H.R. 6416 — what changed
Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016
From Introduced in House to Engrossed in House. 25 sections amended between Introduced in House and Engrossed in House.
Sec. 101 Expedited payment of survivors’ benefits
In general— Section 5101(a)(1) is amended—
by striking “A specific” and inserting “(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a specific”; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(B)
“(i) The Secretary may pay benefits under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, and 5121 of this title to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the Secretary determines that the record contains sufficient evidence to establish the entitlement of the survivor to such benefits.
“(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph and section 5110 of this title, the earlier of the following dates shall be treated as the date of the receipt of the survivor's application for benefits described in clause (i):
“(I) The date on which the survivor of a veteran (or the representative of such a survivor) notifies the Secretary of the death of the veteran through a death certificate or other relevant evidence that establishes entitlement to survivors’ benefits identified in clause (i).
“(II) The head of any other department or agency of the Federal Government notifies the Secretary of the death of the veteran.
“(iii) In notifying the Secretary of the death of a veteran as described in clause (ii)(I), the survivor (or the representative of such a survivor) may submit to the Secretary additional documents relating to such death without being required to file a formal claim.”
Report—
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In general— Not later than one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on benefits paid pursuant to covered claims.
Contents— The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
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The number of covered claims adjudicated during the one-year 1-year period preceding the date of the report, disaggregated by the following:
Claims in which the claimant was entitled to benefits under chapters 13 or 15 or sections 2302, 2307, or 5121 of title 38, United States Code, on the basis of the claimant’s status as the spouse of a deceased veteran.
Claims in which the claimant was entitled to such benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the child of a deceased veteran.
Claims in which the claimant was entitled to such benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the parent of a deceased veteran.
The number of covered claims during such period for which such benefits were not awarded, disaggregated by clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of covered claims adjudicated during such period with noncovered claims filed by survivors of a veteran.
The findings of the Secretary with respect to adjudicating covered claims.
Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for legislative or administrative action to improve the adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for benefits under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, 2307, and 5121 of title 38, United States Code.
Covered claim defined— In this subsection, the term covered claim means a claim covered by section 5101(a)(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Effective date— The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to claims for benefits based on a death occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 103 Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs publish the average time required to adjudicate early-filed and later-filed appeals
Publication requirement—
In general— On an ongoing basis, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available to the public the following:
The average length of time to adjudicate an early-filed appeal.
The average length of time to adjudicate a later-filed appeal.
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Effective date— Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date that is one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply until the date that is three 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Report—
In general— Not later than 39 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on whether publication pursuant to subsection (a)(1) has had an effect on the number of early-filed appeals filed.
Contents— The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
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The number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were filed during the one-year 1-year period ending on the effective date specified in subsection (a)(2).
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The number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were filed during the one-year 1-year period ending on the date that is two 2 years after the effective date specified in subsection (a)(2).
Definitions— In this section:
Appeal— The term appeal means a notice of disagreement filed pursuant to section 7105(a) of title 38, United States Code, in response to notice of the result of an initial review or determination regarding a claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Early-filed— The term early-filed with respect to an appeal means that the notice of disagreement was filed not more than 180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result of the initial review or determination described in paragraph (1).
Later-filed— The term later-filed with respect to an appeal means the notice of disagreement was filed more than 180 days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result of the initial review or determination described in paragraph (1).
Sec. 108 Annual report on progress in implementing Veterans Benefits Management System
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In general— Not later than each of one 1 year, two 2 years, and three 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the progress of the Secretary in implementing the Veterans Benefits Management System.
Contents— Each report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
An assessment of the current functionality of the Veterans Benefits Management System.
Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are involved in processing claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary, including veterans service representatives, rating veterans service representatives, and decision review officers, for such legislative or administrative action as the employees consider appropriate to improve the processing of such claims.
Recommendations submitted to the Secretary by veterans service organizations who use the Veterans Benefits Management System for such legislative or administrative action as the veterans service organizations consider appropriate to improve such system.
Veterans service organization defined— In this section, the term “veterans service organization” means any organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 111 Reports on claims for disability compensation
Report on reasonably raised claims— Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the policies of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to processing reasonably raised unrelated claims. Such report shall include—
any statistics on how frequently such unrelated claims are identified by the Secretary;
how frequently the Secretary notifies claimants about potential unrelated claims; and
how often the claimant later submits a claim for the condition described by the unrelated claim.
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Annual reports on complete and incomplete claims— During the five-year 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives annual reports on complete and incomplete claims for disability compensation submitted to the Secretary. Each such report shall include, for the one-year 1-year period covered by the report—
the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary;
the total number of incomplete claims submitted to the Secretary;
the total number of complete claims submitted to the Secretary;
the total number of forms indicating an intent to file a claim for benefits submitted to the Secretary;
the total number of electronically filed claims submitted to the Secretary;
the total number of fully developed claims submitted to the Secretary;
the total number of claims submitted to the Secretary that are not complete claims but that the Secretary treats as a request by the claimant for a form to file a claim; and
of the total number of claims identified under paragraph (7), the percent for which the Secretary notified the claimant of the need to file a complete claim.
