[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3218 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.R.3218

                     One Hundred Fifteenth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
          the third day of January, two thousand and seventeen


                                 An Act


 
 To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in 
  the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 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 ``Harry W. Colmery 
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017''.
    (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--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Sec. 101. Consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care 
          from Secretary of Defense as active duty for purposes of 
          eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.
Sec. 102. Educational assistance under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance 
          Program for members of the Armed Forces awarded the Purple 
          Heart.
Sec. 103. Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart 
          recipients in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement 
          Program.
Sec. 104. Inclusion of certain members of the Armed Forces serving on 
          active duty in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement 
          Program.
Sec. 105. Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11 
          Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans 
          Affairs.
Sec. 106. Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance for certain 
          members of reserve components of Armed Forces who lost 
          entitlement to educational assistance under Reserve 
          Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 107. Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post-9/11 
          Educational Assistance Program based on location of campus 
          where classes are attended.
Sec. 108. Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification 
          tests and national tests under Department of Veterans Affairs 
          Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 109. Restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other 
          relief for veterans affected by school closure or disapproval.
Sec. 110. Additional authorized transfer of unused Post-9/11 Educational 
          Assistance benefits to dependents upon death of originally 
          designated dependent.
Sec. 111. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.
Sec. 112. Honoring the national service of members of the Armed Forces 
          by elimination of time limitation for use of entitlement.
Sec. 113. Monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components 
          of the Armed Forces receiving Post-9/11 Educational 
          Assistance.
Sec. 114. Annual reports to Congress on information on student progress 
          submitted by educational institutions.
Sec. 115. Improvement of information technology of the veterans benefits 
          administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 116. Department of Veterans Affairs high technology pilot program.

             TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Sec. 201. Work-study allowance.
Sec. 202. Duration of educational assistance under Survivors' and 
          Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.
Sec. 203. Olin E. Teague increase in amounts of educational assistance 
          payable under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational 
          Assistance Program.

      TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Sec. 301. State approving agency funding.
Sec. 302. Authorization for use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to 
          pursue independent study programs at certain educational 
          institutions that are not institutions of higher learning.
Sec. 303. Provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans 
          in certain courses of education.
Sec. 304. Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational 
          institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship.
Sec. 305. Training for school certifying officials.
Sec. 306. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 307. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of on-campus 
          educational and vocational counseling for veterans.
Sec. 308. Provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to 
          educational assistance.
Sec. 309. Treatment, for purposes of educational assistance administered 
          by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of educational courses 
          that begin seven or fewer days after the first day of an 
          academic term.
Sec. 310. Inclusion of risk-based reviews in State approving agency 
          oversight activities.
Sec. 311. Comptroller General study of State approving agency 
          performance.

                  TITLE IV--RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS

Sec. 401. Eligibility of reserve component members for Post-9/11 
          Educational Assistance.
Sec. 402. Time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans 
          with service-connected disabilities.

                         TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 501. Repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for 
          housing to benefits under laws administered by Secretary of 
          Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 502. Reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability 
          compensation for veterans who allege full-body exposure to 
          nitrogen mustard gas, sulfur mustard gas, or Lewisite during 
          World War II.
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--POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

    SEC. 101. CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN TIME SPENT RECEIVING MEDICAL 
      CARE FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS ACTIVE DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF 
      ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
    (a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by inserting 
``12301(h),'' after ``12301(g),''.
    (b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces occurring on or 
after September 11, 2001.
    (c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An individual 
who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment 
made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement to pursue a course of 
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 102. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AWARDED THE 
      PURPLE HEART.
    (a) Eligibility.--Section 3311(b) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new paragraph:
        ``(10) An individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for 
    service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 
    2001, and continues to serve on active duty in the Armed Forces or 
    is discharged or released from active duty as described in 
    subsection (c).''.
    (b) Amount of Assistance.--Section 3313(c)(1) is amended by 
striking ``or (9)'' and inserting ``(9), or (10)''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 103. INCLUSION OF FRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND PURPLE HEART 
      RECIPIENTS IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the second 
sentence, by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting 
``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 104. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES SERVING 
      ON ACTIVE DUTY IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT 
      PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Section 3317(a) is amended, in the first sentence, 
by striking ``section 3313(c)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection 
(c)(1)(A) or (e)(2)(A) of section 3313 of this title''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2022.
    SEC. 105. CONSOLIDATION OF CERTAIN ELIGIBILITY TIERS UNDER POST-9/
      11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
      AFFAIRS.
    (a) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b), as amended by section 102, is 
further amended--
        (1) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ``12 months'' and 
    inserting ``6 months'';
        (2) by striking paragraph (7); and
        (3) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as 
    paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively.
    (b) Amount of Educational Assistance.--Section 3313(c) is amended 
by striking paragraph (7).
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 33 is further amended as 
follows:
        (1) In section 3311(f), by striking ``paragraph (9)'' each 
    place it appears and inserting ``paragraph (8)''.
        (2) In section 3313, as amended by section 102--
            (A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``(9), or (10)'' and 
        inserting ``(8), or (9)'';
            (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``paragraphs (2) through 
        (7)'' each place it appears and inserting ``paragraphs (2) 
        through (6)'';
            (C) in subsection (e)(2)(C)--
                (i) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and 
            inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                (ii) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and 
            inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
            (D) in subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ``paragraphs 
        (2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
            (E) in subsection (g)(3)--
                (i) in subparagraph (A)(iv)--

                    (I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and 
                inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                    (II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and 
                inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';

                (ii) in subparagraph (B)(iii)--

                    (I) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' and 
                inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                    (II) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and 
                inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';

                (iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--

                    (I) in subclause (I), by striking ``(9)'' and 
                inserting ``(8)''; and
                    (II) in subclause (II)--

                        (aa) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' 
                    and inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                        (bb) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' 
                    and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
                (iv) in subparagraph (D)(ii)--

                    (I) in subclause (I), by striking ``(9)'' and 
                inserting ``(8)''; and
                    (II) in subclause (II)--

