Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8896

Introduced
6/28/24  
Refer
6/28/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 8896 would significantly modify existing educational benefits for veterans, specifically acknowledging and supporting the families of those who have received the Purple Heart. The bill permits the transfer of benefits, allowing veterans to designate eligible family members to receive educational assistance. This could empower families by helping them pursue higher education and vocational training while reducing the financial burdens associated with these endeavors.

Summary

House Bill 8896 proposes amendments to Title 38 of the United States Code, allowing veterans awarded the Purple Heart for military service to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits to their family members. This bill aims to enhance educational opportunities for dependents of injured or deceased service members, thereby recognizing their sacrifices by facilitating access to educational resources that may otherwise be unattainable.

Contention

Notably, the proposed legislation has been met with discussions regarding its implications on existing benefit structures and potential administrative challenges associated with the transfer process. Critics argue that there may be complexities in the administration of these benefits, such as the eligibility criteria for dependents and potential disputes over the designation of benefits, particularly in situations involving the death of the service member before full benefits are transferred.

Companion Bills

US SB4396

Related Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2024

Previously Filed As

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 HB10500

To amend title 11, United States Code, to add a bankruptcy chapter relating to the debt of individuals, and for other purposes.

US SB3970

A bill 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 HB10137

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide health care for family members and other individuals who resided at or worked at locations where there is a presumption of service-connection for certain illnesses and conditions, and for other purposes.

US SB5520

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the provision of military housing to members of the Armed Forces and their families through private entities, and for other purposes.

US SB5577

A bill to amend title 11, United States Code, to add a bankruptcy chapter relating to the debt of individuals, and for other purposes.

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 HB8753

To direct the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for certain communities, and for other purposes.

US HB9839

To amend title 39, United States Code, to modernize the Postal Service regulations, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

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 HB613

ATF Transparency Act

US HB9245

American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2024 Community Reinvestment Reform Act of 2024

US SB934

American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025 Community Reinvestment Reform Act of 2025

US HB8354

Blair Holt Firearm Owner Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2024

US SB4313

Blair Holt Firearm Owner Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2024

US SB5607

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the rehabilitation credit for buildings in rural areas.

US SB4131

Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2024