[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 801 Introduced in House (IH)]







107th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 801

     To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve programs of 
educational assistance, to expand programs of transition assistance and 
  outreach to departing servicemembers, veterans, and dependents, to 
    increase burial benefits, to provide for family coverage under 
     Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 28, 2001

Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. Evans, Mr. Hayworth, and Mr. 
    Reyes) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
                     Committee on Veterans' Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
     To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve programs of 
educational assistance, to expand programs of transition assistance and 
  outreach to departing servicemembers, veterans, and dependents, to 
    increase burial benefits, to provide for family coverage under 
     Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' 
Opportunities Act of 2001''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
               TITLE I--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS

Sec. 101. Increase in maximum allowable annual ROTC award for 
                            eligibility for benefits under the 
                            Montgomery GI Bill.
Sec. 102. Expansion of work-study opportunities.
Sec. 103. Inclusion of certain private technology entities in the 
                            definition of educational institution.
Sec. 104. Expansion of special restorative training benefit to certain 
                            disabled spouses or surviving spouses.
Sec. 105. Distance education.
Sec. 106. Technical amendments to the Montgomery GI Bill.
              TITLE II--TRANSITION AND OUTREACH PROVISIONS

Sec. 201. Increase in transition assistance.
Sec. 202. Timing of preseparation counseling.
Sec. 203. Improvement in education and training outreach services for 
                            separating servicemembers and veterans.
Sec. 204. Expansion of outreach efforts to eligible dependents.
Sec. 205. Improvement of veterans outreach programs.
      TITLE III--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS, INSURANCE, AND OTHER PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. Increase in burial benefits.
Sec. 302. Family coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
Sec. 303. Increase in amount of assistance for automobile and adaptive 
                            equipment for certain disabled veterans.
Sec. 304. Increase in assistance amount for specially adapted housing.
Sec. 305. Revision of rules with respect to net worth limitation for 
                            eligibility for pensions for veterans who 
                            are permanently and totally disabled from a 
                            non-service-connected disability.
Sec. 306. Technical amendments.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States 
Code.

               TITLE I--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS

SEC. 101. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE ANNUAL ROTC AWARD FOR 
              ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

    (a) In General.--Sections 3011(c)(3)(A) and 3012(d)(3)(B) are each 
amended by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting ``$3,400''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply 
with respect to educational assistance allowances paid under chapter 30 
of title 38, United States Code, for months beginning after such date.

SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF WORK-STUDY OPPORTUNITIES.

    (a) Assisting in Outreach Services.--The second sentence of section 
3485(a)(1) is amended in clause (A) by inserting before the comma the 
following: ``or outreach services to servicemembers and veterans 
furnished by employees of State approving agencies''.
    (b) Working in Major Academic Discipline.--Such second sentence is 
further amended--
            (1) by striking ``or (E)'' and inserting ``(E)''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period the following: ``or (F) 
        in the case of an individual who has declared a major academic 
        discipline, activities within the department of that academic 
        discipline approved by the Secretary that complement and 
        reinforce the program of education pursued by the individual''.
    (c) Working in State Veterans Home.--Such second sentence is 
amended in clause (C) by inserting after the comma ``including the 
provision of such care to veterans in a State home for which payment is 
made under section 1741 of this title,''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply with respect to agreements entered into under section 3485 of 
title 38, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 103. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN PRIVATE TECHNOLOGY ENTITIES IN THE 
              DEFINITION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

    (a) In General.--Section 3452(c) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new sentence: ``Such term also includes any private 
entity (that meets such requirements as the Secretary may establish) 
that offers, either directly or under an agreement with another entity 
(that meets such requirements), a course or courses to fulfill 
requirements for the attainment of a license or certificate generally 
recognized as necessary to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment 
in a profession or vocation in a technological occupation (as 
determined by the Secretary).
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to enrollments in courses occurring on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 104. EXPANSION OF SPECIAL RESTORATIVE TRAINING BENEFIT TO CERTAIN 
              DISABLED SPOUSES OR SURVIVING SPOUSES.

