To direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program to provide stipends to certain members separating from the Armed Forces.
Impact
The impact of HB 5149 on state laws is primarily through its focus on aiding veterans. By supporting the transition of military personnel back to civilian life, the bill emphasizes the social responsibility to provide a safety net for those who have served. The pilot program is expected to commence within 180 days of enactment, reflecting an urgent need to address the financial uncertainties faced by transitioning veterans.
Summary
House Bill 5149 aims to establish a pilot program directed by the Secretary of Defense to provide monthly stipends to certain individuals who are separating from the Armed Forces. This initiative is designed to assist those who have served honorably for at least four years and are likely to face financial difficulties during their initial transition period into civilian life. The stipends will be aimed at covering costs such as food and housing for the individuals and their families in the location where they reside.
Contention
While there may not be explicit points of contention highlighted in the discussions around HB 5149, the effectiveness and permanence of such a pilot program could become areas of debate in legislative discussions. The pilot will last for four months initially, and there will be a requirement for the Secretary to report back on its effectiveness, which may raise questions regarding the adequacy of the support and the potential need for a more permanent solution. Furthermore, as with many veteran-related initiatives, there could be varying opinions on resource allocation and program effectiveness amidst the broader challenges faced by veterans in adaption.
To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to ensure, under certain conditions, that members of the Armed Forces are automatically enrolled in benefits and services under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for which such members are eligible.
To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a centralized database to record and maintain information relating to training performed by members of the Armed Forces.
To direct the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training to carry out a pilot program on short-term fellowship programs for veterans.
To require the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the accessibility of mental health care providers and services for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a grant program to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs, and for other purposes.
Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the Boots to Business Program, which provides entrepreneurship training to individuals including veterans and active members of the Armed Forces, to be administered by the Small Business Administration.