Definitions— In this section:
The term “claimant” has the meaning given such term in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code, and includes a representative of a claimant.
The term “reasonably raised unrelated claim” means a claim for disability compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that, in addition to the condition for which such claim is made, includes evidence of a separate condition that is not specifically identified as part of the claim but may be inferred or logically placed at issue upon a sympathetic reading of the claim and the record developed with respect to that claim.
Sec. 203 Voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors’ annuity
Section 7297 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(p)
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“(1) A covered judge who makes an election under subsection (b) may purchase, in three-month 3-month increments, up to an additional year of service credit for each year of Federal judicial service completed, under the terms set forth in this section.
“(2) In this subsection, the term covered judge means any of the following:
“(A) A judge in regular active service.
“(B) A retired judge who is a recall-eligible retired judge pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 of this title.
“(C) A retired judge who would be a recall-eligible retired judge pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7257 but for—
“(i) meeting the aggregate recall service requirements under subsection (b)(3) of such section; or
“(ii) being permanently disabled as described by subsection (b)(4) of such section.”
Sec. 204 Selection of chief judge of United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
In general— Section 7253(d) is amended—
in paragraph (1)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking “and”;
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B):
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“(B) have at least three 3 years remaining in term of office; and”
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
“(2)
“(A) In any case in which there is no judge of the Court in regular active service who meets the requirements under paragraph (1), the judge of the Court in regular active service who is senior in commission and meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) shall act as the chief judge.
“(B) In any case under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph in which there is no judge of the Court in regular active service who meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), the judge of the Court in regular active service who is senior in commission and meets subparagraph (C) shall act as the chief judge.”
Applicability— The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the selection of a chief judge occurring on or after January 1, 2020.
Sec. 303 Department of Veterans Affairs study on matters relating to burial of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries
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Study and report required— Not later than one 1 year after the effective date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—
complete a study on matters relating to the interring of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration; and
submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the study required under paragraph (1).
Matters studied— The matters studied under subsection (a)(1) shall include the following:
Determining the scope of issues relating to unclaimed remains of veterans, including an estimate of the number of unclaimed remains of veterans.
Assessing the effectiveness of the procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs for working with persons or entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate interment of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration.
Assessing State and local laws that affect the ability of the Secretary to inter unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration.
Developing recommendations for such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate.
Methodology—
Number of unclaimed remains— In estimating the number of unclaimed remains of veterans under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may review such subset of applicable entities as the Secretary considers appropriate, including a subset of funeral homes and coroner offices that possess unclaimed veterans remains.
Assessment of State and local laws— In assessing State and local laws under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may assess such sample of applicable State and local laws as the Secretary considers appropriate in lieu of reviewing all applicable State and local laws.
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Effective date— This section shall take effect on the date that is one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 304 Study on provision of interments in veterans’ cemeteries during weekends
Study—
In general— The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the feasibility and the need for providing increased interments in veterans’ cemeteries on Saturdays and Sundays to meet the needs of surviving family members to properly honor the deceased.
Matters included— The study under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
The number of requests made for interments in veterans' cemeteries on a Saturday or a Sunday since January 1, 2007.
The number of requests identified under subparagraph (A) that were granted.
An estimate of the number of families that, since January 1, 2007, would have selected a weekend interment if such an interment would have been offered.
A review of the practices relating to weekend interments among non-veterans' cemeteries, including private and municipal cemeteries.
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A comparison of the costs to veterans' cemeteries with respect to providing regular interments only during weekdays and such costs for providing regular interments during the weekdays and at least one 1 weekend day.
Any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.
Consultation— In carrying out the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the following:
Veterans who are eligible to be interred in a veterans' cemetery.
Family members of a deceased individual interred in a veterans' cemetery.
Veterans service organizations.
Associations representing cemetery and funeral home professionals.
The heads of agencies of State governments relating to veterans affairs.
The directors of the veterans' cemeteries.
Any other person the Secretary determines appropriate.
Submission— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).
Veterans’ cemeteries defined— In this section, the term “veterans’ cemeteries” means the cemeteries of the National Cemetery Administration, veterans’ cemeteries owned by a State, and veterans’ cemeteries owned by a tribal organization.
Sec. 402 Approval of courses of education and training for purposes of the vocational rehabilitation program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
In general— Section 3104(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: “To the maximum extent practicable, a course of education or training may be pursued by a veteran as part of a rehabilitation program under this chapter only if the course is approved for purposes of chapter 30 or 33 of this title. The Secretary may waive the requirement under the preceding sentence to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate.”.
