Veterans Collaboration Act
Veterans Collaboration Act
Plain Language Summary
# Veterans Collaboration Act (HR 552) Summary **What the Bill Does** The Veterans Collaboration Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to run a two-year pilot program that brings together nonprofits, law schools, and veterans service organizations to provide legal help to veterans. Specifically, it would encourage partnerships where law schools offer free legal assistance while veterans service organizations provide trained staff to help veterans with legal issues they face. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects veterans who need legal services, law schools willing to participate in the program, veterans service organizations, and the VA. The program would test whether these partnerships can effectively help veterans address legal problems they encounter. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives.
As a new bill in the 119th Congress, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill is sponsored by Republican Representative Robert J. Wittman of Virginia.
CRS Official Summary
Veterans Collaboration ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a two-year pilot program to promote and encourage partnerships between the VA and nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher learning. Specifically, the VA must encourage partnerships between (1) veterans service organizations that provide credentialed personnel to assist veterans with legal needs, and (2) law schools that provide pro bono legal assistance and legal services to veterans.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.