to 12 months and extends
existing law to include those that reported for duty to an active, National Guard, or Reserve
installation or assignment in the state of La.
Existing 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.
New law 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.
Existing 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.
New law changes the time requirement prior to service from 24 to 12 months and extends
existing law to include those who reported for duty to an active, National Guard, or Reserve
installation or assignment in the state of La.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Amends R.S. 29:288(A)(1) and (B)(1))