To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 790
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 790Veterans' organizations and recognitionFamily relationships
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION MAR 4
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
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READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it offers a distinct recognition of the profound sacrifices made by veterans who have received the Purple Heart, providing them with a more straightforward way to extend their education benefits to their families. Under current rules, transferring these benefits often requires an additional service commitment, which might be challenging or impossible for veterans with severe combat-related injuries.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide crucial financial support for the families of these Purple Heart recipients, making higher education more accessible and easing the financial burden. If the bill does not pass, these veterans would still be subject to the standard Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer requirements, potentially limiting their ability to pass on benefits if they cannot meet the additional service obligations, leading to some benefits going unused.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Authorizes veterans awarded the Purple Heart (for service on or after 9/11/2001) to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to a spouse or child.
Creates a specific pathway for severely injured veterans to share their earned benefits without the typical additional service requirements.
PROVISION 02
Allows veterans to transfer up to 36 months of benefits and to modify or revoke the transfer of unused portions at any time.
Provides flexibility and ongoing control for veterans over the use of their education benefits.
PROVISION 03
Specifies that transferred education benefits cannot be treated as marital property in divorce or other civil proceedings.
Protects the intended recipient and the veteran's control over the benefits in family legal disputes.
PROVISION 04
Ensures that if the veteran dies after designating family members but before fully allocating benefits, the remaining benefits are distributed among the eligible transferees.
Guarantees that the veteran's family members will still receive the intended benefits even if the veteran passes away.
PROVISION 05
Children receiving benefits generally must use them by age 26, but an exception is made for those acting as primary caregivers for seriously injured veterans.
Provides flexibility for family members whose educational pursuits may be interrupted by caregiving responsibilities.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
House BillHR 790Veterans' organizations and recognitionFamily relationships
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.
This bill matters because it offers a distinct recognition of the profound sacrifices made by veterans who have received the Purple Heart, providing them with a more straightforward way to extend their education benefits to their families. Under current rules, transferring these benefits often requires an additional service commitment, which might be challenging or impossible for veterans with severe combat-related injuries.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide crucial financial support for the families of these Purple Heart recipients, making higher education more accessible and easing the financial burden. If the bill does not pass, these veterans would still be subject to the standard Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer requirements, potentially limiting their ability to pass on benefits if they cannot meet the additional service obligations, leading to some benefits going unused.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Authorizes veterans awarded the Purple Heart (for service on or after 9/11/2001) to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to a spouse or child.
Creates a specific pathway for severely injured veterans to share their earned benefits without the typical additional service requirements.
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Allows veterans to transfer up to 36 months of benefits and to modify or revoke the transfer of unused portions at any time.
Provides flexibility and ongoing control for veterans over the use of their education benefits.
med
Specifies that transferred education benefits cannot be treated as marital property in divorce or other civil proceedings.
Protects the intended recipient and the veteran's control over the benefits in family legal disputes.
high
Ensures that if the veteran dies after designating family members but before fully allocating benefits, the remaining benefits are distributed among the eligible transferees.
Guarantees that the veteran's family members will still receive the intended benefits even if the veteran passes away.
med
Children receiving benefits generally must use them by age 26, but an exception is made for those acting as primary caregivers for seriously injured veterans.
Provides flexibility for family members whose educational pursuits may be interrupted by caregiving responsibilities.
GLOSSARY
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Purple Heart
A U.S. military decoration awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed in combat.
Post-9/11 Educational Assistance (GI Bill)
A program providing financial aid for education and housing to veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
Entitlement
The amount of education benefits, typically measured in months, that an individual is eligible to receive under a government program.
Transfer of Entitlement
The act of assigning a portion of a veteran's unused education benefits to an eligible family member, such as a spouse or child.
Dependent
A person who relies on another for financial support, typically referring to a spouse or child in the context of this bill.
Title 38, United States Code
The section of federal law that specifically deals with veterans' benefits and services.
Delimiting Date
A deadline or expiration date by which a person must use their education benefits.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
MAR 4, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
COMMITTEE
JAN 28, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 28, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.