The implementation of SB342 would facilitate a significant change in how educational benefits can be utilized by veterans. By enabling the transfer of these benefits, the bill addresses the need for flexibility within the Veterans Affairs education programs. It recognizes not only the sacrifices of the veterans themselves but also the potential educational needs of their dependents. Such a measure could increase access to higher education for family members, particularly in cases where a veteran may not utilize all the educational benefits available to them.
Summary
Senate Bill 342, known as the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025, aims to provide an important legislative amendment that allows veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart to transfer their unused Post-9/11 educational assistance benefits to their family members. This bill specifically targets those who served on or after September 11, 2001, ensuring that the sacrifices made by these individuals can continue to benefit their loved ones even after the service member has completed their education or no longer needs such benefits.
Contention
Notably, there may be points of contention regarding the specifics of the transfer process, including eligibility criteria for dependents and potential limits on the number of months that can be transferred. The bill proposes that a maximum of 36 months of educational assistance can be transferred to an eligible dependent. The boundaries set by age limitations, particularly that benefits for children cannot be used once they turn 26 unless specific caregiving circumstances apply, may also lead to discussions about adequacy and fairness in the provisions offered.
Related bill
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.
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.
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.