Bill

Bill > HR3372


US HR3372

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval, and for other purposes.


summary

Introduced
07/24/2017
In Committee
07/24/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

115th Congress

Bill Summary

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval, and for other purposes. This bill provides that if a veteran or reservist is forced to discontinue a certain course or program as a result of a school closure or disapproval of a necessary course and did not receive credit or lost training time toward completion of the education program, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance payments shall not, for a specified period, be: charged against the individual's entitlement to educational assistance, or counted against the aggregate period for which such assistance may be provided. The bill, with an exception, applies to education courses and programs discontinued after January 1, 2015. The VA may continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in specified courses for up to 4 weeks in any 12-month period when schools are temporarily closed under an established policy based on a presidential executive order or due to an emergency. The VA shall, within five business days after receiving notice of a closure or intended closure, notify each affected individual of such closure and its effect on the individual's entitlement to educational assistance. The VA may also continue to pay a monthly housing stipend following a permanent school closure or disapproval of a course of study, but only until the earlier of: (1) the end of the term, quarter, or semester during which the school closure or disapproval occurred; and (2) 120 days after the closure or disapproval.

AI Summary

This bill aims to provide relief for veterans affected by school closures or course disapprovals. The key provisions are: 1. Restoration of entitlement: If a veteran is forced to discontinue a course or program due to a school closure or course disapproval, and did not receive credit or lost training time, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance payments will not be charged against the veteran's entitlement or counted towards the aggregate period for which such assistance may be provided. 2. Continuing payment during temporary closures: The VA may continue to pay educational assistance and housing stipends to eligible veterans enrolled in courses for up to 4 weeks in any 12-month period when schools are temporarily closed under an executive order or due to an emergency. 3. Continuing housing stipend after permanent closure: The VA may continue to pay a monthly housing stipend following a permanent school closure or course disapproval, but only until the earlier of the end of the term or 120 days after the closure/disapproval. 4. Notification requirement: The VA must notify affected individuals within 5 business days of receiving notice of a school closure. The bill applies to courses and programs discontinued after January 1, 2015, with special provisions for those discontinued between that date and the enactment of the bill.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. (on 07/24/2017)

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