Summary: Gender Equality in Combat Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to the congressional defense committees on the implementation of a termination of the ground combat exclusion policy for female members of the Armed Forces (DOD policy under which female members are excluded from units and positions below brigade level whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground).

gender equality combat act directs secretary defense dod report congressional defense committees implementation termination ground combat exclusion policy female members armed_forces dod policy female members excluded units positions brigade level primary mission engage direct combat ground


Summary: Dignified Burial of Veterans Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish a casket or urn of sufficient quality for a dignified burial for the burial in a national cemetery of a deceased veteran in any case where the Secretary is unable to identify the veteran's next-of-kin and determines that sufficient resources for such casket or urn are not otherwise available. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on VA compliance with industry standards for caskets and urns.

dignified burial veterans act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs furnish casket urn sufficient quality dignified burial burial national cemetery deceased veteran case secretary unable identify veteran kin determines sufficient resources casket urn available directs secretary report congressional veterans committees compliance industry standards


Summary: Extends through FY2018 the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) payment of a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the U.S. Paralympic Team, and (2) assistance to the United States Paralympics, Inc., to plan, develop, manage, and implement a sports program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.

extends fy2018 authorization appropriations department_of_veterans_affairs payment monthly assistance allowance disabled veterans training competing assistance plan develop manage implement sports program disabled veterans disabled members armed_forces


Summary: Provides civil relief for violations of the protections on consumer credit extended to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, including actual and punitive damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief.

provides civil relief violations protections consumer credit extended members armed_forces dependents including actual punitive damages equitable declaratory relief


Summary: Veterans' Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012 - Treats the surviving spouse of a service-disabled veteran who acquires the ownership interest in a small business of the deceased veteran as such veteran, for purposes of eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) service-disabled small business contracting goals and preferences, for a period of: (1) 10 years after the veteran's death, if such veteran was either 100% disabled or died from a service-connected disability; or (2) 3 years after such death, if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did not die from a service-connected disability.

treats surviving spouse service disabled veteran acquires ownership interest small business deceased veteran veteran purposes eligibility department_of_veterans_affairs service disabled small business contracting goals preferences period years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability


Summary: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations. Requires federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations. Requires a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.

servicemembers access justice act waives state sovereign immunity respect enforcement uniformed services members employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra makes unenforceable agreements employer employee requiring arbitration disputes arising userra provides exceptions requires validity enforceability agreement determined court opposed arbitrator provides increased liquidated damages authorizes punitive damages state private employer violations userra provides right jury trial cases requires current law authorizes award attorney fees actions enforce userra requires current law authorizes court use equitable relief including injunctions restraining orders appropriate userra violations requires federal procurement contracts include notice contractor userra obligations requires comptroller general study effectiveness federal education outreach programs employer obligations userra


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the period in which death gratuities (less amounts contributed to a Coverdell education savings account) and insurance proceeds payable to survivors of members of the Armed Forces or the Uniformed Services may be contributed to a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) from one to three years after receipt of such gratuities or proceeds.

amends internal revenue code extend period death gratuities amounts contributed coverdell education savings account insurance proceeds payable survivors members contributed roth individual retirement account roth ira years receipt gratuities proceeds


Summary: Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment at Home Act or HIRE at HOME Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a license or certification as a nursing assistant, certified nursing assistant, commercial driver, emergency medical technician EMT-B or EMT-1, or emergency medical technician-paramedic.

helping iraq afghanistan veterans return employment home act hire home act directs secretary veterans_affairs condition grant contract state certain veterans employment training programs require state demonstrate consideration military training received veteran approving denying license certification nursing assistant certified nursing assistant commercial driver emergency medical technician emt emergency medical technician paramedic


Summary: Servicemember Employment Protection Act of 2012 - Makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between and employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. Protects under USERRA an individual who is absent from employment in order to receive medical or dental treatment for an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Authorizes the suspension, termination, or debarment of federal contractors for repeated failures or refusals to comply with USERRA protections.

servicemember employment protection act makes unenforceable clause agreement employer employee requiring arbitration dispute arising uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra provides exception parties voluntarily agree arbitration requires issue requirement applies arbitration clause determined federal law validity enforceability agreement arbitrate determined court arbitrator protects userra individual absent employment order receive medical dental treatment injury illness incurred aggravated line duty authorizes suspension termination debarment federal contractors repeated failures refusals comply userra protections


