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Bill

HR 790

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Levin and 1 co-sponsor

HR 790 allows Purple Heart veterans to transfer unused educational benefits to eligible family members, enhancing their dependents' educational opportunities.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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Bill Summary · HR 790

Summary of HR 790: Purple Heart Educational Assistance Transfer Act

Bill Number: HR 790
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Primary Sponsor: Mike Levin
Cosponsor: Gregory F. Murphy
Related Bill: S 342 (companion bill)

Purpose and Intent

HR 790 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to allow veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart for their service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits to eligible family members. This legislation recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and seeks to provide educational opportunities for their dependents.

Key Provisions

  1. Eligibility for Transfer:

    • Veterans awarded the Purple Heart after September 10, 2001, are eligible to transfer their unused educational benefits.
    • The transfer can be made to one or more eligible dependents, which include children and other specified family members.

  2. Transfer Limitations:

    • A maximum of 36 months of educational assistance can be transferred.
    • The veteran must designate the dependents and the specific number of months of entitlement being transferred.

  3. Modification and Revocation:

    • Veterans can modify or revoke the transfer of benefits at any time by notifying the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense.
    • Transferred benefits are not considered marital property and cannot be divided in divorce proceedings.

  4. Usage of Transferred Benefits:

    • Dependents may not use the transferred benefits until they have completed high school or reached 18 years of age.
    • The benefits will be charged against the veteran's entitlement at a rate of one month for each month used.

  5. Provisions for Dependents:

    • If a veteran dies, the transferred benefits will remain available to the designated dependents.
    • Children may use the benefits without regard to the 15-year limitation typically imposed on educational assistance, provided they are under 26 years of age.
    • Special provisions allow for extensions of benefit usage if a child is acting as a primary caregiver for a veteran.

  6. Educational Purposes:

    • The transferred benefits can be used for various educational pursuits, including obtaining a secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Impact

This bill is expected to positively impact veterans who have received the Purple Heart by providing them with the ability to support their dependents' educational goals. It acknowledges the unique sacrifices made by these veterans and offers a pathway for their families to benefit from educational assistance.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 28, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • March 4, 2025: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for further consideration.

This legislation represents a significant step in enhancing educational opportunities for the families of veterans who have been recognized for their bravery and service.

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

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