    (a) In General.--Section 3540 is amended by striking ``section 
3501(a)(1)(A) of this title'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A), (B), 
and (D) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title)''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 3541(a) is amended in the 
matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``of the parent or 
guardian''.
    (2) Section 3542(a) is amended--
            (A) by striking ``the parent or guardian shall be entitled 
        to receive on behalf of such person'' and inserting ``the 
        eligible person shall be entitled''; and
            (B) by striking ``upon election by the parent or guardian 
        of the eligible person'' and inserting ``upon election by the 
        eligible person''.
    (3) Section 3543(a) is amended by striking ``the parent or guardian 
for the training provided to an eligible person'' and inserting ``for 
the training provided the eligible person''.
    (4) Section 3543 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(c) In the case of an eligible person that the Secretary 
determines requires a parent or guardian to make a request under 
section 3541(a) of this title on behalf of the eligible person, the 
parent or guardian shall be entitled--
            ``(1) to receive on behalf of the eligible person the 
        special training allowance provided for under section 3542(a) 
        of this title;
            ``(2) to elect an increase in the basic monthly allowance 
        provided for under such section; and
            ``(3) to agree with the Secretary on the fair and 
        reasonable amounts which may be charged under subsection 
        (a).''.

SEC. 105. DISTANCE EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (a)(4) of section 3680A is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``leading''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period the following: ``or (B) 
        leading to a certificate which reflects educational attainment 
        offered by an institution of higher learning''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to enrollments in independent study courses beginning on or after 
the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 106. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL.

    (a) Clarification of Eligibility Requirement for MGIB Benefits.--
            (1) In general.--Clause (i) of section 3011(a)(1)(A) is 
        amended to read as follows:
                            ``(i) who (I) in the case of an individual 
                        whose obligated period of active duty is three 
                        years or more, serves at least three years of 
                        continuous active duty in the Armed Forces, or 
                        (II) in the case of an individual whose 
                        obligated period of active duty is less than 
                        three years, serves at least two years of 
                        continuous active duty in the Armed Forces; 
                        or''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
        shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the 
        Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 
        (Public Law 106-419).
    (b) Entitlement Charge for Off-Duty Training and Education.--
            (1) In general.--Section 3014(b)(2) is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(without 
                regard to'' and all that follows through 
                ``subsection''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
    ``(C) The number of months of entitlement charged under this 
chapter in the case of an individual who has been paid a basic 
educational assistance allowance under this subsection shall be equal 
to the number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total 
amount of such educational assistance allowance paid the individual by 
the full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance 
which such individual would otherwise be paid under subsection (a)(1), 
(b)(1), (c)(1), or (e)(1) of section 3015 of this title, as the case 
may be.''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--(A) Section 3015 is amended--
                    (i) in subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1), by inserting 
                ``subsection (g)'' after ``from time to time under'';
                    (ii) by striking subsection (g), as inserted by 
                section 1602(b)(3)(C) of the Floyd D. Spence National 
                Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public 
                Law 106-398); and
                    (iii) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection 
                (g).
            (B) Section 3032(b) is amended by inserting before the 
        period at the end the following: ``, or (3) the amount of the 
        charges of the educational institution elected by the 
        individual under section 3014(b)(1) of this title''.
    (c) Incremental MGIB Increases for Contributing Active Duty 
Members.--
            (1) In general.--Section 3011(e), as added by section 
        105(a)(1) of the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement 
        Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-419; 114 Stat. 1828), is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, but not more 
                frequently than monthly'' before the period;
                    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$4'' and 
                inserting ``$20''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) by striking ``Secretary. The'' and 
                        inserting ``Secretary of the military 
                        department concerned. That''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``by the Secretary''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--(A) Section 3012(f), as added 
        by section 105(a)(2) of such Act, is amended--
                    (i) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, but not more 
                frequently than monthly'' before the period;
                    (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$4'' and 
                inserting ``$20''; and
                    (iii) in paragraph (4)--
                            (I) by striking ``Secretary. The'' and 
                        inserting ``Secretary of the military 
                        department concerned. That''; and
                            (II) by striking ``by the Secretary''.
            (B) Section 3015(g), as added by section 105(b)(3) of such 
        Act, is amended--
                    (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                inserting ``effective as of the first day of the 
                enrollment period following receipt of such 
                contribution by the Secretary concerned,'' after ``by 
                section 3011(e) or 3012(f) of this title,''; and
                    (ii) in paragraph (1)--
                            (I) by striking ``$1'' and inserting 
                        ``$5'';
                            (II) by striking ``$4'' and inserting 
                        ``$20''; and
                            (III) by inserting ``of this title'' after 
                        ``section 3011(e) or 3012(f)''.
            (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection 
        shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 
        105 of the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 
        2000 (Public Law 106-419; 114 Stat. 1828).
    (d) Conforming Amendment for Death Benefit.--
            (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 3017(b) is 
        amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) the sum of (A) the total amount reduced from the 
        individual's basic pay under section 3011(b), 3012(c), or 
        3018(c) of this title, and (B) the total amount of any 
        contributions made by the individual under section 3011(e) or 
        3012(f) of this title, less''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
        shall take effect on May 1, 2001.
    (e) Clarification of Time Period for Election of Beginning of 
Chapter 35 Eligibility for Dependents.--
            (1) In general.--(A) Section 3512(a)(3)(B), as amended by 
        section 112 of the Veterans Benefits and Health Care 
        Improvement Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-419), is amended to 
        read as follows:
                    ``(B) the eligible person elects that beginning 
                date by not later than the end of the 60-day period 
                beginning on the date on which the Secretary provides 
                written notice to that person of that person's 
                opportunity to make such election, such notice 
                including a statement of the deadline for the election 
                imposed under this subparagraph; and''.
            (B) Section 3512(a)(3)(C), as so amended, is amended by 
        striking ``between the dates described in'' and inserting ``the 
        date determined pursuant to''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
        shall take effect as if enacted on November 1, 2000.