                        (aa) by striking ``paragraphs (3) through (8)'' 
                    and inserting ``paragraphs (3) through (7)''; and
                        (bb) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' 
                    and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
            (F) in subsection (h), by striking ``paragraphs (2) through 
        (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)'';
        (3) In section 3316--
            (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2) 
        through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and
            (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2) 
        through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''.
        (4) In section 3317(a), in the second sentence, as amended by 
    section 103, by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)'' and 
    inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), (8), and (9)''.
        (5) In section 3321(b)(4), as amended by section 112, by 
    striking ``section 3311(b)(9)'' and inserting ``section 
    3311(b)(8)''.
        (6) In section 3322--
            (A) in subsection (e), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and 
        inserting ``3311(b)(8)'';
            (B) in subsection (f), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and 
        inserting ``3311(b)(8)''; and
            (C) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and 
        inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
        (7) In section 3679(c)(2)(B), by striking ``3311(b)(9)'' and 
    inserting ``3311(b)(8)''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on August 1, 2020.
    SEC. 106. ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR 
      CERTAIN MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF ARMED FORCES WHO LOST 
      ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER RESERVE EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
    (a) Election.--Section 16167 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.--A member 
who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter pursuant to 
subsection (b) shall be allowed to elect (in such form and manner as 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe) to have such service 
previously credited toward this chapter credited towards establishing 
eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, 
notwithstanding the provisions of section 16163(e) of this title or 
section 3322(h)(1) of title 38.''.
    (b) Qualification of Service.--Section 3301(1) of title 38, United 
States Code, shall be construed to include, in the case of a member of 
a reserve component of the Armed Forces who, before November 25, 2015, 
established eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 1607 
of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to section 16163(a)(1) of 
such title, but lost eligibility for such educational assistance 
pursuant to section 16167(b) of such title, service on active duty (as 
defined in section 101 of such title) that satisfies the requirements 
of section 16163(a)(1) of such title.
    (c) Entitlement.--Section 3311(b)(6) of title 38, United States 
Code, shall be construed to include an individual who, before November 
25, 2015, established eligibility for educational assistance under 
chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to section 
16163(b) of such title, but lost such eligibility pursuant to section 
16167(b) of such title.
    (d) Duration.--Notwithstanding section 3312 of title 38, United 
States Code, an individual who establishes eligibility for educational 
assistance under chapter 33 of such title by crediting towards such 
chapter service previously credited towards chapter 1607 of title 10, 
United States Code, is only entitled to a number of months of 
educational assistance under section 3313 of title 38, United States 
Code, equal to the number of months of entitlement remaining under 
chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, at the time of conversion 
to chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code.
    SEC. 107. CALCULATION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND UNDER POST-9/11 
      EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED ON LOCATION OF CAMPUS WHERE 
      CLASSES ARE ATTENDED.
    (a) In General.--Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) is amended by striking 
``the institution of higher learning at which the individual is 
enrolled'' and inserting ``the campus of the institution of higher 
learning where the individual physically participates in a majority of 
classes''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program of education on 
or after August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 108. CHARGE TO ENTITLEMENT FOR CERTAIN LICENSURE AND 
      CERTIFICATION TESTS AND NATIONAL TESTS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF 
      VETERANS AFFAIRS POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
    (a) Licensure and Certification Tests.--Subsection (c) of section 
3315 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one month 
    (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting ``shall be 
    pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the 
    test relative to the rate for 1 month''; and
        (2) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and 
    inserting ``payable''.
    (b) National Tests.--Section 3315A is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new 
    paragraph:
        ``(3) A national test that evaluates prior learning and 
    knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at an 
    institution of higher learning as so described.''; and
        (2) in subsection (c)--
            (A) by striking ``shall be determined at the rate of one 
        month (rounded to the nearest whole month)'' and inserting 
        ``shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee 
        charged for the test relative to the rate for 1 month''; and
            (B) by striking ``for each amount paid that equals'' and 
        inserting ``payable''.
    (c) Tests Included.--Section 3452(b) is amended in the last 
sentence--
        (1) by striking ``and national tests providing'' and inserting 
    ``, national tests providing''; and
        (2) by inserting before the period at the end the following: 
    ``, and national tests that evaluate prior learning and knowledge 
    and provides an opportunity for course credit at an institution of 
    higher learning''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply to 
a test taken on or after August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 109. RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND 
      OTHER RELIEF FOR VETERANS AFFECTED BY SCHOOL CLOSURE OR 
      DISAPPROVAL.
    (a) School Closure or Disapproval.--
        (1) Restoration of entitlement.--Chapter 36 is amended by 
    adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational 
    institution
    ``(a) Closure or Disapproval.--Any payment of educational 
assistance described in subsection (b) shall not--
        ``(1) be charged against any entitlement to educational 
    assistance of the individual concerned; or
        ``(2) be counted against the aggregate period for which section 
    3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational assistance by 
    such individual.
    ``(b) Educational Assistance Described.--Subject to subsection (c), 
the payment of educational assistance described in this paragraph is 
the payment of such assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course 
or program of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 
32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, if 
the Secretary determines that the individual--
        ``(1) was unable to complete such course or program as a result 
    of--
            ``(A) the closure of the educational institution; or
            ``(B) the disapproval of the course or a course that is a 
        necessary part of that program under this chapter by reason 
        of--
                ``(i) a provision of law enacted after the date on 
            which the individual enrolls at such institution affecting 
            the approval or disapproval of courses under this chapter; 
            or
                ``(ii) after the date on which the individual enrolls 
            at such institution, the Secretary prescribing or modifying 
            regulations or policies of the Department affecting such 
            approval or disapproval; and
        ``(2) did not receive credit or lost training time, toward 
    completion of the program of education being so pursued.
    ``(c) Period Not Charged.--The period for which, by reason of this 
subsection, educational assistance is not charged against entitlement 
or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of 
this title shall not exceed the aggregate of--
        ``(1) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course 
    from which the individual did not receive credit or with respect to 
    which the individual lost training time, as determined under 
    subsection (b)(2); and
        ``(2) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended under 
    section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title.
    ``(d) Continuing Pursuit of Disapproved Courses.--(1) The Secretary 
may treat a course of education that is disapproved under this chapter 
as being approved under this chapter with respect to an individual 
described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary determines, on a case-by-
case basis, that--
        ``(A) such disapproval is the result of an action described in 
    clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (b)(1)(B); and
        ``(B) continuing pursuing such course is in the best interest 
    of the individual.
    ``(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual 
who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution 
under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 
of title 10, as of the date on which the course is disapproved under 
this chapter.
    ``(e) Notice of Closures.--Not later than 5 business days after the 
date on which the Secretary receives notice that an educational 
institution will close or is closed, the Secretary shall provide to 
each individual who is enrolled in a course or program or education at 
such educational institution using entitlement to educational 
assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 
1606 or 1607 of title 10, notice of--
        ``(1) such closure and the date of such closure; and
        ``(2) the effect of such closure on the individual's 
    entitlement to educational assistance pursuant to this section.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
    section 3698 the following new item:

``3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational institution.''.

    (b) Monthly Housing Stipend.--
        (1) In general.--Subsection (a) section 3680 is amended--
            (A) by striking the matter after paragraph (3)(B);
            (B) in paragraph (3), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) 
        and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
            (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
        subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively;
            (D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as 
        redesignated, in the first sentence, by striking ``Payment of'' 
        and inserting ``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        payment of''; and
            (E) by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
    ``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may, pursuant to 
such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, continue to pay 
allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in 
courses set forth in paragraph (1)(A)--
        ``(A) during periods when educational institutions are 
    temporarily closed under an established policy based on an 
    Executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation, 
    except that the total number of weeks for which allowances may 
    continue to be so payable in any 12-month period may not exceed 4 
    weeks; or
        ``(B) solely for the purpose of awarding a monthly housing 
    stipend described in section 3313 of this title, during periods 
    following a permanent closure of an educational institution, or 
    following the disapproval of a course of study described in section 
    3699(b)(1)(B) of this title, except that payment of such a stipend 
    may only be continued until the earlier of--
            ``(i) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester 
        during which the closure or disapproval occurred; and
            ``(ii) the date that is 120 days after the date of the 
        closure or disapproval.''.
        (2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) of such 
    subsection, as redesignated, is amended by striking ``described in 
    subclause (A) of this clause'' and inserting ``described in clause 
    (i)''.
    (c) Applicability.--
        (1) School closure or disapproval.--
            (A) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
        shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to 
        courses and programs of education discontinued as described in 
        section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
        subsection (a)(1), after January 1, 2015.
            (B) Special application.--With respect to courses and 
        programs of education discontinued as described in section 3699 
        of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), 
        during the period beginning January 1, 2015, and ending on the 
        date of the enactment of this Act, an individual who does not 
        transfer credits from such program of education shall be deemed 
        to be an individual who did not receive such credits, as 
        described in subsection (b)(2) of such section, except that the 
        period for which the individual's entitlement is not charged 
        shall be the entire period of the individual's enrollment in 
        the program of education. In carrying out this paragraph, the 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the 
        Secretary of Education, shall establish procedures to determine 
        whether the individual transferred credits to a comparable 
        course or program of education.
        (2) Monthly housing stipend.--The amendments made by subsection 
    (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2018, and shall apply with 
    respect to courses and programs of education discontinued as 
    described in section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added 
    by such subsection, on or after the date of the enactment of this 
    Act.
    SEC. 110. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF UNUSED POST-9/11 
      EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS UPON DEATH OF 
      ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED DEPENDENT.
    (a) Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--Section 3319 is amended--
        (1) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting after ``section 3321'' 
    the following: ``, and except as provided in subsection (k) or 
    (l),''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(k) Additional Transfer Upon Death of Dependent.--In the case of 
a dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance is 
transferred under this section who dies before using all of such 
entitlement, the individual who transferred the entitlement to the 
dependent may transfer any remaining entitlement to a different 
eligible dependent, notwithstanding whether the individual is serving 
as a member of the Armed Forces when such transfer is executed.
    ``(l) Transfer by Dependent.--In the case of an individual who 
transfers entitlement to educational assistance under this section who 
dies before the dependent to whom entitlement to educational assistance 
is so transferred has used all of such entitlement, such dependent may 
transfer such entitlement to another eligible dependent in accordance 
with the provisions of this section.''.
    (b) Effective Dates.--
        (1) Eligible deaths.--The amendments made by this section shall 
    apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after August 1, 2009.
        (2) Use of entitlement.--A dependent to whom entitlement to 
    educational assistance is transferred under subsection (k) or (l) 
    of section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
    subsection (a), may use such entitlement to pursue a course of 
    education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 111. EDITH NOURSE ROGERS STEM SCHOLARSHIP.
     (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 is amended by adding 
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to the limitation under subsection (f), 
the Secretary shall provide additional benefits to eligible individuals 
selected by the Secretary under this section. Such benefits shall be 
known as the `Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship'.
    ``(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, an eligible 
individual is an individual--
        ``(1) who is or was entitled to educational assistance under 
    section 3311 of this title;
        ``(2) who has used all of the educational assistance to which 
    the individual is entitled under this chapter or will, based on the 
    individual's rate of usage, use all of such assistance within 180 
    days of applying for benefits under this section;
        ``(3) who applies for assistance under this section; and
        ``(4) who--
            ``(A) is an individual who--
                ``(i) is enrolled in a program of education leading to 
            a post-secondary degree that, in accordance with the 
            guidelines of the applicable regional or national 
            accrediting agency, requires more than the standard 128 
            semester (or 192 quarter) credit hours for completion in a 
            standard, undergraduate college degree in--

                    ``(I) biological or biomedical science;
                    ``(II) physical science;
                    ``(III) science technologies or technicians;
                    ``(IV) computer and information science and support 
                services;
                    ``(V) mathematics or statistics;
                    ``(VI) engineering;
                    ``(VII) engineering technologies or an engineering-
                related field;
                    ``(VIII) a health profession or related program;
                    ``(IX) a medical residency program;
                    ``(X) an agriculture science program or a natural 
                resources science program; or
                    ``(XI) other subjects and fields identified by the 
                Secretary as meeting national needs;

