I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 535 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 8, 2011 Mr. Carson of Indiana (for himself, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Walz of Minnesota, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Cicilline, and Mr. Blumenauer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the matters covered by preseparation counseling provided to members of the Armed Forces and their spouses.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Military Families Financial Preparedness Act.

2.

Matters covered by preseparation counseling for members of the Armed Forces and their spouses

Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1)in paragraph (5), by striking job placement counseling for the spouse and inserting inclusion of the spouse when counseling regarding the matters covered by paragraphs (9), (10), and (16) is provided, job placement counseling for the spouse, and the provision of information on survivor benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (2)in paragraph (9), by inserting before the period the following: , including information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and taxes; (3)in paragraph (10), by striking and employment and inserting , employment, and financial; (4)by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the following new paragraph: (16)Information on home loan services and housing assistance benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and counseling on responsible borrowing practices. ; and (5)in paragraph (17), by inserting before the period the following: , and information regarding the means by which the member can receive additional counseling regarding the member’s actual entitlement to such benefits and apply for such benefits.