              TITLE II--TRANSITION AND OUTREACH PROVISIONS

SEC. 201. INCREASE IN TRANSITION ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Outreach Services.--Section 7722(d) is amended by inserting at 
the end the following new sentence: ``The Secretary shall provide such 
aid and assistance to members of the Armed Forces as part of their 
transition assistance programs under section 1144 of title 10.''.
    (b) Overseas Veterans Assistance Offices.--Section 7723(a) is 
amended by inserting after the first sentence the following new 
sentence: ``The Secretary shall also maintain such offices on such 
Armed Forces installations located elsewhere as the Secretary, after 
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, determines to be necessary 
to carry out such purposes.''.
    (c) Outstationing of Counseling and Outreach Personnel.--Section 
7724 is amended by inserting ``and military installations'' after 
``including educational institutions''.

SEC. 202. TIMING OF PRESEPARATION COUNSELING.

    (a) In General.--(1) The first sentence of section 1142(a)(1) of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Within 
the time periods specified in paragraph (3), the Secretary concerned 
shall (except as provided in paragraph (4)) provide for individual 
preseparation counseling of each member of the armed forces whose 
discharge or release from active duty is anticipated.''.
    (2) Such section is further amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraphs:
    ``(3)(A) Preseparation counseling shall commence as soon as 
possible during the 18-month period preceding an anticipated retirement 
and as soon as possible during the 9-month period preceding other 
separations, but, except as provided in subparagraph (B), in no event 
later than 90 days before the date of discharge or release.
    ``(B) In the event that a retirement or other separation is 
unanticipated until there are 90 or fewer days remaining in the 
member's service, preseparation counseling shall begin as soon as 
possible within the remaining period of service.
    ``(4) Except in the case of a member who is being retired or 
separated for disability, a member who is being discharged or released 
before the completion of that member's first 180 days of active duty 
may elect not to receive preseparation counseling. A notation of an 
election by the member not to receive preseparation counseling shall be 
placed in the service record of that member.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The second sentence of section 1144 of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``during the 180-
day period'' and all that follows and inserting ``within the time 
periods provided under paragraph (3) of section 1142(a) of this title, 
except that a member may elect, in the manner provided under paragraph 
(4) of such section, not to receive preseparation counseling under this 
section.''.

