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HR 9351

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide relief for members of the uniformed services who homeschool their dependent children, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Pat Harrigan and 1 co-sponsor

Expands SCRA protections to include service members who homeschool dependents, safeguarding housing, loans, and civil relief during deployment and relocations.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9351

Summary of HR 9351 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

HR 9351 seeks to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to provide targeted relief for members of the uniformed services who homeschool their dependent children. The bill aims to ensure that service members who choose to homeschool are not disadvantaged or subjected to penalties related to military obligations, housing, or other civil-relief provisions under the SCRA due to their homeschooling arrangements.

Key provisions and changes

  • Scope of relief expanded to homeschooling families: The bill broadens SCRA protections to explicitly address the needs and circumstances of service members who homeschool their dependent children. While the exact text is not provided here, such amendments typically cover protections related to:
    • Mortgage and lease obligations (e.g., stay of actions, reduced penalties, termination or modification rights) during military service or deployment.
    • Interest rate reductions on certain loans to 6% during active duty or qualifying periods.
    • Civil court proceedings, default judgments, and litigation protections.
    • Availability of deferments or postponements for financial or contractual obligations.
  • Operationally relevant protections: By including homeschooling families, the bill may ensure that:
    • Deployment and frequent relocations do not jeopardize housing stability or contract compliance due to homeschooling-related scheduling or relocation needs.
    • Documentation and notices for exemptions or protections can accommodate homeschooling arrangements.
  • Coordination with SCRA processes: The measure would require or authorize appropriate agencies and financial institutions to recognize homeschooling status when applying SCRA relief, and to adjust procedures accordingly.

Who would be affected

  • Active-duty and reserve service members who have dependent children being homeschooled.
  • Family members and dependents reliant on the service member’s compliance with civil-relief provisions (e.g., housing leases, mortgages, consumer debts).
  • Financial institutions, lenders, and service providers subject to SCRA protections, who would need to apply the amended rules when the service member’s homeschooling status is relevant.
  • Veterans and survivors could also see indirect effects if protections extend beyond active duty in related civil actions and financial obligations.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • House action: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on June 18, 2026.
  • Introduction: The bill was introduced in the House on June 18, 2026.
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Joe Wilson, indicating bipartisan backing at the introductory stage.
  • Next steps (typical): Committee consideration, potential amendments, full House debate and vote, and possible Senate action. If enacted, the bill would require regulatory or implementational guidance from pertinent agencies (e.g., departments administering SCRA-related processes) to align current procedures with the expanded protections.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Clarity and consistency: The amendment would provide clearer protections for service members who homeschool, reducing risk of penalties or procedural hurdles arising from employment, deployment, or relocation schedules.
  • Administrative burden: Financial institutions and agencies may need to update forms, systems, and outreach to recognize homeschooling as a factor in eligibility for SCRA relief.
  • Administrative efficiency: If properly implemented, the changes could streamline compliance for service members with homeschooling obligations, potentially reducing disputes related to housing, loans, and civil actions during periods of military service.

Note: This summary is based on the bill title and available action history. For precise language, specific subsection changes, and exact protections, referring to the bill’s text as introduced and any committee reports will provide definitive details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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