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Effective date— The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a course of education or training pursued by a veteran who first begins a program of rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, on or after the date that is one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 404 Reports on progress of students receiving Post-9/11 Educational Assistance
In general— Subchapter III of chapter 33 is amended—
in section 3325(c)—
in paragraph (2), by striking “and” after the semicolon;
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):
“(3) the information received by the Secretary under section 3326 of this title; and”
by adding at the end the following new section:
“3326. Report on student progress
“As a condition of approval under chapter 36 of this title of a course offered by an educational institution (as defined in section 3452 of this title), each year, each educational institution (as so defined) that received a payment in that year on behalf of an individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall submit to the Secretary such information regarding the academic progress of the individual as the Secretary may require.”
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
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Effective date— The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 405 Recodification and improvement of election process for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program
In general— Subchapter III of chapter 33, as amended by section 404, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“3327. Election to receive educational assistance
“(a) Individuals eligible To elect participation in post-9/11 educational assistance—An individual may elect to receive educational assistance under this chapter if such individual—
“(1) as of August 1, 2009—
“(A) is entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title and has used, but retains unused, entitlement under that chapter;
“(B) is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 and has used, but retains unused, entitlement under the applicable chapter;
“(C) is entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title but has not used any entitlement under that chapter;
“(D) is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 but has not used any entitlement under such chapter;
“(E) is a member of the Armed Forces who is eligible for receipt of basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title and is making contributions toward such assistance under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title; or
“(F) is a member of the Armed Forces who is not entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title by reason of an election under section 3011(c)(1) or 3012(d)(1) of this title; and
“(2) as of the date of the individual’s election under this paragraph, meets the requirements for entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter.
“(b) Cessation of contributions toward GI bill—Effective as of the first month beginning on or after the date of an election under subsection (a) of an individual described by paragraph (1)(E) of that subsection, the obligation of the individual to make contributions under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as applicable, shall cease, and the requirements of such section shall be deemed to be no longer applicable to the individual.
“(c) Revocation of remaining transferred entitlement
“(1) Election to revoke—If, on the date an individual described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(C) of subsection (a) makes an election under that subsection, a transfer of the entitlement of the individual to basic educational assistance under section 3020 of this title is in effect and a number of months of the entitlement so transferred remain unutilized, the individual may elect to revoke all or a portion of the entitlement so transferred that remains unutilized.
“(2) Availability of revoked entitlement—Any entitlement revoked by an individual under this subsection shall no longer be available to the dependent to whom transferred, but shall be available to the individual instead for educational assistance under chapter 33 of this title in accordance with the provisions of this section.
“(3) Availability of unrevoked entitlement—Any entitlement described in paragraph (1) that is not revoked by an individual in accordance with that paragraph shall remain available to the dependent or dependents concerned in accordance with the current transfer of such entitlement under section 3020 of this title.
“(d) Post-9/11 educational assistance
“(1) In general—Subject to paragraph (2) and except as provided in subsection (e), an individual making an election under subsection (a) shall be entitled to educational assistance under this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, instead of basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title, or educational assistance under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable.
“(2) Limitation on entitlement for certain individuals—In the case of an individual making an election under subsection (a) who is described by paragraph (1)(A) of that subsection, the number of months of entitlement of the individual to educational assistance under this chapter shall be the number of months equal to—
“(A) the number of months of unused entitlement of the individual under chapter 30 of this title, as of the date of the election, plus
“(B) the number of months, if any, of entitlement revoked by the individual under subsection (c)(1).
“(e) Continuing entitlement to educational assistance not available under Post-9/11 educational assistance program
“(1) In general—In the event educational assistance to which an individual making an election under subsection (a) would be entitled under chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable, is not authorized to be available to the individual under the provisions of this chapter, the individual shall remain entitled to such educational assistance in accordance with the provisions of the applicable chapter.
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“(2) Charge for use of entitlement—The utilization by an individual of entitlement under paragraph (1) shall be chargeable against the entitlement of the individual to educational assistance under this chapter at the rate of one 1 month of entitlement under this chapter for each month of entitlement utilized by the individual under paragraph (1) (as determined as if such entitlement were utilized under the provisions of chapter 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable).
“(f) Additional post-9/11 assistance for members having made contributions toward GI bill
“(1) Additional assistance—In the case of an individual making an election under subsection (a) who is described by subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that subsection, the amount of educational assistance payable to the individual under this chapter as a monthly stipend payable under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as applicable), shall be the amount otherwise payable as a monthly stipend under the applicable paragraph increased by the amount equal to—
“(A) the total amount of contributions toward basic educational assistance made by the individual under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this title, as of the date of the election, multiplied by
“(B) the fraction—
“(i) the numerator of which is—
“(I) the number of months of entitlement to basic educational assistance under chapter 30 of this title remaining to the individual at the time of the election; plus
“(II) the number of months, if any, of entitlement under chapter 30 of this title revoked by the individual under subsection (c)(1); and
“(ii) the denominator of which is 36 months.
“(2) Months of remaining entitlement for certain individuals—In the case of an individual covered by paragraph (1) who is described by subsection (a)(1)(E), the number of months of entitlement to basic educational assistance remaining to the individual for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) shall be 36 months.
