Us Congress Senate Bill SB342

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

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.

Impact

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.

Congress_id

119-S-342

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-30