[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3504 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
Union Calendar No. 124
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3504
[Report No. 116-164]
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for improvements to
the specially adapted housing program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 26, 2019
Mr. Bilirakis (for himself, Mr. David P. Roe of Tennessee, and Mr.
Levin of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
July 22, 2019
Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House
on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on June
26, 2019]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for improvements to
the specially adapted housing program of the Department 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.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ryan Kules Specially Adaptive
Housing Improvement Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. PRIORITY IN AWARD OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING GRANTS TO
SERIOUSLY ILL VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Priority for Seriously Ill Veterans.--(1) In providing
assistance under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to
seriously ill veterans.
``(2) In this section, the term `seriously ill veteran' shall have
the meaning given such term by the Secretary.''.
(b) Definition of Seriously Ill Veteran.--
(1) In general.--By not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall--
(A) determine the meaning of the term ``seriously
ill veteran'' for purposes of subsection (d) of section
2101 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a); and
(B) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs
of the Senate and House of Representatives the meaning
of such term as so determined.
(2) Applicability.--The definition of ``seriously ill
veteran'' as determined under paragraph (1) shall apply for
purposes of such subsection (d) beginning on the date that is
30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives the definition of such term as so determined.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2020, and apply with respect to assistance
provided on or after that date.
SEC. 3. INCREASE IN AMOUNTS OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED.
(a) Increase of Number of Grants Per Veteran.--Section 2102(d)(3)
of such title is amended by striking ``three'' and inserting ``six''.
(b) Increase in Number of Applications Authorized to Be Approved.--
Section 2101(a)(4) of such title is amended by striking ``30
applications'' and inserting ``120 applications''.
(c) Increase in Maximum Amount of Assistance for Adaptation to
Veteran's Residence.--Section 2102(b)(2) of such title is amended by
striking ``$12,000'' and inserting ``$19,733''.
(d) Increase in Aggregate Amount of Assistance for Acquisition of
Housing With Special Features.--Section 2102(d)(1) of such title is
amended by striking ``$63,780'' and inserting ``$98,492''.
(e) Increase in Aggregate Amount of Assistance for Adaptations to
Veterans' Residences.--Section 2102(d)(2) of such title is amended by
striking ``$12,756'' and inserting ``$19,733''.
(f) Effective Date and Application.--The amendments made by this
section shall take effect on October 1, 2020. The amendments made by
subsections (c) and (d) shall apply with respect to individuals who
have not received the maximum amount of assistance under section 2101
of title 38, United States Code, before such date.
SEC. 4. PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS.
Section 2102 of such title is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(f)(1) Notwithstanding the aggregate amounts specified in
subsection (d), a covered veteran may apply for and receive an
additional amount of assistance under subsection (a) or (b) of section
2101 of this title in an amount that does not exceed half of the amount
specified in subsection (d).
``(2) In this subsection, a covered veteran is a veteran who--
``(A) is described in section 2101(a)(2) of this title;
``(B) first receives assistance under this chapter on or
after October 1, 2020;
``(C) as of the date of the veteran's application for
assistance under paragraph (1), most recently received
assistance under this chapter more than ten years before such
date; and
``(D) lives in a home that the Secretary determines does
not have adaptations that are reasonably necessary because of
the veteran's disability.''.
SEC. 5. IMPROVEMENT TO WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Payment of Allowance.--Subsection (a) of section 3485 of title
38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Individuals'' and
inserting ``In accordance with paragraph (4), individuals'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as
paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
``(4)(A) The Secretary shall carry out this section by providing to
educational institutions an annual amount for the institution to use in
paying work-study allowance under paragraph (1) to individuals enrolled
at the institution.
``(B) With respect to an educational institution that participated
in the work-study program under this section during the academic year
beginning August 1, 2018, the Secretary shall determine the annual
amount to provide to the educational institution under subparagraph (A)
as follows:
``(i) For the academic year beginning August 1, 2020, the
amount shall be the total amount the Secretary paid under this
section to individuals enrolled at such educational institution
during the academic year beginning August 1, 2018.
``(ii) Except as provided by subparagraph (D)(ii), for each
academic year beginning on or after August 1, 2021, the amount
shall be the total amount the educational institution paid
under this section for work-study allowance to individuals
enrolled at such educational institution during the previous
academic year in which individuals participated in the work-
study program.
