RESTORE Act Recoupment of Expenditures for Student Tuition Outlays and Restoration of Entitlement Act
Impact
The legislation introduces significant changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs manages educational assistance for veterans. In particular, it establishes a clear process for the restoration of entitlements for individuals who suffer educational losses due to violations committed by their institutions. This includes provisions for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine the necessity for entitlements restoration and to require institutions to repay misallocated funds, thereby providing a safety net for veterans in an educational landscape that can sometimes be fraught with misleading information.
Summary
House Bill 7895, titled the 'RESTORE Act' (Recoupment of Expenditures for Student Tuition Outlays and Restoration of Entitlement Act), is designed to amend title 38 of the United States Code. The bill aims to provide for the restoration of educational assistance entitlement for individuals who are entitled to such assistance and who pursued education at institutions found to have violated advertising, sales, and enrollment practices. This measure is particularly focused on protecting the interests of veterans who may have been misled by deceptive practices of certain educational institutions.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding the execution of this bill. Critics may argue that while the intention is sound, the implementation could lead to bureaucratic complications or delays in accessing educational benefits for veterans. Additionally, there is a concern about the potential for institutions to contest findings of wrongdoing, which could prolong the repayment process or create further obstacles for veterans seeking to continue their education elsewhere. Nonetheless, supporters assert that such measures are essential to prevent fraud and protect vulnerable student populations from exploitation.
Enforcement
To enhance accountability, the bill requires educational institutions to agree to repayment terms when found in violation of established guidelines regarding advertising and enrollment practices. Moreover, the burden of proof for violations falls upon the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, aimed at ensuring that institutions are held responsible for the integrity of their recruitment practices. This responsiveness encourages organizations to better adhere to ethical advertising and operational standards in serving veterans.
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.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Requires degree-granting proprietary institutions to expend at least 70 percent of tuition and fee revenues on educational instruction and student support services.
Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.
Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.
Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.
Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.