Summary: Allows services for which a homeless veteran receives a grant under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprehensive service programs to include furnishing care for a dependent. Requires at least 15% of the total amount of grants awarded under the programs to be expended for a grant program for homeless veterans with special needs. Extends the special needs program permanently (under current law, terminates at the end of FY2013).

allows services homeless veteran receives grant department_of_veterans_affairs comprehensive service programs include furnishing care dependent requires total grants awarded programs expended grant program homeless veterans special needs extends special needs program permanently current law terminates end fy2013


Summary: Homeless Veterans Assistance Improvement Act of 2012 - Requires public or private nonprofit entities that receive grants under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans to agree to meet the physical, privacy, safety, and security needs of such veterans. Requires at least 1% of VA financial assistance provided for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing to be used for legal services to assist such families with issues that interfere with their ability to obtain or retain housing or supportive services. Allows services for which a homeless veteran receives a grant under the comprehensive service programs to include furnishing care for a dependent. Directs (under current law, authorizes) the VA Secretary to make per diem homeless veterans assistance payments to certain entities that meet the supportive services criteria, but also furnish assistance to individuals who are not veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the operational expenses of a service center established for homeless veterans. Revises VA authority to provide dental care to veterans receiving certain other assistance through the VA to include those veterans receiving assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Extends permanently the VA comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans. Extends temporarily various VA authorities and programs affecting homeless veterans.

requires public private nonprofit entities receive grants department_of_veterans_affairs comprehensive service programs homeless veterans agree meet physical privacy safety security needs veterans requires financial assistance provided supportive services low income veteran families permanent housing legal services assist families issues interfere ability obtain retain housing supportive services allows services homeless veteran receives grant comprehensive service programs include furnishing care dependent directs current law authorizes secretary diem homeless veterans assistance payments certain entities meet supportive services criteria furnish assistance individuals veterans authorizes secretary award grants operational expenses service center established homeless veterans revises authority provide dental care veterans receiving certain assistance include veterans receiving assistance united_states housing act extends permanently comprehensive service programs homeless veterans extends temporarily authorities programs affecting homeless veterans


Summary: Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to facilitate collaborative research to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a service-connected genitourinary disability or a condition that was aggravated in the line of active duty, such as a spinal cord injury, that affects the veterans' ability to reproduce. Includes fertility counseling and treatment within authorized VA medical services. Directs the Secretary to furnish such counseling and treatment, including the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and who is enrolled in the VA health care system, as long as the spouse and veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment. Requires the Secretary to enhance the capabilities of the VA women veterans call center: (1) to respond to requests for assistance with accessing VA health care and benefits, and (2) for referral to community resources to obtain assistance with services not furnished by the VA. Amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 relating to a pilot program of group retreat reintegration and readjustment counseling for women veterans recently separated from service to: (1) increase from at least 3 to at least 14 the number of locations for such counseling, and (2) extend the pilot program for an additional 2 years. Requires a pilot program under such Act relating to the provision of child care assistance for certain veterans receiving VA health care to be extended until two years after the program is established in the third Veterans Integrated Service Network. (Under current law, such program terminates two years after its original commencement.) Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing child care assistance to veterans receiving or in need of VA readjustment counseling and related mental health services. Requires the program to continue until two years after it is begun at the last Readjustment Counseling Service Region chosen by the Secretary.

women veterans health care improvements act directs secretary veterans_affairs facilitate collaborative research meet long term reproductive health care needs veterans service connected disability condition aggravated line active duty spinal cord injury affects veterans ability reproduce includes fertility counseling treatment authorized medical services directs secretary furnish counseling treatment including use assisted reproductive technology spouse surrogate severely wounded veteran infertility condition incurred aggravated line duty enrolled health care system long spouse veteran apply jointly counseling treatment requires secretary enhance capabilities women veterans center respond requests assistance accessing health care benefits referral community resources obtain assistance services furnished amends caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act relating pilot program group retreat reintegration readjustment counseling women veterans recently separated service increase number locations counseling extend pilot program additional years requires pilot program act relating provision child care assistance certain veterans receiving health care extended years program established veterans_integrated_service_network current law program terminates years original commencement directs secretary carry pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing child care assistance veterans receiving need readjustment counseling related mental health services requires program continue years begun chosen secretary


