I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4140 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 5, 2012 Mr. Murphy of Connecticut introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Restore the Promise GI Bill.

2.

Elimination of time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill

(a)

In general

Section 3031 of chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

3031.

Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete

(a)

Educational institutions operating on quarter or semester system

If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual’s entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013, expire during a quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end of such quarter or semester. (b)

Other educational institutions

If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an educational institution not regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual’s entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013, expire after a major portion of the course is completed, such period shall be extended to the end of the course or for 12 weeks, whichever is the lesser period of extension.

. (b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section 3031 and inserting the following new item: 3031. Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete. . (c)

Technical amendments

Such title is further amended— (1)in section 3018C(e)(3)(B)— (A)by striking (i) The Secretary and inserting The Secretary; and (B)by striking clause (ii); (2)in section 3020— (A)in subsection (f)(1), by striking Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of this title, an and inserting An; and (B)in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (5) and redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and (3)in section 3321(b), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. (d)

Applicability

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any person who has been entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, at any time. (e)

Outreach requirement

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out appropriate outreach activities designed to inform veterans who may be able to use their entitlement to educational assistance under such chapter by reason of the amendment made by subsection (a) of the elimination of the time limitation for the use of such entitlement.