SEC. 203. IMPROVEMENT IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING OUTREACH SERVICES FOR 
              SEPARATING SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS.

    (a) Providing Outreach Through State Approving Agencies.--Section 
3672(d) is amended by inserting ``and State approving agencies'' before 
``shall actively promote the development of programs of training on the 
job''.
    (b) Additional Duty.--Such section is further amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(d)''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In conjunction with outreach services furnished by the 
Secretary for education and training benefits under chapter 77 of this 
title, each State approving agency shall conduct outreach programs and 
provide outreach services to eligible persons and veterans about 
education and training benefits available under applicable Federal and 
State law.''.

SEC. 204. EXPANSION OF OUTREACH EFFORTS TO ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS.

    (a) Availability of Outreach Services for Children, Spouses, 
Surviving Spouses, and Dependent Parents.--Paragraph (2) of section 
7721(b) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(2) the term `eligible dependent' means a spouse, 
        surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent of a person who 
        served in the active military, naval, or air service.''.
    (b) Improved Outreach Program.--(1) Subchapter II of chapter 77 is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7727. Outreach for eligible dependents
    ``(a) In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall ensure 
that the needs of eligible dependents are fully addressed.
    ``(b) The Secretary shall ensure that the availability of outreach 
services and assistance for eligible dependents under this subchapter 
is made known through a variety of means, including the Internet, 
announcements in veterans publications, and announcements to the 
media.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7726 the 
following new item:

``7727. Outreach for eligible dependents.''.

SEC. 205. IMPROVEMENT OF VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAMS.

    Section 7722(c) is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Whenever a veteran or dependent first applies for any benefit 
under laws administered by the Secretary (including a request for 
burial or related benefits, or an application for life insurance 
proceeds), the Secretary shall provide to the veteran or dependent 
information concerning benefits and health care services under programs 
administered by the Secretary.''.

      TITLE III--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS, INSURANCE, AND OTHER PROVISIONS

SEC. 301. INCREASE IN BURIAL BENEFITS.

    (a) Burial and Funeral Expenses.--(1) Section 2307 is amended by 
striking ``$1,500'' and inserting ``$2,000 (as increased from time to 
time under section 5312 of this title)''.
    (2) Section 2302(a) is amended by striking ``$300'' and inserting 
``$500 (as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this 
title)''.
    (3) Section 2303(a)(1)(A) is amended by striking ``$300'' and 
inserting ``$500 (as increased from time to time under section 5312 of 
this title)''.
    (b) Plot Allowance.--Section 2303(b) is amended by striking ``150'' 
each place it appears and inserting ``$300 (as increased from time to 
time under section 5312 of this title)''.
    (c) Indexing Payment Amounts.--Section 5312(a) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and each rate of monthly allowance'' and 
        inserting ``each rate of monthly allowance''; and
            (2) by inserting ``and each rate of allowance paid under 
        sections 2302, 2303, and 2307 of this title,'' after ``under 
        section 1805 of this title,''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to deaths occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this 
Act.

SEC. 302. FAMILY COVERAGE UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.

