A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational institutions, and for other purposes.

134 STAT. 221 PUBLIC LAW 116–128—MAR. 21, 2020 Public Law 116–128 116th Congress An Act To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situa- tions in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational institutions, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CONTINUATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION CONVERTED TO DISTANCE LEARNING BY REASON OF EMERGENCIES AND HEALTH- RELATED SITUATIONS. (a) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a program of education approved by a State approving agency, or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs when acting in the role of a State approving agency, that is converted from being offered on-site at an educational institution to being offered by distance learning by reason of an emergency or health-related situation, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may continue to provide educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary without regard to such conversion, including with respect to paying any— (1) monthly housing stipends under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code; or (2) payments or subsistence allowances under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of such title and chapters 1606 and 1607 of title 10, United States Code. (b) APPLICABILITY PERIOD.—Subsection (a) shall apply during the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on December 21, 2020. (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (1) EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘educational institution’’ has the meaning given that term in section 3452 of title 38, United States Code, and includes an institution of higher learning (as defined in such section). (2) PROGRAM OF EDUCATION.—The term ‘‘program of edu- cation’’ has the meaning given that term in section 3002 of title 38, United States Code. (3) STATE APPROVING AGENCY.—The term ‘‘State approving agency’’ has the meaning given that term in section 3671 of title 38, United States Code. Determination. 38 USC 3001 note prec. Mar. 21, 2020 [S. 3503] VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:48 Mar 26, 2020 Jkt 099139 PO 00128 Frm 00001 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL128.116 PUBL128 wwoods2 on LAPJF8D0R2PROD with PUBLAW 134 STAT. 222 PUBLIC LAW 116–128—MAR. 21, 2020 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 3503: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 166 (2020): Mar. 16, considered and passed Senate. Mar. 19, considered and passed House. Æ SEC. 2. EMERGENCY DESIGNATIONS. (a) IN GENERAL.—This Act is designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You- Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)). (b) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate, this Act is des- ignated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Approved March 21, 2020. VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:48 Mar 26, 2020 Jkt 099139 PO 00128 Frm 00002 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6580 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL128.116 PUBL128 wwoods2 on LAPJF8D0R2PROD with PUBLAW