                ``(ii) has completed at least 60 standard semester (or 
            90 quarter) credit hours in a field referred to in clause 
            (i); or
            ``(B) is an individual who has earned a post-secondary 
        degree in a field referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) and is 
        enrolled in a program of education leading to a teaching 
        certification.
    ``(c) Priority.--In selecting eligible individuals to receive 
additional benefits under this section, the Secretary shall give 
priority to the following individuals:
        ``(1) Individuals who require the most credit hours described 
    in subsection (b)(4).
        ``(2) Individuals who are entitled to educational assistance 
    under this chapter by reason of paragraph (1), (2), (8), or (9) of 
    section 3311(b) of this title.
    ``(d) Amount of Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall pay to each 
eligible individual who receives additional benefits under this section 
the monthly amount payable under section 3313 of this title for not 
more than 9 months of the program of education in which the individual 
is enrolled (adjusted with respect to the individual pursuant to 
section 3313(c), as appropriate), except that the aggregate amount paid 
to an individual under this section may not exceed $30,000.
    ``(2) The Secretary may not pay to such an individual an amount in 
addition to the amount payable under paragraph (1) by reason of section 
3317 of this title.
    ``(3) An individual who receives additional benefits under this 
section may also receive amounts payable by a college or university 
pursuant to section 3317 of this title.
    ``(e) Prohibition on Transfer.--An individual who receives 
additional benefits under this section may not transfer any amount of 
such additional benefits under section 3319 of this title.
    ``(f) Maximum Amount of Total Assistance.--The total amount of 
benefits paid to all eligible individuals under this section may not 
exceed--
        ``(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
        ``(2) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2022; 
    and
        ``(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent 
    fiscal year.
    ``(g) Congressional Notice.--If the Secretary identifies a new 
subject or field pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) as meeting a 
national need, the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of such 
identification at least 90 days before conferring eligibility on any 
individual for purposes of this section on the basis of such 
identification, including any analysis of labor market supply and 
demand used in identifying the new subject or field, as applicable.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
3319 the following new item:

``3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.''.