“(3) Timing of payment—The amount payable with respect to an individual under paragraph (1) shall be paid to the individual together with the last payment of the monthly stipend payable to the individual under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section (as applicable), before the exhaustion of the individual’s entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter.
“(g) Continuing entitlement to additional assistance for critical skills or specialty and additional service—An individual making an election under subsection (a)(1) who, at the time of the election, is entitled to increased educational assistance under section 3015(d) of this title, or section 16131(i) of title 10, or supplemental educational assistance under subchapter III of chapter 30 of this title, shall remain entitled to such increased educational assistance or supplemental educational assistance in the utilization of entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter, in an amount equal to the quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, equivalent of the monthly amount of such increased educational assistance or supplemental educational assistance payable with respect to the individual at the time of the election.
“(h) Alternative election by Secretary
“(1) In general—In the case of an individual who, on or after January 1, 2017, submits to the Secretary an election under this section that the Secretary determines is clearly against the interests of the individual, or who fails to make an election under this section, the Secretary may make an alternative election on behalf of the individual that the Secretary determines is in the best interests of the individual.
“(2) Notice—If the Secretary makes an election on behalf of an individual under this subsection, the Secretary shall notify the individual by not later than seven days after making such election and shall provide the individual with a 30-day period, beginning on the date of the individual’s receipt of such notice, during which the individual may modify or revoke the election made by the Secretary on the individual’s behalf. The Secretary shall include, as part of such notice, a clear statement of why the alternative election made by the Secretary is in the best interests of the individual as compared to the election submitted by the individual. The Secretary shall provide the notice required under this paragraph by electronic means whenever possible.
“(i) Irrevocability of elections—An election under subsection (a) or (c)(1) is irrevocable.”
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter, as amended by section 404, is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:
Conforming repeal— Subsection (c) of section 5003 of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–252; 38 U.S.C. 3301 note) is hereby repealed.
Sec. 409 Modification of requirements for approval for purposes of educational assistance provided by Department of Veterans Affairs of programs designed to prepare individuals for licensure or certification
Approval of nonaccredited courses— Subsection (c) of section 3676 is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (16); and
by inserting after paragraph (13) the following new paragraphs:
“(14) In the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for licensure or certification in a State, the course—
“(A) meets all instructional curriculum licensure or certification requirements of such State; and
“(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).
“(15) In the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a board or agency of a State in an occupation that requires approval, licensure, or certification, the course—
“(A) meets such standards; and
“(B) in the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for licensure to practice law in a State, is accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).”
Exceptions— Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(f)
“(1) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph (14) or (15) of subsection (c) in the case of a course of education offered by an educational institution (either accredited or not accredited) if the Secretary determines all of the following:
“(A) The educational institution is not accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education.
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“(B) The course did not meet the requirements of such paragraph at any time during the two-year 2-year period preceding the date of the waiver.
“(C) The waiver furthers the purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary or would further the education interests of individuals eligible for assistance under such programs.
“(D) The educational institution does not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance, except for the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive Federal student assistance.
“(2) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary issues a waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of such waiver and a justification for issuing such waiver.”
Approval of accredited courses— Section 3675(b)(3) is amended—
by striking “and (3)” and inserting “(3), (14), (15), and (16)”; and
by inserting before the period at the end the following: “(or, with respect to such paragraphs (14) and (15), the requirements under such paragraphs are waived pursuant to subsection (f)(1) of section 3676 of this title)”.
Approval of accredited standard college degree programs offered at public or not-For-Profit educational institutions— Section 3672(b)(2) is amended—
in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking “An accredited” and inserting “Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an accredited”; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(C) A course that is described in both subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph and in paragraph (14) or (15) of section 3676(c) of this title shall not be deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter unless—
“(i) a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of a State approving agency, determines that the course meets the applicable criteria in such paragraphs; or
“(ii) the Secretary issues a waiver for such course under section 3676(f)(1) of this title.”
Disapproval of courses— Section 3679 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Secretary or the applicable State approving agency shall disapprove a course of education described in paragraph (14) or (15) of section 3676(c) of this title unless the educational institution providing the course of education—
“(1) publicly discloses any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or examinations, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation; and
“(2) makes each disclosure required by paragraph (1) in a manner that the Secretary considers prominent (as specified by the Secretary in regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection).”
Applicability— If after enrollment in a course of education that is subject to disapproval by reason of an amendment made by this section, an individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same educational institution while remaining continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at that institution, any course so pursued by the individual at that institution while so continuously enrolled shall not be subject to disapproval by reason of such amendment.
Sec. 411 Compliance surveys
In general— Section 3693 is amended—
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection (a):
“(a)
“(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall conduct an annual compliance survey of educational institutions and training establishments offering one or more courses approved for the enrollment of eligible veterans or persons if at least 20 such veterans or persons are enrolled in any such course. The Secretary shall—
“(A) design the compliance surveys to ensure that such institutions or establishments, as the case may be, and approved courses are in compliance with all applicable provisions of chapters 30 through 36 of this title;
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“(B) survey each such educational institution and training establishment not less than once during every two-year 2-year period; and
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“(C) assign not fewer than one 1 education compliance specialist to work on compliance surveys in any year for each 40 compliance surveys required to be made under this section for such year.
