VET–TEC Authorization Act of 2023
What changed between versions
The high technology program is no longer permanent. A new termination provision sets the end date at September 30, 2028, and the section title drops the word 'Permanent.'
New section 3 adds a burial allowance for veterans who die at home or in another setting while receiving VA hospice care, provided the hospice care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care. Applies to deaths occurring 180 days after enactment.
The annual cap on covered individuals participating in the high technology program was reduced from 8,000 to 6,000 per fiscal year.
The employment rate threshold for online high technology programs to qualify under section 3680A was lowered from 70 percent to 65 percent.
New section 4 allows non-degree flight training to be included in rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities under section 3101.
The effective date changed from 180 days after enactment to a fixed date of October 1, 2023. The pilot program termination date also changed from one year after enactment of the new section to a fixed date of September 30, 2023.
New section 8 updates the date in the VA housing loan fee table from November 14, 2031 to April 30, 2032.
The annual report requirement was expanded to include specific data points: enrollment numbers by institution type, completion counts, average employment rates at 180 days post-completion, time-to-employment, technology-related employment counts and salaries, comparison to broader tech workforce salaries, and second-program enrollment counts.
A new subsection requires the Secretary to develop information collection practices for covered individuals and providers, and permits consultation with providers and establishment of an advisory group including private employers in the technology field.
New section 5 clarifies that the individual who fails to complete a service agreement is solely liable for the overpayment of transferred educational assistance, and neither the individual nor the dependent is liable in certain other circumstances.
New section 6 (Filipino Education Fairness Act) removes the cap on VA educational assistance amounts for programs of education in the Republic of the Philippines by striking subsection (d) of section 3532.
New section 7 requires the Secretary to provide certificates of eligibility and award letters electronically, with an opt-out option for individuals who prefer mail delivery. Covers assistance under chapters 30, 33, 35, and section 3699C.