    (c) Effective Date.--Section 3320 of title 38, United States Code, 
shall take effect on August 1, 2019.
    (d) Comptroller General Report.--
        (1) Interim report.--Not later than August 1, 2022, the 
    Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a 
    report containing the results of an interim assessment of the 
    Comptroller General of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship 
    program under section 3320 of title 38, United States Code, as 
    added by subsection (a). Such report shall include the 
    recommendations of the Comptroller General for improving the 
    scholarship program and an assessment of each of the following, 
    using rigorous, systematic, and objective methodology, and 
    including comparisons to eligible veterans who did not participate 
    in the program:
            (A) An explanation of the identification of the Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs of subjects and fields meeting national 
        needs under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) of such section, 
        including any analysis of labor market supply and demand, as 
        applicable.
            (B) An evaluation of the types of educational institutions 
        and programs where beneficiaries use the educational assistance 
        provided under the scholarship program.
            (C) The completion rate of students participating in the 
        program.
            (D) The job placement rate for individuals who completed a 
        program of education using educational assistance provided 
        under the scholarship program in the field of study of the 
        program of education.
            (E) The median annual earnings of individuals who completed 
        a program of education using educational assistance provided 
        under the scholarship program.
            (F) The average age of the individuals who received 
        educational assistance under the scholarship program.
            (G) An assessment of the extent to which any educational 
        institutions made changes to degrees or programs of education 
        offered by the institution for which the scholarship program 
        may be used after the date of the enactment of this Act.
        (2) Final report.--Not later than August 1, 2024, the 
    Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an assessment of such 
    scholarship program that includes each of the following:
            (A) Each item described in subparagraph (A) through (G) of 
        paragraph (1).
            (B) The percentage of individuals who completed a program 
        of education using educational assistance provided under the 
        scholarship program who were subsequently employed for a period 
        of 6 months or longer in the field of study of the program of 
        education.
            (C) The percentage of individuals who completed a program 
        of education using educational assistance provided under the 
        scholarship program who were subsequently employed for a period 
        of less than 6 months in the field of study of the program of 
        education.
    SEC. 112. HONORING THE NATIONAL SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
      FORCES BY ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT.
    (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 3321 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``individual's entitlement'' and all that 
    follows through the period and inserting ``individual's 
    entitlement--''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
        ``(1) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 
    release from active duty is before January, 1, 2013, expires at the 
    end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of such discharge 
    or release; or
        ``(2) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 
    release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, shall not 
    expire.''.
    (b) Children of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b)(4) of such 
section is amended--
        (1) by inserting ``of this title'' after ``3311(b)(9)'';
        (2) by striking ``child's entitlement'' and all that follows 
    through the period and inserting ``child's entitlement--''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
            ``(A) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to 
        such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at the end of 
        the 15-year period beginning on the date of such child's 
        eighteenth birthday; or
            ``(B) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled to 
        such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall not 
        expire.''.
    (c) Spouses of Deceased Members.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
        ``(5) Applicability to spouses of deceased members.--The period 
    during which a spouse entitled to educational assistance by reason 
    of section 3311(b)(9) may use such spouse's entitlement--
            ``(A) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to 
        such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at the end of 
        the 15-year period beginning on the date on which the spouse 
        first becomes entitled to such entitlement; or
            ``(B) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled to 
        such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall not 
        expire.''.
    SEC. 113. MONTHLY STIPEND FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE 
      COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES RECEIVING POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE.
    (a) In General.--Section 3313 is further amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection:
    ``(j) Determination of Monthly Stipends During Certain Active Duty 
Service.--
        ``(1) Pro rata basis.--In any month in which an individual 
    described in paragraph (2) is performing active duty service 
    described in section 3301(1)(B) of this title, the Secretary shall 
    determine the amount of monthly stipends payable under this section 
    for such month on a pro rata basis for the period of such month in 
    which the covered individual is not performing such active duty 
    service.
        ``(2) Individual described.--An individual described in this 
    paragraph is an individual who is--
            ``(A) a member of the reserve components of the Armed 
        Forces; and
            ``(B) pursuing a program of education using educational 
        assistance under this chapter.''.
    (b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply 
with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, commencing 
on or after August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 114. ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON INFORMATION ON STUDENT 
      PROGRESS SUBMITTED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
    Section 3326 is amended--
        (1) by striking ``As a condition'' and inserting ``(a) 
    Submittal of Information by Educational Institutions.--As a 
    condition''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than March 1 of each year, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes a summary 
of the information provided by educational institutions under 
subsection (a) for the calendar year preceding the year during which 
such report is submitted.''.
    SEC. 115. IMPROVEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE VETERANS 
      BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
    (a) Processing of Certain Educational Assistance Claims.--The 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum extent possible, 
make such changes and improvements to the information technology system 
of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to ensure that--
        (1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and 
    supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33 of 
    title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated electronically; and
        (2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with 
    respect to such claims with little human intervention.
    (b) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
submit to Congress a plan to implement the changes and improvements 
described in subsection (a).
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress 
a report on the implementation of the changes and improvements 
described in subsection (a).
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 to carry 
out this section during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
    SEC. 116. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY PILOT 
      PROGRAM.
    (a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry 
out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide eligible 
veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of 
education that the Secretary determines provide training or skills 
sought by employers in a relevant field or industry.
    (b) Eligibility.--For purposes of the pilot program under this 
section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to 
educational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of title 38, 
United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, United States 
Code.
    (c) Contracts.--
        (1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out subsection (a), 
    by not later than 180 days after August 1, 2018, the Secretary 
    shall seek to enter into contracts with any number of qualified 
    providers of high technology programs of education for the 
    provision of such programs to eligible veterans under the pilot 
    program. Each such contract shall provide for the conditions under 
    which the Secretary may terminate the contract with the provider 
    and the procedures for providing for the completion of the 
    instruction of students who were enrolled in a program provided by 
    such provider in the case of such a termination.
        (2) Payment of contractors.--A contract under this subsection 
    shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a provider--
            (A) upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the 
        program, 25 percent of the cost of the tuition and other fees 
        for the program of education for the veteran;
            (B) upon the completion of the program by the veteran, 25 
        percent of such cost; and
            (C) upon the employment of the veteran in the field of 
        study of the program following completion of the program, 50 
        percent of such cost.
        (3) Qualified providers.--For purposes of the pilot program, a 
    provider of a high technology program of education is qualified 
    if--
            (A) the provider has been operational for at least 2 years;
            (B) the provider has successfully provided the high 
        technology program for at least 1 year; and
            (C) the provider meets the approval criteria developed by 
        the Secretary under paragraph (4).
        (4) Approval criteria.--The Secretary shall develop criteria 
    for approving providers for purposes of the pilot program. In 
    developing such criteria, the Secretary may consult with State 
    approving agencies. Such criteria is not required to meet the 
    requirements of section 3672 of title 38, United States Code.
        (5) Tuition reimbursement.--In entering into contracts to carry 
    out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give preference to a 
    qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any 
    student who--
            (A) completes a program of education offered by the 
        provider; and
            (B) does not find full-time meaningful employment in the 
        field of study of the program within the 180-day period 
        beginning on the date the student completes the program.
    (d) Housing Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay to each eligible 
veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program of education under 
the pilot program on a full-time basis a monthly housing stipend equal 
to the product--
        (1) of--
            (A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident training, 
        the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable 
        under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a member 
        with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the military 
        housing area that encompasses all or the majority portion of 
        the ZIP code area in which is located the institution at which 
        the individual is enrolled; or
            (B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of 
        education through distance learning, a monthly amount equal to 
        50 percent of the amount payable under subparagraph (A), 
        multiplied by
        (2) the lesser of--
            (A) 1.0; or
            (B) the number of course hours borne by the individual in 
        pursuit of the program of education involved, divided by the 
        minimum number of course hours required for full-time pursuit 
        of such program of education, rounded to the nearest multiple 
        of 10.
    (e) High Technology Program of Education Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``high technology program of education'' means a program of 
education that--
        (1) is offered by an entity other than an institution of higher 
    learning;
        (2) does not lead to a degree; and
        (3) provides instruction in computer programming, computer 
    software, media application, data processing, or information 
    sciences.
    (f) Reports.--
        (1) Secretary of veterans affairs.--Not later than 1 year after 
    the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
    Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program 
    under this section.
        (2) Comptroller general.--
            (A) Interim report.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
        on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this 
        section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
        submit to Congress a report containing the results of the 
        interim assessment of the Comptroller General. Such report 
        shall include the recommendations of the Comptroller General 
        for improving the pilot program and an assessment of each of 
        the following:
                (i) The technology experience of the directors and 
            instructors of the providers of high technology programs of 
            education under the pilot program.
                (ii) Whether the providers cooperated with the 
            technology industry to create the curriculum for the 
            program of education.
                (iii) Whether the providers use an open source 
            curriculum for the program of education.
                (iv) The admittance rate into the pilot program.
                (v) The job placement and retention rate for veterans 
            who completed a program of education under the pilot 
            program in the field of study of the program.
                (vi) The percentage of veterans who completed a program 
            of education under the pilot program who were subsequently 
            employed for a period of 6 months or longer in a field of 
            study of the program.
                (vii) The percentage of veterans who completed a 
            program of education under the pilot program who were 
            subsequently employed for a period of less than 6 months in 
            a field of study of the program.
                (viii) The median annual salary of veterans who 
            completed a program of education under the pilot program 
            and were subsequently employed.
                (ix) As applicable, the transfer rates to other 
            academic or vocational programs and certifications and 
            licensure exam passage rates.
                (x) The average age of veterans who participated in the 
            pilot program.
            (B) Final report.--Not later than 5 years after the date on 
        which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this 
        section, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a 
        final report on the pilot program. Such report shall include 
        the recommendation of the Comptroller General with respect to 
        whether the program should be extended and an assessment of 
        each item described in clauses (i) through (x) of subparagraph 
        (A).
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each fiscal year during 
which the Secretary carries out a pilot program under this section, 
$15,000,000 shall be made available for such purpose from funds 
appropriated to, or otherwise made available to, the Department for the 
payment of readjustment benefits.
    (h) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under 
this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date 
on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this section.