``(C) With respect to an educational institution that did not
participate in the work-study program under this section during the
academic year beginning August 1, 2018, the Secretary shall determine
the annual amount to provide to the educational institution under
subparagraph (A) as follows:
``(i) For the first academic year in which the educational
institution participates in the work-study program beginning on
or after August 1, 2020, the amount shall be an amount the
Secretary determines appropriate based on amounts provided to
similar educational institutions pursuant to subparagraph (B).
``(ii) Except as provided by subparagraph (D)(ii), for each
academic year occurring after the academic year specified in
clause (i), the amount shall be the total amount the
educational institution paid under this section for work-study
allowance to individuals enrolled at such educational
institution during the previous academic year in which
individuals enrolled at such educational institution
participated in the work-study program.
``(D)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), if the Secretary
provides an annual amount to an educational institution under
subparagraph (B) or (C) that is more than the total amount the
educational institution pays to individuals under paragraph (1), the
educational institution shall return to the Secretary the unpaid amount
and the Secretary shall transfer such amount into the general fund of
the Treasury.
``(ii) If the annual amount provided to an educational institution
under subparagraph (B) or (C) is more, but less than 25 percent more,
than the total amount the educational institution pays to individuals
under paragraph (1), and the educational institution plans to
participate in the work-study program under this section during the
subsequent academic year, the educational institution may retain the
amount of the overpayment if the educational institution notifies the
Secretary of the amount of the overpayment and the intention of the
educational institution to retain such amount. Any amount retained by
an educational institution under this clause may only be used by the
educational institution to provide work-study allowance to individuals
enrolled at the educational institution.
``(iii) At any time an educational institution may request the
Secretary to increase the annual amount that the Secretary provides the
educational institution under subparagraph (B) or (C).
``(E) Pursuant to section 3690(c), section 3693, and other
provisions of chapter 36 of this title, the Secretary shall ensure that
educational institutions carry out the work-study allowance program in
compliance with this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (e)(1) of such section is
amended by striking ``subsection (a)(4)'' and inserting ``subsection
(a)(5)''.
(c) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall apply
with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, commencing
on or after August 1, 2020.
SEC. 6. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FRY SCHOLARSHIP TO CHILDREN AND
SPOUSES OF CERTAIN DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 3311 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (12); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new
paragraphs (10) and (11):
``(10) An individual who is the child or spouse of a person
who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies in line of duty while
serving on duty other than active duty as a member of the Armed
Forces.
``(11) An individual who is the child or spouse of a member
of the Selected Reserve who dies on or after September 11,
2001--
``(A) from a service-connected disability; and
``(B) not later than four years after the date of
the last discharge or release of that member from
active duty or active duty for training.''.
(b) Applicability Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable,
commencing on or after August 1, 2020.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsection (f) of such section is amended by striking
``paragraph (9)'' each place it appears and inserting
``paragraphs (9), (10), and (11)''.
(2) Section 3322 of such title is amended--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking both ``sections
3311(b)(9) and 3319'' and inserting ``section 3319 and
paragraph (9), (10), or (11) of section 3311 of this
title'';
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ``section
3311(b)(9)'' and inserting ``paragraph (9), (10), or
(11) of section 3311 of this title''; and
(C) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``either
section 3311(b)(9) or chapter 35'' and inserting
``either chapter 35 or paragraph (9), (10), or (11) of
section 3311''.
SEC. 7. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PREPARATORY COURSES AS PROGRAMS OF
EDUCATION FOR PURPOSES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 3315A the following new section:
``Sec. 3315B. Preparatory courses for licensure, certification, or
national tests
``(a) In General.--An individual entitled to educational assistance
under this chapter shall also be entitled to payment for a preparatory
course for a licensing or certification test that is required or used
to enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a predetermined
and identified vocation or profession.
``(b) Amount.--The amount of educational assistance payable under
this chapter for a course described in subsection (a) is the lesser
of--
``(1) the fee charged for the course; or
``(2) the amount of entitlement available to the individual
under this chapter at the time of payment for the course under
this section.
