Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4850

Introduced
7/25/23  
Refer
7/25/23  

Caption

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a retroactive effective date of law regarding charge to entitlement to Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education.

Impact

The implications of HB 4850 are significant for veterans who have been affected by the closure of educational programs. By allowing for a retroactive effective date, this bill offers a means of ensuring that veterans are not unfairly penalized for situations related to the shutdown of their courses or programs. This ensures continuity in their educational pursuits, thereby supporting them in achieving their goals and improving their long-term employment prospects.

Summary

House Bill 4850 seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide a retroactive effect on entitlements regarding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance. This legislative proposal specifically targets individuals who did not transfer credits from various educational programs that have been closed or disapproved. By making this change, the bill aims to address the challenges faced by veterans whose educational paths were disrupted due to issues beyond their control, ultimately safeguarding their educational benefits.

Contention

While the bill looks to provide necessary relief to veterans, it may also stir discussions regarding the management of educational programs and the responsibility of institutions. Some may argue about the financial implications for the VA as they expand entitlements retroactively. Questions may also arise concerning accountability for educational institutions that close programs, and whether these changes might enable the system to adopt more robust measures to uphold educational standards.

Companion Bills

US HB8371

Related Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2024

Previously Filed As

US HB8896

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.

US HB790

This bill authorizes certain Purple Heart recipients to elect to transfer to one or more eligible dependents (e.g., a spouse or child) unused portions of such recipients’ entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance. This authority specifically applies to veterans who are awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged or released from active service.Under the bill, the total number of months of entitlement transferred by a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed 36 months. Additionally, the Purple Heart recipient may modify or revoke any unused portion of the transferred entitlement by submitting written notice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD).A transferred entitlement may not be treated as marital property or marital assets in divorce or other civil proceedings.The death of the Purple Heart recipient must not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual who receives the transferred entitlement.In the event of an overpayment of educational assistance, the Purple Heart recipient and the transferee of the entitlement must be held jointly and severally liable for the amount.The bill requires the VA and DOD to coordinate to facilitate the transfer of entitlements under the bill.

US HB395

Time of Service Act This bill adjusts the time limitation on the use of a veteran's educational assistance entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Specifically, veterans' entitlements shall not expire for those who were discharged or released from active duty on or after January 1, 2001.

US HB502

To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.

US SB342

Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025This bill authorizes certain Purple Heart recipients to elect to transfer to one or more eligible dependents (e.g., a spouse or child) unused portions of such recipients’ entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance. This authority specifically applies to veterans who are awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged or released from active service.Under the bill, the total number of months of entitlement transferred by a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed 36 months. Additionally, the Purple Heart recipient may modify or revoke any unused portion of the transferred entitlement by submitting written notice.A transferred entitlement may not be treated as marital property or marital assets in divorce or other civil proceedings.The death of the Purple Heart recipient must not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual who receives the transferred entitlement.In the event of an overpayment of educational assistance, the Purple Heart recipient and the transferee of the entitlement must be held jointly and severally liable for the amount.The bill requires the VA and DOD to coordinate to facilitate the transfer of entitlements under the bill.

US HB983

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025This bill requires that the Department of Veterans Affairs disapprove courses of education provided by educational institutions that charge higher than in-state tuition for individuals utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve education benefits while living in the state where the education is located, regardless of the individual’s state of residence.

US HB4921

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include information relating to certain questionnaire on forms to apply for disability or pension benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

US HB1635

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance provided to an eligible individual pursuing a program of education at an institution in the Republic of the Philippines.

US HJR31

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

US HB3369

Veterans assistance programs; lottery proceeds; Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; education programs; honorably discharged veterans; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.