PRO-VETS Act of 2008
Latest action (15 Jul 2008): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 6494, the PRO-VETS Act of 2008, would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement to share personnel and medical data on service members and veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would use this data to compile individualized lists of veterans benefits a person may be eligible for, dividing them into those with a "high probability" of eligibility and other possible benefits. The VA would then send notices explaining these benefits and how to apply, with follow-up notices if no application is made, updated lists annually, and an option for individuals to decline further notices. The bill also directs VA to streamline applications by prepopulating forms with existing data and to notify applicants who are denied benefits of the reasons for denial.
The bill primarily affects current members of the Armed Forces and veterans, who would receive more proactive, personalized outreach about benefits for which they may qualify, and could have their application paperwork simplified. It also affects the Department of Defense and VA, which would need to establish data-sharing systems, and includes privacy provisions allowing individuals to opt out of having their data transferred, while treating such transfers as consistent with the Privacy Act.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 15, 2008, by Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and referred to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services. It did not receive a vote and did not become law; no further action occurred before the end of the 110th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2008 or PRO-VETS Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications.
Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits.
Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6494 do?
- H.R. 6494, the PRO-VETS Act of 2008, would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement to share personnel and medical data on service members and veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would use this data to compile individualized lists of veterans benefits a person may be eligible for, dividing them into those with a "high probability" of eligibility and other possible benefits. The VA would then send notices explaining these benefits and how to apply, with follow-up notices if no application is made, updated lists annually, and an option for individuals to decline further notices. The bill also directs VA to streamline applications by prepopulating forms with existing data and to notify applicants who are denied benefits of the reasons for denial. The bill primarily affects current members of the Armed Forces and veterans, who would receive more proactive, personalized outreach about benefits for which they may qualify, and could have their application paperwork simplified. It also affects the Department of Defense and VA, which would need to establish data-sharing systems, and includes privacy provisions allowing individuals to opt out of having their data transferred, while treating such transfers as consistent with the Privacy Act. The bill was introduced in the House on July 15, 2008, by Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and referred to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services. It did not receive a vote and did not become law; no further action occurred before the end of the 110th Congress.
- Has H.R. 6494 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Jul 2008, H.R. 6494 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6494?
- H.R. 6494 was sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand [D-NY] (Democrat-NY), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6494?
- Introduced (15 Jul 2008).
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