Reforming Education for Veterans Act
The Reforming Education for Veterans Act (H.R. 1527), introduced by Mr. James, seeks to update how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers education benefits and how educational institutions interact with VA programs. The bill makes three broad changes: (1) it expands options for service members who must pause or suspend their education because of service orders, by allowing withdrawal, a leave of absence, or an agreement with the school to complete the course (with a condition that at least half of the course has been completed); (2) it streamlines VA compliance surveys for schools with multiple campuses and tightens/clarifies notice requirements, including new timing rules and definitions; and (3) it requires timely notifications to school certifying officials whenever the VA updates their handbook. In plain terms, the bill aims to give veterans more flexible paths when service interrupting education occurs, reduce administrative burden for multi-campus schools, and improve communication and timing around VA education rules and handbook updates.
Key Points
- 1Expanded absence options for covered members: after orders to enter service, a covered member may withdraw, take a leave of absence, or enter into an agreement with the institution to complete the course to the institution’s satisfaction.
- 2Agreement condition: a member may enter into an agreement only if they have completed at least half of the course.
- 3Compliance surveys reform: for institutions with multiple campuses, only one survey is required if a single school certifying official certifies veteran enrollment for all campuses.
- 4Notice timing changes: for institutions with a time-stamp database feature, up to 15 business days’ notice; for other institutions, up to 10 business days’ notice; these changes modify how quickly institutions must be notified or respond.
- 5Definitions and handbook updates: clarifies the terms “educational institution,” “training establishment,” and “school certifying official,” and requires VA to notify school certifying officials within 14 business days after updating the handbook.