            TITLE II--OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

    SEC. 201. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE.
    Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ``the period beginning on 
June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022,'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``any time on or after June 30, 2017,''.
    SEC. 202. DURATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER SURVIVORS' AND 
      DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
    Section 3511(a)(1) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``chapter for'' and all that follows through 
    the period and inserting ``chapter--''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
        ``(A) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program of 
    education using such entitlement before August 1, 2018, for an 
    aggregate period not in excess of 45 months (or to the equivalent 
    thereof in part-time training); or
        ``(B) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program of 
    education using such entitlement on or after August 1, 2018, for an 
    aggregate period not in excess of 36 months (or to the equivalent 
    thereof in part-time training).''.
    SEC. 203. OLIN E. TEAGUE INCREASE IN AMOUNTS OF EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE PAYABLE UNDER SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL 
      ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
    (a) Increase.--Section 3532 is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``$788'' and inserting ``$1,224'';
                (ii) by striking ``$592'' and inserting ``$967''; and
                (iii) by striking ``$394'' and inserting ``$710''; and
            (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``$788'' and inserting 
        ``$1,224''; and
        (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$788'' and inserting 
    ``$1,224''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to a month that begins on or after October 1, 2018.

      TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

    SEC. 301. STATE APPROVING AGENCY FUNDING.
    (a) Increase.--Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``out of amounts available 
    for the payment of readjustment benefits'' and inserting ``out of 
    amounts in the Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment benefits 
    account and amounts appropriated to the Secretary'';
        (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
        (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
    paragraph (4):
    ``(4) In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (5), 
there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year.''; and
        (4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
            (A) by striking ``The total'' and inserting ``(A) The 
        total'';
            (B) by striking ``for any fiscal year shall be 
        $19,000,000'' and inserting ``for fiscal year 2018 shall be 
        $21,000,000 and for fiscal year 2019 and thereafter shall be 
        $23,000,000''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(B) Beginning in fiscal year 2019, whenever there is an increase 
in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a determination made under 
section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall, 
effective on the date of such increase in benefit amounts, increase the 
amount in effect under subparagraph (A), as in effect immediately prior 
to the date of such increase in benefit amounts payable under title II 
of the Social Security Act, by the same percentage as the percentage by 
which such benefit amounts are increased.''.
    SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
      TO PURSUE INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS AT CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL 
      INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE NOT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING.
    Section 3680A is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
        ``in--'' and inserting ``in any of the following:'';
            (B) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
                (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting 
            a period;
            (C) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
                (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting 
            a period;
            (D) in paragraph (3)--
                (i) by striking ``any'' and inserting ``Any''; and
                (ii) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a period; and
            (E) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following 
        new paragraph (4):
        ``(4) Any independent study program except an independent study 
    program (including such a program taken over open circuit 
    television) that--
            ``(A) 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);
            ``(B) leads to--
                ``(i) a standard college degree;
                ``(ii) a certificate that reflects educational 
            attainment offered by an institution of higher learning; or
                ``(iii) a certificate that reflects completion of a 
            course of study offered by--

                    ``(I) an area career and technical education school 
                (as defined in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 
                3(3) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
                Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302(3))) that 
                provides education at the postsecondary level; or
                    ``(II) a postsecondary vocational institution (as 
                defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act 
                of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))) that provides education at 
                the postsecondary level; and

