The Hire Student Veterans Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers that hire certain veterans who are receiving educational assistance. Specifically, it adds veterans attending an educational institution through benefits administered under chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34 of title 38, U.S. Code, or chapters 1606 or 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code, to the list of qualified veterans for WOTC purposes. The bill is designed to encourage employers to hire student veterans while they are using VA or Department of Defense education benefits.
The bill also modifies the WOTC minimum employment period rules so that the special minimum employment period requirement would not apply to these newly covered veterans. The amendments would take effect for individuals who begin work after enactment. In practical terms, the bill would reduce employers’ federal tax liability when they hire eligible student veterans, while leaving the underlying veterans’ education benefit programs unchanged.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code, expanding eligibility for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include veterans receiving specified educational assistance under VA and DoD programs. This would affect employers claiming the credit, veterans using GI Bill-style benefits, and the administration of federal employment tax incentives. It would not create a new benefit program, but would broaden an existing tax credit and alter the minimum employment period rules for this subgroup of veterans.
Sentiment
Available context suggests generally favorable, bipartisan support for the measure. The bill was introduced by Senator Rosen with Senator Moran as a cosponsor, which indicates cross-party backing, and there is no recorded committee opposition, vote tally, or transcript showing controversy. The title and structure of the bill frame it as a targeted incentive for hiring student veterans, a policy goal that is typically viewed positively.
Contention
No committee debate or vote record is provided, so there are no documented points of contention in the available materials. Potential areas of discussion, if the bill were considered further, could include the cost of expanding the tax credit, whether the incentive is well targeted, and how employers would document eligibility for veterans receiving educational assistance. However, none of these concerns are reflected in the supplied record.
Establishes a returning veterans tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and disabled veterans; provides that such tax credit is worth $3,000 per veteran hired or $4,000 for every disabled veteran hired and the total benefit shall not exceed $15,000 annually.