Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8646

Introduced
6/5/24  
Refer
6/5/24  

Caption

Modernizing the Veterans On-Campus Experience Act of 2024

Impact

The impact of HB8646 on state laws is significant as it directly modifies how veterans receive educational and vocational support from the Department of Veterans Affairs. By allowing counseling employees to operate across multiple institutions, the bill potentially increases the reach and availability of services, which could lead to better outcomes for veterans pursuing higher education. Furthermore, the act stipulates a cap on the number of individuals that each counselor can assist at any given time, ensuring that personalized attention can be provided. This regulation could lead to improved guidance for veterans as they navigate educational opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 8646, known as the Modernizing the Veterans On-Campus Experience Act of 2024, aims to enhance the provision of educational and vocational counseling services for veterans on college campuses. This legislation seeks to amend existing provisions under title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality and accessibility of these services. The bill specifies that counseling services will now be provided by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who hold at least a bachelor's degree or a higher qualification relevant to the field, indicating a shift toward more qualified professionals offering support to veterans.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB8646 could represent a meaningful advancement in the support system for veterans in higher education, but its implementation and the potential implications for various educational institutions warrant close scrutiny among lawmakers and educational advocates alike.

Contention

While many stakeholders support the intentions behind HB8646, there are notable areas of contention. Critics may argue that while increased professional qualifications for counselors are beneficial, there may also be concerns about the feasibility of such staffing requirements for all institutions, particularly smaller colleges with limited resources. Furthermore, restricting the number of individuals a counselor can assist might limit the outreach capability of counseling services, sparking debate about balancing quality with accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB980

Modernizing the Veterans On-Campus Experience Act of 2025

US HB8656

Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2024

US HB3578

Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025

US HB9806

Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2024

US HB9055

Veterans’ Burial Improvement Act of 2024

US HB7734

Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024

US HB8560

End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2024

US HB8371

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

US HB3854

Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act

US HB7919

Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.