Summary of HR 6011: VA Work-Study Improvement Act

Purpose and Intent

The VA Work-Study Improvement Act (HR 6011) aims to enhance the existing VA Work-Study program, which provides educational assistance to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through work-study opportunities. The bill seeks to broaden the scope of eligible activities, improve wage standards, and streamline administrative processes for participants.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant amendments to Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically focusing on the VA Work-Study program:

1. Authorized Activities:

   • The bill expands the types of activities that qualify for the work-study program. It allows participation in activities at state or local government agencies and nonprofit organizations that directly or indirectly benefit veterans or military members.

2. Minimum Wage Standards:

   • The definition of "applicable hourly minimum wages" is updated to ensure participants receive the higher of:
     • The minimum rate of basic pay for federal employees.
     • The hourly minimum wage set by state law.
     • The hourly minimum wage established by local government law.

3. Electronic Timesheets:

   • The bill mandates that participants can electronically record their hours worked and that supervisors can electronically approve these records, improving efficiency and accuracy in tracking work-study hours.

4. Annual Data Publication:

   • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to publish annual reports detailing:
     • The number of participants in the work-study program.
     • Demographic information of participants.
     • Descriptions of the activities performed.
     • Wages paid to participants.
     • Total hours worked by participants.
     • A list of participating educational institutions.

5. Applicability:

   • The amendments will apply to work-study allowances paid on or after January 1, 2028.

Impact

The VA Work-Study Improvement Act is expected to:
- Broaden Opportunities: By allowing more types of organizations to participate, the bill aims to create additional work-study opportunities for veterans.
- Ensure Fair Compensation: Updating wage standards will help ensure that veterans are compensated fairly for their work.
- Enhance Administrative Efficiency: The introduction of electronic timesheets is designed to simplify the process for both participants and supervisors.
- Increase Transparency: The requirement for annual data publication will provide greater transparency regarding the program's reach and effectiveness.

Legislative Status

• Introduced: November 10, 2025
• Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of the VA Work-Study Improvement Act, highlighting its objectives, key changes, and potential effects on veterans and the broader community.