    (a) Insurable Dependents.--(1) Section 1965 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(10) The term `insurable dependent', with respect to a 
        member, means the following:
                    ``(A) The member's spouse.
                    ``(B) The member's child, as defined in the first 
                sentence of section 101(4)(A) of this title.''.
    (2) Section 101(4)(A) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) 
by inserting ``(other than with respect to a child who is an insurable 
dependent under section 1965(10)(B) of such chapter)'' after ``except 
for purposes of chapter 19 of this title''.
    (b) Insurance Coverage.--(1) Subsection (a) of section 1967 is 
amended to read as follows:
    ``(a)(1) Subject to an election under paragraph (2), any policy of 
insurance purchased by the Secretary under section 1966 of this title 
shall automatically insure the following persons against death:
            ``(A) In the case of any member of a uniformed service on 
        active duty (other than active duty for training)--
                    ``(i) the member; and
                    ``(ii) each insurable dependent of the member.
            ``(B) Any member of a uniformed service on active duty for 
        training or inactive duty training scheduled in advance by 
        competent authority.
            ``(C) Any member of the Ready Reserve of a uniformed 
        service who meets the qualifications set forth in section 
        1965(5)(B) of this title.
    ``(2)(A) A member may elect in writing not to be insured under this 
subchapter.
    ``(B) A member referred to in subparagraph (A) may also elect in 
writing not to insure a dependent spouse under this subchapter.
    ``(3)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the amount for which 
a person is insured under this subchapter is as follows:
            ``(i) In the case of a member, $250,000.
            ``(ii) In the case of a member's spouse, $100,000.
            ``(iii) In the case of a member's child, $10,000.
    ``(B) A member may elect in writing to be insured or to insure the 
member's spouse in an amount less than the amount provided for under 
subparagraph (A). The member may not elect to insure the member's child 
in an amount less than $10,000. The amount of insurance so elected 
shall, in the case of a member or spouse, be evenly divisible by 
$10,000.
    ``(C) In no case may the amount of insurance coverage under this 
subsection of a member's spouse exceed the amount of insurance coverage 
of the member.
    ``(4) No dependent of a member is insured under this chapter unless 
the member is insured under this subchapter.
    ``(5) The insurance shall be effective with respect to a member and 
the member's dependents on the latest of the following dates:
            ``(A) The first day of active duty or active duty for 
        training.
            ``(B) The beginning of a period of inactive duty training 
        scheduled in advance by competent authority.
            ``(C) The first day a member of the Ready Reserve meets the 
        qualifications set forth in section 1965(5)(B) of this title.
            ``(D) The date certified by the Secretary to the Secretary 
        concerned as the date Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 
        under this subchapter for the class or group concerned takes 
        effect.
            ``(E) In the case of an insurable dependent who is a 
        spouse, the date of marriage of the spouse to the member.
            ``(F) In the case of an insurable dependent who is a child, 
        the date of birth of such child.''.
    (2) Subsection (c) of such section is amended by striking the first 
sentence and inserting the following: ``If a person eligible for 
insurance under this subchapter is not so insured, or is insured for 
less than the maximum amount provided for the person under subparagraph 
(A) of subsection (a)(3), by reason of an election made by a member 
under subparagraph (B) of that subsection, the person may thereafter be 
insured under this subchapter in the maximum amount or any lesser 
amount elected as provided in such subparagraph (B) upon written 
application by the member, proof of good health of each person (other 
than a child) to be so insured, and compliance with such other terms 
and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary.''.
    (c) Termination of Coverage.--(1) Subsection (a) of section 1968 is 
amended--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
        ``and any insurance thereunder on any insurable dependent of 
        such a member,'' after ``any insurance thereunder on any member 
        of the uniformed services,'';
            (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
            (C) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(5) with respect to an insurable dependent of the 
        member--
                    ``(A) upon election made in writing by the member 
                to terminate the coverage; or
                    ``(B) on the earliest of--
                            ``(i) the date that is 120 days after the 
                        date of the member's death;
                            ``(ii) the date of termination of the 
                        insurance on the member's life under this 
                        subchapter;
                            ``(iii) the date of the dependent's death; 
                        or
                            ``(iv) the date that is 120 days after the 
                        termination of the dependent's status as an 
                        insurable dependent of the member.''.
    (2) Subsection (b)(1)(A) of such section is amended by inserting 
``(to insure against death of the member only)'' after ``converted to 
Veterans' Group Life Insurance''.
    (d) Premiums.--Section 1969 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsections:
    ``(g)(1) During any period in which a spouse of a member is insured 
under this subchapter, there shall be deducted each month from the 
member's basic or other pay until separation or release from active 
duty an amount determined by the Secretary as the premium allocable to 
the pay period for providing that insurance coverage. No premium may be 
charged for providing insurance coverage for a child.
    ``(2)(A) The Secretary shall determine the premium amounts to be 
charged for life insurance coverage for spouses of members under this 
subchapter.
    ``(B) The premium amounts shall be determined on the basis of sound 
actuarial principles and shall include an amount necessary to cover the 
administrative costs to the insurer or insurers providing such 
insurance.
    ``(C) Each premium rate for the first policy year shall be 
continued for subsequent policy years, except that the rate may be 
adjusted for any such subsequent policy year  on the basis of the 
experience under the policy, as determined by the Secretary in advance 
of that policy year.
    ``(h) Any overpayment of a premium for insurance coverage for an 
insurable dependent of a member that is terminated under section 
1968(a)(5) of this title shall be refunded to the member.''.
    (e) Payments of Insurance Proceeds.--Section 1970 is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(h) Any amount of insurance in force on an insurable dependent of 
a member under this subchapter on the date of the dependent's death 
shall be paid, upon the establishment of a valid claim therefor, to the 
member or, in the event of the member's death before payment to the 
member can be made, then to the person or persons entitled to receive 
payment of the proceeds of insurance on the member's life under this 
subchapter.''.
    (f) Conversion of SGLI to Private Life Insurance.--Section 1968(b) 
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(3)(A) In the case of a policy purchased under this subchapter 
for an insurable dependent who is a spouse, upon election of the 
spouse, the policy may be converted to an individual policy of 
insurance as described in section 1977(e) of this title upon written 
application for conversion made to the participating company selected 
by the spouse and payment of the required premiums. Conversion of such 
policy to Veterans' Group Life Insurance is prohibited.
    ``(B) In the case of a policy purchased under this subchapter for 
an insurable dependent who is a child, such policy may not be converted 
under this subsection.''.
    (g) Effective Date and Initial Implementation.--(1) The amendments 
made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first 
month that begins more than 120 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.
    (2) The Secretaries of the military departments, the Secretary of 
Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, shall take such action as is necessary to ensure that each 
member of the uniformed services on active duty (other than active duty 
for training) during the period between the date of the enactment of 
this Act and the effective date determined under paragraph (1) is 
furnished an explanation of the insurance benefits available for 
dependents under the amendments made by this section and is afforded an 
opportunity before such effective date to make elections that are 
authorized under those amendments to be made with respect to 
dependents.

