HR-3031 : Still Just a Bill

The "Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act" (H.R. 3031) proposes to expand eligibility for services provided under the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP).

Key provisions of this bill include:

• Amending title 38, United States Code, to extend employment assistance and outreach services, previously primarily available to eligible veterans, to also include certain "eligible persons."
• Defining an "eligible person" for the purpose of these services as:
  • Any spouse described in section 4101(5) of title 38, United States Code, which generally refers to spouses of veterans with significant service-connected disabilities or those who died from such disabilities.
  • The spouse of any individual who died while serving as a member of the Armed Forces (commonly known as a Gold Star spouse).

This legislation aims to ensure that these spouses, who may encounter unique employment challenges, have access to the career services and support offered through the DVOP program.