``(c) Charge Against Entitlement.--The number of months of
entitlement charged an individual under this chapter for a course
described in subsection (a) shall be pro-rated based on the actual
amount of the fee charged for the course relative to the rate for 1
month payable--
``(1) for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2020,
$1,460; or
``(2) for an academic year beginning on any subsequent
August 1, the amount for the previous academic year beginning
on August 1 under this subsection, as increased by the
percentage increase equal to the most recent percentage
increase determined under section 3015(h).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3315A the following new item:
``3315B. Preparatory courses for licensure, certification, or national
tests.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3532(g) of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or a preparatory
course described in section 3315B(a) of this title'' after ``or
national test providing an opportunity for course credit at
institutions of higher learning described in section 3501(a)(5)
of this title''; and
(2) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by inserting ``or
preparatory course'' after ``test'' everywhere it appears.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to months beginning after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 8. ADJUSTMENT OF LOAN FEES.
Section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking the loan fee table and inserting the following:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active duty
``Type of loan veteran Reservist Other obligor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A)(i) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) 2.15 2.40 NA
to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down,
or any other initial loan described in section
3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down
(closed on or after October 1, 2004, and before
January 1, 2020)
(A)(ii) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) 2.30 2.30 NA
to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down,
or any other initial loan described in section
3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down
(closed on or after January 1, 2020, and before
October 1, 2027)
(A)(iii) Initial loan described in section 2.15 2.15 NA
3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with
0-down, or any other initial loan described in
section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-
down (closed on or after October 1, 2027, and
before October 1, 2029)
(A)(iv) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) 1.40 1.40 NA
to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down,
or any other initial loan described in section
3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down
(closed on or after October 1, 2029)
(B)(i) Subsequent loan described in section 3.30 3.30 NA
3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with
0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October
1, 2004, and before January 1, 2020)
(B)(ii) Subsequent loan described in section 3.60 3.60 NA
3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with
0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after January
1, 2020, and before October 1, 2027)
(B)(iii) Subsequent loan described in section 3.30 3.30 NA
3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with
0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October
1, 2027, and before October 1, 2029)
(B)(iv) Subsequent loan described in section 1.25 1.25 NA
3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with
0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October
1, 2029)
(C)(i) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 1.50 1.75 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 5-down
(closed before January 1, 2020)
(C)(ii) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 1.65 1.65 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 5-down
(closed on or after January 1, 2020, and before
October 1, 2027)
(C)(iii) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 1.50 1.50 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 5-down
(closed on or after October 1, 2027, and before
October 1, 2029)
(C)(iv) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 0.75 0.75 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 5-down
(closed on or after October 1, 2029)
(D)(i) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 1.25 1.50 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 10-down
(closed before January 1, 2020)
(D)(ii) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 1.40 1.40 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 10-down
(closed on or after January 1, 2020, and before
October 1, 2027)
(D)(iii) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 1.25 1.25 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 10-down
(closed on or after October 1, 2027, and before
October 1, 2029)
(D)(iv) Loan described in section 3710(a) to 0.50 0.50 NA
purchase or construct a dwelling with 10-down
(closed on or after October 1, 2029)
(E) Interest rate reduction refinancing loan 0.50 0.50 NA
(F) Direct loan under section 3711 1.00 1.00 NA
(G) Manufactured home loan under section 3712 1.00 1.00 NA
(other than an interest rate reduction
refinancing loan)
(H) Loan to Native American veteran under section 1.25 1.25 NA
3762 (other than an interest rate reduction
refinancing loan)
(I) Loan assumption under section 3714 0.50 0.50 0.50
(J) Loan under section 3733(a) 2.25 2.25 2.25''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEC. 9. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ASSIST BLIND
VETERANS WHO HAVE NOT LOST USE OF A LEG IN ACQUIRING
SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING.
Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii)--
(A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by
striking ``due to--'' and inserting ``due to blindness
in both eyes, having central visual acuity of 20/200 or
less in the better eye with the use of a standard
correcting lens. For the purposes of this clause, an
eye with a limitation in the fields of vision such that
the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an
angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as
having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.'';
and
(B) by striking subclauses (I) and (II); and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to amend title 38,
United States Code, to provide for improvements to the
specially adapted housing program and educational assistance
programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other
purposes.''.
Union Calendar No. 124
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3504
[Report No. 116-164]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for improvements to
the specially adapted housing program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
July 22, 2019
Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House
on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed