US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB4850

Introduced
7/25/23  
Refer
7/25/23  

Caption

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a retroactive effective date of law regarding charge to entitlement to Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education.

Impact

The implications of HB 4850 are significant for veterans who have been affected by the closure of educational programs. By allowing for a retroactive effective date, this bill offers a means of ensuring that veterans are not unfairly penalized for situations related to the shutdown of their courses or programs. This ensures continuity in their educational pursuits, thereby supporting them in achieving their goals and improving their long-term employment prospects.

Summary

House Bill 4850 seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide a retroactive effect on entitlements regarding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance. This legislative proposal specifically targets individuals who did not transfer credits from various educational programs that have been closed or disapproved. By making this change, the bill aims to address the challenges faced by veterans whose educational paths were disrupted due to issues beyond their control, ultimately safeguarding their educational benefits.

Contention

While the bill looks to provide necessary relief to veterans, it may also stir discussions regarding the management of educational programs and the responsibility of institutions. Some may argue about the financial implications for the VA as they expand entitlements retroactively. Questions may also arise concerning accountability for educational institutions that close programs, and whether these changes might enable the system to adopt more robust measures to uphold educational standards.

Companion Bills

US HB8371

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

Previously Filed As

US HB7472

To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal a certain limitation on the receipt of assistance under both the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment program and Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs.

US HB5436

To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit an educational institution from withholding a transcript from an individual who pursued a course or program of education at such institution using Post-9/11 educational assistance.

US HB790

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.

US SB4237

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the eligibility requirements for transfer of unused entitlement to Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.

US HB202

States' Education Reclamation Act of 2023 This bill abolishes the Department of Education (ED) and repeals any program for which it has administrative responsibility. The Department of the Treasury shall provide grants to states, for FY2023-FY2031, for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education purposes permitted by state law. The level of funding is set at the amount provided to states for federal elementary and secondary education programs and the amount provided for federal postsecondary education programs, respectively, for FY2023, minus the funding provided for education programs that the bill transfers to other federal agencies. States must contract for an annual audit of their expenditures or transfers of grant funds. Program administrative responsibility and delegation of authority are transferred as follows: ED's job training programs to the Department of Labor, each special education grant program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ED's Indian education programs to the Department of the Interior, each Impact Aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Department of Defense, the Federal Pell Grant program and each federal student loan program to Treasury, and programs under the jurisdiction of the Institute of Education Sciences or the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program to HHS.

US HB120

Relative to transferring statutory authority from the department of education to the department of military affairs and veterans services regarding educational support services.

US SB4231

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase flexibility in the transferability of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.

US HB8057

To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

US HJR144

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.