“(2) The Secretary, in consultation with the State approving agencies, shall—
“(A) annually determine the parameters of the surveys required under paragraph (1); and
“(B) not later than September 1 of each year, make available to the State approving agencies a list of the educational institutions and training establishments that will be surveyed during the fiscal year following the date of making such list available.”
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(c) In this section, the terms educational institution and training establishment have the meanings given such terms in section 3452 of this title.”
Conforming amendments— Subsection (b) of such section is amended—
by striking “subsection (a) of this section for an annual compliance survey” and inserting “subsection (a)(1) for a compliance survey”;
by striking “institution” and inserting “educational institution or training establishment”; and
by striking “institution's demonstrated record of compliance” and inserting “record of compliance of such institution or establishment”.
Sec. 414 Survey of individuals using their entitlement to educational assistance under the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Survey required— By not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract with a non-government entity for the conduct of a survey of a statistically valid sample of individuals who have used or are using their entitlement to educational assistance under chapters 30, 32, 33, and 35 of title 38, United States Code, to pursue a program of education or training. The contract shall provide that—
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not later than one 1 month before the collection of data under the survey begins, the survey shall be submitted to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives;
the non-government entity shall complete the survey and submit to the Secretary the results of the survey by not later than 180 days after entering into the contract; and
the survey shall be conducted by electronic means and by any other means the non-government entity determines appropriate.
Information To be collected— The contract under subsection (a) shall provide that the survey shall be designed to collect the following types of information about each individual surveyed, where applicable:
Demographic information, including the highest level of education completed by the individual, the military occupational specialty or specialties of the individual while serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces or as a member of the National Guard or of a Reserve Component of the Armed Forces, and whether the individual has a service-connected disability.
The opinion of the individual regarding participation in the transition assistance program under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code, and the effectiveness of the program, including instruction on the use of the benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The resources the individual used to help the individual—
decide to use the individual’s entitlement to educational assistance to enroll in a program of education or training; and
choose the program of education or training the individual pursued.
The individual’s goal when the individual enrolled in the program of education or training.
The nature of the individual’s experience with the education benefits processing system of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The nature of the individual’s experience with the school certifying official of the educational institution where the individual pursued the program of education or training who processed the individual’s claim.
Any services or benefits the educational institution or program of education or training provided to veterans while the individual pursued the program of education or training.
The type of educational institution at which the individual pursued the program of education or training.
Whether the individual completed the program of education or training or the number of credit hours completed by the individual as of the time of the survey, and, if applicable, any degree or certificate obtained by the individual for completing the program.
The employment status of the individual and whether such employment status differs from the employment status of the individual prior to enrolling in the program of education or training.
Whether the individual is or was enrolled in a program of education on a full-time or part-time basis.
The opinion of the individual on the effectiveness of the educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs under which the individual was entitled to educational assistance.
Whether the individual was ever entitled to a rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, and whether the individual participated in such a program.
A description of any circumstances that prevented the individual from using the individual’s entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a desired career path or degree.
Whether the individual is using the individual’s entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a program of education or training or has transferred such an entitlement to a dependent.
Such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Report— Not later than 90 days after receiving the results of the survey required under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the results of the survey and any recommendations of the Secretary relating to such results. Such report shall also include an unedited version of the results of the survey submitted by the non-government entity that conducted the survey.
Sec. 501 Modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs
In general— Subsection (h) of section 8127 is amended—
in paragraph (3), by striking “rated as” and all that follows through “disability.” and inserting a period; and
in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
“(C) The date that—
“(i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, is 10 years after the date of the veteran’s death; or
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“(ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as less than 100 percent disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected disability, is three 3 years after the date of the veteran’s death.”
Effective date— The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to contracts awarded on or after such date.
Sec. 502 Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and placement service for veterans
In general— Chapter 41 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, training, and placement service for veterans
“(a) Study required
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“(1) The Secretary shall enter into a contract with a non-government entity to conduct a longitudinal study of a statistically valid sample of each of the groups of individuals described in paragraph (2). The contract shall provide for the study of each such group over a period of at least five 5 years.
“(2) The groups of individuals described in this paragraph are the following:
“(A) Veterans who have received intensive services.
“(B) Veterans who did not receive intensive services but who otherwise received services under this chapter.
“(C) Veterans who did not seek or receive services under this chapter.
“(3) The study required by this subsection shall include the collection of the following information for each individual who participates in the study:
“(A) The average number of months such individual served on active duty.
“(B) The disability ratings of such individual.
“(C) Any unemployment benefits received by such individual.
“(D) The average number of months such individual was employed during the year covered by the report.
“(E) The average annual starting and ending salaries of any such individual who was employed during the year covered by the report.
“(F) The average annual income of such individual.
