Gene Murphy Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026
Guarantees veterans a VA- or community-provider referral for a second opinion after receiving care, with the Department of Veterans Affairs covering the costs.
In the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee since Sept. 30, 2026, 8 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 30, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
A second medical opinion is another clinician’s assessment after a person receives care. The bill would let veterans request one after receiving VA-related health care. VA would arrange a referral and pay the costs.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Guarantees veterans a second-opinion referral
A veteran who receives health care under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs could request a second opinion after receiving care. VA would have to refer the veteran to another VA provider or a provider in the community, including through the Veterans Community Care Program.
- Covers second-opinion costs
The Department of Veterans Affairs would pay all costs associated with providing a second opinion.
A second opinion can give a veteran another clinician’s assessment after receiving care. The bill would make access to that option an explicit VA responsibility and place the associated costs on the department.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 30, 2026SENATESEP 30, 2026By Sen. RoundsReferred to Veterans' Affairs
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 30, 2026VETERANS' AFFAIRS NOWSEP 30, 2026In committee for 8 daysNo hearing yet
- 8 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 302026SEP 30, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- SEP 302026SEP 30, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 8, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
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