US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB522

Introduced
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
3/23/23  
Report Pass
12/5/23  

Caption

Deliver for Veterans Act

Impact

If enacted, HB522 would amend Title 38 of the United States Code, which governs various aspects of veterans' benefits and services. The bill's provisions will allow for a more comprehensive approach to vehicle assistance, ensuring that veterans not only receive the adaptive vehicles but also the necessary support for their delivery. Additionally, HB522 proposes modifications to housing loan fees, hinting at broader financial implications for veterans seeking financial support for homeownership. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline and enhance the services offered to veterans, potentially improving their quality of life significantly.

Summary

House Bill 522, known as the Deliver for Veterans Act, aims to enhance the support provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to disabled veterans. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide, or assist in providing, vehicles equipped for operation by disabled individuals. Importantly, it also covers the expenses associated with the delivery of these vehicles, indicating a significant step toward improving access and mobility for veterans with disabilities. This legislative effort recognizes the need for adequate transportation solutions for veterans, a population that often faces unique challenges.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB522 appears to be positive, particularly among veteran advocacy groups and legislators who see it as a meaningful move towards better serving those who have served the nation. Proponents highlight the importance of addressing the mobility challenges faced by disabled veterans, emphasizing that the legislation represents a commitment to their well-being. As with many veteran-related legislations, the discussions are generally characterized by a united front among stakeholders advocating for improved services and benefits for veterans.

Contention

While there is considerable support for the principles behind HB522, some may express concerns regarding the logistical implementation of vehicle assistance, including the adequacy of funding and the ability of the VA to meet the demand for these additional services. Additionally, the adjustments to housing loan fees could raise discussions about the financial implications for veterans seeking loans in the current economic landscape, making it imperative for the GA and other stakeholders to clarify how these changes will function in practice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB877

Deliver for Veterans ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include delivery costs when paying the full purchase price of an automobile or other conveyance for certain disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces. Currently, the VA must pay the lesser of (1) $26,417.20 (adjusted annually for inflation), or (2) the full purchase price associated with providing an automobile or other conveyance to such individuals (not including delivery costs).

US SB1267

Deliver for Veterans Act of 2025

US HB236

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as Battle Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.

US HB3481

Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB105

TBI and PTSD Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

US HB4077

GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act Guarantee Utilization of All Reimbursements for Delivery of Veterans’ Health Care Act

US HB25

FairTax Act of 2023 This bill imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services in lieu of the current income taxes, payroll taxes, and estate and gift taxes. The rate of the sales tax will be 23% in 2025, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. There are exemptions from the tax for used and intangible property; for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes; and for state government functions. Under the bill, family members who are lawful U.S. residents receive a monthly sales tax rebate (Family Consumption Allowance) based upon criteria related to family size and poverty guidelines. The states have the responsibility for administering, collecting, and remitting the sales tax to the Treasury. Tax revenues are to be allocated among (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. No funding is authorized for the operations of the Internal Revenue Service after FY2027. Finally, the bill terminates the national sales tax if the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this bill.

US HB171

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act This bill places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for schedule I research that is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs or that is conducted under an investigative new drug exemption from the Food and Drug Administration. The bill also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances, waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.

US HB56

Reforming Alternatives to Incarceration and Sentencing to Establish a Better Path for Youth Act of 2023 or the RAISE Act of 2023 This bill modifies requirements and procedures related to the sentencing, confinement, and release of youth who are involved in the federal criminal justice system. The term youth means an individual who is prosecuted or sentenced for a criminal offense committed at age 21 or younger. The bill modifies federal sentencing options for youth, including by allowing courts to depart from the statutory mandatory minimum for certain nonviolent offenses, to reduce the prison term of a youth who has completed 20 years of the sentence, and to treat as discretionary a sentence of imprisonment for life. Additionally, it requires the Bureau of Prisons to separately designate youth correctional facilities, minimize contact between youth and other offenders, and establish programs regarding youth education, skills training, reentry, and mental and emotional health. Finally, the bill promotes reentry and reintegration into the community, including by providing an early release option for youth offenders who complete one half or more of their prison term and meet certain criteria; authorizing home confinement for a longer period of time; limiting the maximum prison term for technical violations of probation; establishing pilot programs for mentorship, government service, and animal service; and establishing pilot programs for diversion of high-risk, victimized, and primary caretaker youth.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.