“(G) The average total household income of such individual for the year covered by the report.
“(H) The percentage of such individuals who own their principal residences.
“(I) The employment status of such individual.
“(J) In the case of such an individual who received services under this chapter, whether the individual believes that any service provided by a disabled veterans’ outreach program specialist or local veterans’ employment representative helped the individual to become employed.
“(K) In the case of such an individual who believes such a service helped the individual to become employed, whether—
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“(i) the individual retained the position of employment for a period of one 1 year or longer; and
“(ii) the individual believes such a service helped the individual to secure a higher wage or salary.
“(L) The conditions under which such individual was discharged or released from the Armed Forces.
“(M) Whether such individual has used any educational assistance to which the individual is entitled under this title.
“(N) Whether such individual has participated in a rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title.
“(O) Whether such individual had contact with a One-Stop Career Center employee while attending a workshop or job fair under the Transition GPS Program of the Department of Defense.
“(P) Demographic information about such individual.
“(Q) Such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
“(b) Annual report
“(1) By not later than July 1 of each year covered by the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the outcomes of the study during the preceding year.
“(2) The Secretary shall include in each report submitted under paragraph (1) the following:
“(A) Information with respect to job fairs attended by One-Stop Career Center employees at which the employees had contact with a veteran, including, for the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted, the following:
“(i) The number of job fairs attended by One-Stop Career Center employees at which the employees had contact with a veteran.
“(ii) The number of veterans contacted at each such job fair.
“(B) Such information as the Secretary determines is necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of the individuals in the groups described in subsection (a)(2).”
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
Sec. 504 Required coordination between Directors for Veterans’ Employment and Training with State departments of labor and veterans affairs
In general— Section 4103 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(c) Coordination with State departments of labor and veterans affairs—Each Director for Veterans' Employment and Training for a State shall coordinate the Director's activities under this chapter with the State department of labor and the State department of veterans affairs.”
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Effective date— Subsection (c) of such section, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that is one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 602 Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans
Inclusion of recommended adult immunizations as medical services—
Covered benefit— Subparagraph (F) of section 1701(9) is amended to read as follows:
“(F) immunizations against infectious diseases, including each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule;”
Recommended adult immunization schedule defined— Section 1701 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(10) The term recommended adult immunization schedule means the schedule established (and periodically reviewed and, as appropriate, revised) by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and delegated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Inclusion of recommended adult immunizations in annual report— Section 1704(1)(A) is amended—
in clause (i), by striking “and” at the end;
in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:
“(iii) to provide veterans each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule.”
Report to Congress—
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In general— Not later than two 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the development and implementation by the Department of Veterans Affairs of quality measures and metrics, including targets for compliance, to ensure that veterans receiving medical services under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, receive each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule.
Recommended adult immunization schedule defined— In this subsection, the term recommended adult immunization schedule has the meaning given that term in section 1701(10) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2).
Rule of construction— Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed to require a veteran to receive an immunization that the veteran does not want to receive.
Sec. 618 Report on public access to research by Department of Veterans Affairs
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In general— Not later than each of 180 days and one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on increasing public access to scientific publications and digital data from research funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Elements— Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following:
An identification of the location or locations in which the public will be able to access the results of research funded by the Department, whether on an Internet website of the Department or through another source.
A description of the progress made by the Department in meeting public access requirements set forth in the notice entitled “Policy and Implementation Plan for Public Access to Scientific Publications and Digital Data from Research Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs” (80 Fed. Reg. 60751), including the following:
Compliance of Department investigators with requirements relating to ensuring that research funded by the Department is accessible by the public.
Ensuring data management plans of the Department include provisions for long-term preservation of the scientific data resulting from research funded by the Department.
An explanation of the factors used to evaluate the merit of data management plans of research funded by the Veterans Health Administration.
An explanation of the process of the Department in effect that enables stakeholders to petition a change to the embargo period for a specific field and the factors considered during such process.
Sec. 632 National Academy of Medicine assessment on research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure
In general—
Agreement— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Medicine under which the National Academy of Medicine conducts an assessment on scientific research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
Alternate organization—
In general— If the Secretary is unable within the period prescribed in paragraph (1) to enter into an agreement described in such paragraph with the National Academy of Medicine on terms acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another appropriate organization that—
is not part of the Federal Government;
operates as a not-for-profit entity; and
has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the National Academy of Medicine.
Treatment— If the Secretary enters into an agreement with another organization as described in subparagraph (A), any reference in this section to the National Academy of Medicine shall be treated as a reference to the other organization.
Elements— The assessment conducted pursuant to the agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A scientific review of the scientific literature regarding toxicological and epidemiological research on descendants of individuals with toxic exposure.
An assessment of areas requiring further scientific study relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure.