            ``(C) in the case of a program described in subparagraph 
        (B)(iii)--
                ``(i) provides training aligned with the requirements 
            of employers in the State or local area where the program 
            is located, which may include in-demand industry sectors or 
            occupations; and
                ``(ii) provides a student, upon completion of the 
            program, with a recognized postsecondary credential that is 
            recognized by employers in the relevant industry, which may 
            include a credential recognized by industry or sector 
            partnerships in the State or local area where the industry 
            is located; and
                ``(iii) meets such content and instructional standards 
            as may be required to comply with the criteria under 
            section 3676(c)(14) and(15) of this title.''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(h) In this section, the terms `State or local area', `recognized 
postsecondary credential', `industry or sector partnership', and `in-
demand industry sector or occupation' have the meaning given such terms 
in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
3102).''.
    SEC. 303. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON PRIORITY ENROLLMENT FOR 
      VETERANS IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION.
    Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended--
        (1) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting ``; 
    and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
            ``(xi) information on whether the institution administers a 
        priority enrollment system that allows certain student veterans 
        to enroll in courses earlier than other students.''.
    SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON USE OF REPORTING FEES PAYABLE TO 
      EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SPONSORS OF PROGRAMS OF 
      APPRENTICESHIP.
    (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 3684 is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(c)(1) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, or 
to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing education or 
training under either this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this 
title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu of any other compensation 
or reimbursement for reports or certifications which such educational 
institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship is required to 
submit to the Secretary by law or regulation.
    ``(2) Such reporting fee shall be computed for each calendar year 
by multiplying $16 by the number of eligible veterans or eligible 
persons enrolled under this chapter or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this 
title. The reporting fee shall be paid to such educational institution 
or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship as soon as feasible after the 
end of the calendar year for which it is applicable.
    ``(3) No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under 
this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary against any 
liability of such institution for any overpayment for which such 
institution may be administratively determined to be liable under 
section 3685 of this title unless such liability is not contested by 
such institution or has been upheld by a final decree of a court of 
appropriate jurisdiction.
    ``(4) Any reporting fee paid to an educational institution or 
sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of the enactment 
of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 
2011 (Public Law 111-377)--
        ``(A) shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor solely 
    for the making of certifications required under this chapter or 
    chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title or for otherwise supporting 
    programs for veterans; and
        ``(B) with respect to an institution that has 100 or more 
    enrollees described in paragraph (2) may not be used for or merged 
    with amounts available for the general fund of the educational 
    institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship.
    ``(5) The reporting fee payable under this subsection shall be paid 
from amounts appropriated for readjustment benefits.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 305. TRAINING FOR SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS.
    (a) Training Requirement.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, 
in consultation with the State approving agencies, set forth 
requirements relating to training for school certifying officials 
employed by covered educational institutions offering courses of 
education approved under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code. If 
a covered educational institution does not ensure that a school 
certifying official employed by the educational institution meets such 
requirements, the Secretary may disapprove any course of education 
offered by such educational institution.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) The term ``covered educational institution'' means an 
    educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals 
    using educational assistance under title 38, United States Code.
        (2) The term ``school certifying official'' means an employee 
    of an educational institution with primary responsibility for 
    certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution.
        (3) The term ``State approving agency'' means a department or 
    agency of a State designated under section 3671 of title 38, United 
    States Code.
    (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on August 1, 
2018.
    SEC. 306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 
      EDUCATION.
    Section 3692 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2017'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2022''.
    SEC. 307. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF ON-CAMPUS 
      EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING FOR VETERANS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after section 
3697A the following new section:
``Sec. 3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide educational and 
vocational counseling services for individuals described in section 
3697A(b) of this title at locations on the campuses of institutions of 
higher learning selected by the Secretary. Such counseling services 
shall be provided by employees of the Department who provide such 
services under section 3697A of this title.
    ``(b) Selection of Locations.--(1) To be selected by the Secretary 
under this section, an institution of higher learning shall provide an 
appropriate space on the campus of the institution where counseling 
services can be provided under this section.
    ``(2) In selecting locations for the provision of counseling 
services under this section, the Secretary shall seek to select 
locations where the maximum number of veterans would have access to 
such services.
    ``(c) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report on the counseling services provided 
under this section. Such report shall include, for the year covered by 
the report--
        ``(1) the average ratio of counselors providing such services 
    to individuals who received such services at each location where 
    such services were provided;
        ``(2) a description of such services provided;
        ``(3) the recommendations of the Secretary for improving the 
    provision of such services; and
        ``(4) any other matters the Secretary determines 
    appropriate.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
3697A the following new item:

``3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling.''.
    SEC. 308. PROVISION OF INFORMATION REGARDING VETERAN ENTITLEMENT TO 
      EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 36 is further amended by 
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3699A. Provision of certain information to educational 
     institutions
    ``(a) In General.--For each veteran or other individual pursuing a 
course of education that has been approved under this chapter using 
educational assistance to which the veteran or other individual is 
entitled under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, the Secretary 
shall make available to the educational institution offering the course 
information about the amount of such educational assistance to which 
the veteran or other individual is entitled. Such information shall be 
provided to such educational institution through a secure information 
technology system accessible by the educational institution and shall 
be regularly updated to reflect any amounts used by the veteran or 
other individual.
    ``(b) Election.--A veteran or other individual pursuing a course of 
education described in subsection (a) may elect not to provide the 
information described in such subsection to an educational institution 
in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 3699 the following new item:

``3699A. Provision of certain information to educational 
          institutions.''.

    (c) Effective Date.--Section 3699A of title 38, United States Code, 
as added by this section, shall take effect on August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 309. TREATMENT, FOR PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
      ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, OF EDUCATIONAL 
      COURSES THAT BEGIN SEVEN OR FEWER DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF AN 
      ACADEMIC TERM.
    Section 3684(a) is amended--
        (1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
        (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
    paragraph (4):
    ``(4) A course offered by an educational institution that does not 
begin on the first day of an academic term, but does begin seven or 
fewer days after such day, shall be treated as beginning on such day 
for purposes of this section.''.
    SEC. 310. INCLUSION OF RISK-BASED SURVEYS IN STATE APPROVING AGENCY 
      OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES.
    Section 3673(d) is amended--
        (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Compliance and'' ;
        (2) by striking ``such compliance and oversight'' and inserting 
    ``conducting risk-based surveys and other such oversight''; and
        (3) by inserting ``, in consultation with the State approving 
    agencies,'' after ``as the Secretary''.
    SEC. 311. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF STATE APPROVING AGENCY 
      PERFORMANCE.
    (a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall carry out a study on the performance of State approving agencies. 
Such study shall include each of the following:
        (1) An analysis of the effectiveness of the cooperation between 
    the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State approving agencies 
    regarding the execution of shared compliance and oversight 
    responsibilities under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code.
        (2) An analysis of the resources necessary for State approving 
    agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such agencies under 
    such title, including an analysis of whether Congress has 
    appropriated sufficient funds for State approving agencies to 
    fulfill such responsibilities and the historic effect of funding on 
    the ability of such agencies to fulfill such responsibilities.
        (3) An evaluation of the use by State approving agencies of 
    risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of 
    established standards under such chapter.
        (4) An examination of how State approving agencies use risk 
    factors, including rapid increases in veteran enrollment, increases 
    in the amount of benefits per capita, volume of student complaints, 
    rates of Federal student loan defaults of veterans, veteran 
    completion rates, deficiencies identified by accreditors and other 
    State agencies, and deficiencies in Department of Veterans Affairs 
    program administration compliance, in their oversight and 
    compliance responsibilities and in selecting educational 
    institutions for review of eligibility.
        (5) Recommendations on how the Secretary and State approving 
    agencies can better use data to evaluate, approve, or disapprove 
    educational institutions under such chapter.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 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 study required under subsection (a) 
and the findings and recommendations of the Comptroller General with 
respect to such study.

                  TITLE IV--RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS

    SEC. 401. ELIGIBILITY OF RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS FOR POST-9/11 
      EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
    (a) In General.--Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by striking ``or 
12304'' and inserting ``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.
    (b) Retroactive Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces occurring on or 
after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-252).
    (c) Application With Respect to Use of Entitlement.--An individual 
who is entitled to educational assistance by reason of the amendment 
made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement to pursue a course of 
education beginning on or after August 1, 2018.
    SEC. 402. TIME LIMITATION FOR TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR 
      VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
    Section 3103(f) is amended by striking ``or 12304'' and inserting 
``12304, 12304a, or 12304b''.