SEC. 303. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR AUTOMOBILE AND ADAPTIVE 
              EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS.

    (a) Increase.--Section 3902(a) is amended by striking ``$8,000'' 
and inserting ``$9,000''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to assistance furnished on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 304. INCREASE IN ASSISTANCE AMOUNT FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING.

    (a) In General.--Section 2102 is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) of subsection 
        (a), by striking ``$43,000'' and inserting ``$48,000''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$8,250'' and 
        inserting ``$9,250''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to assistance furnished on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 305. REVISION OF RULES WITH RESPECT TO NET WORTH LIMITATION FOR 
              ELIGIBILITY FOR PENSIONS FOR VETERANS WHO ARE PERMANENTLY 
              AND TOTALLY DISABLED FROM A NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED 
              DISABILITY.

    (a) In General.--Section 1522(a) is amended by adding at the end 
the following: ``In determining the corpus of the estates of the 
veteran and the veteran's spouse, if any, the value of the real 
property of the veteran and the veteran's spouse and children shall be 
excluded if such property is used for farming, ranching, or similar 
agricultural purposes.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to payment of pensions for months beginning on or after the date 
of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 306. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

    (a) In General.--(1) Section 107 is amended by redesignating 
subsection (c), as added by section 332(a)(2) of the Veterans Benefits 
and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-419), as 
subsection (d).
    (2) Subsection (d) of that section, as so redesignated, is amended 
in paragraph (1) by striking ``In'' and inserting ``With respect to 
benefits under chapter 23 of this title, in''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The second sentence of subsection (a) of 
that section is amended by inserting ``or (d)'' after ``subsection 
(c)''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect as if enacted on November 1, 2000.
                                 <all>