An assessment of the scope and methodology required to conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure, including—
the types of individuals to be studied, including veterans with toxic exposure and the descendants of those veterans;
the number of veterans and descendants described in subparagraph (A) to be studied;
the potential alternatives for participation in such a study, including whether it would be necessary for participants to travel in order to participate;
the approximate amount of time and resources needed to prepare and conduct the research; and
the appropriate Federal agencies to participate in the research, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The establishment of categories, including definitions for each such category, to be used in assessing the evidence that a particular health condition is related to toxic exposure, such as—
sufficient evidence of a causal relationship;
sufficient evidence of an association;
limited or suggestive evidence of an association;
inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine whether an association exists; and
limited or suggestive evidence of no association.
An analysis of—
the feasibility of conducting scientific research to address the areas that require further study as described under paragraph (2);
the value and relevance of the information that could result from such scientific research; and
for purposes of conducting further research, the feasibility and advisability of accessing additional information held by a Federal agency that may be sensitive.
An identification of a research entity or entities with—
expertise in conducting research on health conditions of descendants of individuals with toxic exposure; and
an ability to conduct research on those health conditions to address areas requiring further scientific study as described under paragraph (2).
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Report— The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Medicine to submit, not later than two 2 years after entering into such agreement, to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives—
the results of the assessment conducted pursuant to such agreement, including such recommendations as the National Academy of Medicine considers appropriate regarding the scope and methodology required to conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure; and
a determination regarding whether the results of such assessment indicate that it is feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure, including an explanation of the basis for the determination.
Certification—
In general— Not later than 90 days after receiving the results of the assessment and determination under subsection (c), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a certification of the understanding of the Secretary, based on such results and determination, regarding the feasibility of conducting further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure that is expressed by such results and determination.
Basis for certification— The certification submitted under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of the basis for the certification.
Sec. 633 Advisory board on research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the Armed Forces
Establishment— Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies under section 632(d) that the results of the assessment and determination under section 632(c) indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure, not later than 180 days after receiving such results and determination, the Secretary shall establish an advisory board (in this section referred to as the “Advisory Board”) to advise the Secretary in the selection of a research entity or entities under section 634, advise such entity or entities in conducting research under such section, and advise the Secretary with respect to the activities of such entity or entities under such section.
Membership—
Composition— The Secretary, in consultation with the National Academy of Medicine, the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and such other heads of Federal agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate—
shall select not more than 13 voting members of the Advisory Board, of whom—
not less than two shall be members of organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
not less than two shall be descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces; and
not less than seven shall be health professionals, scientists, or academics who are not employees of the Federal Government and have expertise in—
birth defects;
developmental disabilities;
epigenetics;
public health;
the science of environmental exposure or environmental exposure assessment;
the science of toxic substances; or
medical and research ethics; and
may select not more than two nonvoting members who are employees of the Federal Government and who are otherwise described in subparagraph (A)(iii).
Chair— The Secretary shall select a Chair from among the members of the Advisory Board selected under paragraph (1)(A).
Terms—
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In general— Each member of the Advisory Board shall serve a term of two 2 or three 3 years as determined by the Secretary.
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Reappointment— At the end of the term of a member of the Advisory Board, the Secretary may reselect the member for another term, except that no member may serve more than four 4 consecutive terms.
Duties— The Advisory Board shall—
advise the Secretary in the selection of a research entity or entities to conduct research under section 634 from among those identified under section 632(b)(6);
advise such entity or entities and assess the activities of such entity or entities in conducting such research;
develop a research strategy for such entity or entities based on, but not limited to, the results of the assessment conducted under section 632;
advise the Secretary with respect to the activities of such entity or entities under section 634;
submit recommendations to be included by such entity or entities in the report under section 634(d)(2)(C); and
not less frequently than semiannually, meet with the Secretary and representatives of such entity or entities on the research conducted by such entity or entities under section 634.
Meetings— The Advisory Board shall meet at the call of the Chair, but not less frequently than semiannually.
Compensation— The members of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation.
Expenses— The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall determine the appropriate expenses of the Advisory Board.
Personnel—
In general— The Chair may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint an executive director of the Advisory Board, who shall be a civilian employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Advisory Board to perform its duties.
Approval— The appointment of an executive director under paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the Advisory Board.
Compensation— The Chair may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
Sec. 634 Research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the Armed Forces
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In general— Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies under section 632(d) that the results of the assessment and determination under section 632(c) indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure, not later than one 1 year after receiving such results and determination, the Secretary shall (in consultation with the advisory board established under section 633 (in this section referred to as the “Advisory Board”)) enter into an agreement with one or more research entities identified under section 632(b)(6) (excluding an entity of the Department of Veterans Affairs) to conduct research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces (in this section referred to as the “research entity or entities”).
Research—
In general— To the extent included in the research strategy developed by the Advisory Board under section 633(c)(3), the research entity or entities shall conduct research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members of the Armed Forces.
Studies— In conducting research under paragraph (1), the research entity or entities may study any veteran, at the election of the veteran, identified under section 632(b)(3)(A) as a type of individual to be studied in order to conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure.
Categorization— In conducting research under paragraph (1), the research entity or entities shall assess, using the categories established under section 632(b)(4), the extent to which a health condition of a descendant of a veteran is related to the toxic exposure of the veteran while serving as a member of the Armed Forces.