                         TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS

    SEC. 501. REPEAL INAPPLICABILITY OF MODIFICATION OF BASIC ALLOWANCE 
      FOR HOUSING TO BENEFITS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF 
      VETERANS AFFAIRS.
    (a) Repeal.--Subsection (b) of section 604 of the Carl Levin and 
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 37 U.S.C. 403 note) is repealed.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on January 1, 2018, and shall apply with respect to 
individuals who first use their entitlement to educational assistance 
under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, on or after such 
date.
    SEC. 502. RECONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUSLY DENIED CLAIMS FOR 
      DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WHO ALLEGE FULL-BODY 
      EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN MUSTARD GAS, SULFUR MUSTARD GAS, OR LEWISITE 
      DURING WORLD WAR II.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Reconsideration required.--The Secretary of Veterans 
    Affairs shall reconsider all claims for compensation described in 
    paragraph (2) and make a new determination regarding each such 
    claim.
        (2) Claims for compensation described.--A claim for 
    compensation described in this paragraph is a claim for 
    compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, that 
    the Secretary determines--
            (A) arose from the alleged full-body exposure of a veteran 
        to a covered substance--
                (i) during active military, naval, or air service 
            during World War II; and
                (ii) at a site listed in paragraph (3); and
            (B) was denied before the date of the enactment of this 
        Act.
        (3) Sites.--The sites listed in this paragraph are the 
    following:
            (A) Camp Siebert, Alabama.
            (B) Fort McClellan, Alabama.
            (C) Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama.
            (D) Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado.
            (E) Naval Research Laboratory, D.C.
            (F) Bushnell Field, Florida.
            (G) Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois.
            (H) Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland.
            (I) Fort Detrick, Maryland.
            (J) Naval Research Laboratory, Maryland.
            (K) Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland.
            (L) Horn Island Installation, Mississippi.
            (M) Camp Crowder, Missouri.
            (N) Hart's Island, New York.
            (O) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
            (P) Charleston, South Carolina.
            (Q) Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
            (R) Toole Army Depot, Utah.
            (S) Naval Research Laboratory, Virginia.
            (T) U.S.S. Eagle Boat No. 58.
            (U) Ondal, India.
            (V) Fort Clayton, San Jose Island, Panama.
            (W) Any site the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines 
        is appropriate.
        (4) Factors of consideration.--In making a determination under 
    paragraph (1), the Secretary--
            (A) shall consider--
                (i) that contemporaneous records of testing of full-
            body exposure to a covered substance frequently may be 
            unavailable because such tests were classified or such 
            records were lost or destroyed;
                (ii) that many veterans were sworn to secrecy following 
            testing described in clause (i);
                (iii) each statement based on personal knowledge of a 
            veteran who served at a site listed in paragraph (3);
                (iv) information in the report from the Secretary of 
            Defense under subsection (b)(2); and
                (v) any evidence the Secretary considers relevant; and
            (B) may not determine that testing of full-body exposure to 
        a covered substance did not occur at a site based solely on--
                (i) information contained in the Department of Defense 
            and Department of Veterans Affairs Chemical Biological 
            Warfare Database; or
                (ii) any list of known sites of testing of full-body 
            exposure to a covered substance maintained by the 
            Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of 
            Defense.
        (5) Presumption of exposure.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
    when the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes a determination 
    regarding whether a veteran experienced full-body exposure to a 
    covered substance, the Secretary--
            (A) shall presume, unless there is affirmative evidence to 
        establish otherwise, that the veteran experienced such exposure 
        by reason of the service of the veteran in World War II--
                (i) based on the locations listed in paragraph (3); and
                (ii) consistent with the places, types, and 
            circumstances of service of the veteran in accordance with 
            section 1154 of title 38; and
            (B) shall resolve each reasonable doubt in favor of the 
        veteran.
        (6) Effective date of award.--The effective date of any award 
    of disability compensation resulting from reconsideration of a 
    claim under paragraph (1) shall be fixed in accordance with the 
    facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of the receipt 
    of the claim for compensation described in paragraph (2).
    (b) Investigation and Report by the Secretary of Defense.--Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Defense shall--
        (1) investigate and assess each site--
            (A) where the Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered 
        evidence of testing conducted by the Department of Defense 
        during World War II to assess the effects of full-body exposure 
        to a covered substance on humans; or
            (B) with regards to which more than two veterans have been 
        denied claims for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, 
        United States Code, in connection with exposure to a covered 
        substance at such site; and
        (2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the 
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on testing described in 
    paragraph (1)(A), including--
            (A) a list of each location where such testing occurred, 
        including locations investigated and assessed under paragraph 
        (1);
            (B) the dates of each such testing; and
            (C) the number of members of the Armed Forces who 
        experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance in each 
        such testing.
    (c) Investigation and Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs.--Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
        (1) investigate and assess--
            (A) the actions taken by the Secretary to contact 
        individuals who experienced full-body exposure to a covered 
        substance in the course of testing described in subsection 
        (b)(1)(A);
            (B) the number of claims filed with the Secretary for 
        disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United 
        States Code, arising from testing described in subsection 
        (b)(1)(A); and
            (C) the percentage of claims described in subparagraph (B) 
        that the Secretary denied.
        (2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the 
    Secretary of Defense a report regarding the investigations and 
    assessments carried out under paragraph (1).
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) The terms ``active military, naval, or air service'', 
    ``veteran'', and ``World War II'' have the meanings given such 
    terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
        (2) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
            (A) the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
        Representatives and the Senate; and
            (B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
        Representatives and the Senate.
        (3) The term ``covered substance'' means--
            (A) nitrogen mustard gas;
            (B) sulfur mustard gas; or
            (C) Lewisite.
        (4) The term ``full-body exposure'', with respect to a covered 
    substance, has the meaning given that term by the Secretary of 
    Defense.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.