Availability of records—
In general— The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the head of each Federal agency identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall make available to the research entity or entities records held by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces, that Federal agency, or any other source under the jurisdiction of any such Federal agency or the Armed Forces, as appropriate, that the research entity or entities determine are necessary to carry out this section.
Mechanism for access— The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the head of each Federal agency identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall jointly establish a mechanism for access by the research entity or entities to records made available under paragraph (1).
Annual report—
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In general— Not later than one 1 year after commencing the conduct of research under this section, and not later than September 30 each year thereafter, each research entity with which the Secretary has entered into an agreement under subsection (a) shall, in consultation with the Advisory Board, submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the functions of such entity under this section during the year preceding the submittal of the report.
Elements— Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
A summary of the research efforts that have been completed during the year preceding the submittal of the report and that are ongoing as of the date of the submittal of the report.
A description of any findings made during such year in carrying out such research efforts.
Recommendations for administrative or legislative action made by the Advisory Board based on such findings, which may include recommendations for further research under this section.
Upon request— Upon the request of any organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may transmit to such organization a copy of a report received by the Secretary under paragraph (1).
Sec. 712 Program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless
Program required—
In general— Subchapter II of chapter 20 is amended—
by redesignating section 2013 as section 2014; and
by inserting after section 2012 the following new section 2013:
“2013. Program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless
“(a) Program required—The Secretary shall carry out a program under which the Secretary shall provide case management services to improve the retention of housing by veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless.
“(b) Grants
“(1) The Secretary shall carry out the program through the award of grants.
“(2)
“(A) In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to organizations that demonstrate a capability to provide case management services as described in subsection (a), particularly organizations that are successfully providing or have successfully provided transitional housing services using amounts provided by the Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title.
“(B) In giving priority under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give extra priority to an organization described in such subparagraph that—
“(i) voluntarily stops receiving amounts provided by the Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title; and
“(ii) converts a facility that the organization used to provide transitional housing services into a facility that the organization uses to provide permanent housing that meets housing quality standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)).
“(C) In any case in which a facility, with respect to which a person received a grant for construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition under section 2011 of this title, is converted as described in subparagraph (B)(ii), such conversion shall be considered to have been carried out pursuant to the needs of the Department and such person shall not be considered in noncompliance with the terms of such grant by reason of such conversion.”
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section 2013 and inserting the following new items:
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Regulations— Not later than one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations to carry out section 2013 of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).
Report—
In general— Not later than June 1, 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the program required by section 2013 of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B).
Contents— The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include assessments of the following:
The percentage of veterans who received case management services under the program who were able to retain permanent housing by the end of the program, disaggregated by each recipient of a grant under such section.
The percentage of veterans who received case management services under the program who were not in permanent housing at the end of the program, disaggregated by housing status and reason for failing to retain permanent housing under the program.
The use by veterans, who received case management services under the program, of housing assistance furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a comparison of the use of such assistance by such veterans before and after receiving such services.
An assessment of the employment status of veterans who received case management services under the program, including a comparison of the employment status of such veterans before and after receiving such services.
Sec. 714 Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs to assess comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans
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In general— Not later than one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—
assess and measure the capacity of programs for which entities receive grants under section 2011 of title 38, United States Code, or per diem payments under section 2012 or 2061 of such title; and
assess such programs with respect to—
how well they achieve their stated goals at a national level;
placements in permanent housing;
placements in employment; and
increases in the regular income of participants in the programs.
Assessment at national and local levels— In assessing and measuring under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall develop and use tools to examine the capacity of programs described in such subsection at both the national and local level in order to assess the following:
Whether sufficient capacity exists to meet the needs of homeless veterans in each geographic area.
Whether existing capacity meets the needs of the subpopulations of homeless veterans located in each geographic area.
The amount of capacity that recipients of grants under sections 2011 and 2061 and per diem payments under section 2012 of such title have to provide services for which the recipients are eligible to receive per diem under section 2012(a)(2)(B)(ii) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 711(6).
Consideration of other resources— In assessing and measuring programs under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall consider the availability to such programs of resources made available to such programs and to homeless veterans, including resources provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and by entities other than the Department.
Use of information— The Secretary shall use the information collected under this section as follows:
To set specific goals to ensure that programs described in subsection (a) are effectively serving the needs of homeless veterans.
To assess whether programs described in subsection (a) are meeting goals set under paragraph (1).
To inform funding allocations for programs described in subsection (a).
To improve the referral of homeless veterans to programs described in subsection (a).
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date on which the assessment required by subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on such assessment and such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the Secretary may have to improve the programs and per diem payments described in subsection (a).
Sec. 715 Report on outreach relating to increasing the amount of housing available to veterans
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Not later than one 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report describing and assessing the outreach conducted by the Secretary to realtors, landlords, property management companies, and developers to educate them about the housing needs of veterans and the benefits of having veterans as tenants.