Summary: Mental Health Access to Continued Care and Enhancement of Support Services Act of 2012 or Mental Health ACCESS Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: establish a position for the oversight and management of all suicide prevention and resilience programs and preventative behavioral health programs of the Department of Defense (DOD); develop and implement a program on the prevention of suicide among members of the Armed Forces (members); ensure that the continuing medical education provided to physicians in the military medical treatment system includes education and training on the triage and referral of individuals with mental health conditions; enter into a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs providing for the sharing between DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of the results of examinations and records under the medical tracking system for members deployed overseas; enter into a DOD-VA MOU providing for certain combat-experienced former members to be considered for employment as VA peer counselors; establish an organization to discharge certain responsibilities relating to DOD research and medical practices on mental health conditions standardize, assess, and monitor DOD medical evaluation boards, physical evaluation boards, and physical evaluation board liaison officers; submit an assessment of whether the military departments are fully compliant with the required use of the VA schedule for rating disabilities in making member disability determinations; contract for an independent assessment of whether the mental health care benefits available to members and their beneficiaries under the TRICARE program are adequate to meet their needs; and submit an assessment of the adequacy of the military medical treatment system to meet member needs for inpatient behavioral health care. Provides limited exceptions to the prohibition against the disclosure of the mental health condition of a member, the treatment of a member for such a condition, or the request of a member for such treatment. Requires the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to enter into a MOU with the DOD Secretary to establish procedures under which a member may deliver a controlled substance to another member or a DOE employee for disposal under provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. Authorizes the DOD Secretary, when determined necessary, to exempt behavioral health care providers licensed under the TRICARE program from state licensure requirements. Directs the VA Secretary to: (1) develop and implement measures to assess VA mental health care services, as well as guidelines for the staffing of such services; and (2) carry out a national outreach program to recruit mental health providers to provide such services for the VA on a part-time, no-compensation basis. Expands the Vet Center program of counseling to former members who served on active combat duty to include the furnishing of counseling to their family members. Authorizes the VA Secretary to furnish mental health care to immediate family members of members currently deployed in connection with a contingency operation. Establishes the Readjustment Counseling Service in the VA to provide veterans' readjustment and associated services. Authorizes the VA Secretary to reimburse up to $4,000 per year of the certification, recertification, and continuing professional education expenses of full-time VA psychiatrists. Requires (under current law, authorizes) the VA Secretary to carry out a counseling program for veteran peer counselors. Requires such program, as well as peer outreach and peer support services, to be carried out at each VA medical center.

mental health access continued care enhancement support services act mental health access act directs secretary defense establish position oversight management suicide prevention resilience programs preventative behavioral health programs department_of_defense dod develop implement program prevention suicide members armed_forces members ensure continuing medical education provided physicians military medical treatment system includes education training referral individuals mental health conditions enter joint memorandum understanding mou secretary veterans_affairs providing sharing dod department_of_veterans_affairs results examinations records medical tracking system members deployed overseas enter dod mou providing certain combat experienced members considered employment peer counselors establish organization discharge certain responsibilities relating dod research medical practices mental health conditions standardize assess monitor dod medical evaluation boards physical evaluation boards physical evaluation board liaison officers submit assessment military departments fully compliant required use schedule rating disabilities making member disability determinations contract independent assessment mental health care benefits available members beneficiaries tricare program adequate meet needs submit assessment adequacy military medical treatment system meet member needs inpatient behavioral health care provides limited exceptions prohibition disclosure mental health condition member treatment member condition request member treatment requires administrator drug_enforcement_administration dea enter mou dod secretary establish procedures member deliver controlled substance member doe employee disposal provisions controlled substances act authorizes dod secretary determined necessary exempt behavioral health care providers licensed tricare program state licensure requirements directs secretary develop implement measures assess mental health care services guidelines staffing services carry national outreach program recruit mental health providers provide services time compensation basis expands program counseling members served active combat duty include furnishing counseling family members authorizes secretary furnish mental health care immediate family members members currently deployed connection contingency operation establishes provide veterans readjustment associated services authorizes secretary reimburse year certification recertification continuing professional education expenses time psychiatrists requires current law authorizes secretary carry counseling program veteran peer counselors requires program peer outreach peer support services carried medical center


Summary: Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the Department of Labor for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to establish a program which issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran: (1) receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state, and (2) has at least 10 years of experience in a military occupational specialty that is similar to the civilian occupation for which such license or credential is required.

requires state condition receipt grant contract department_of_labor support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state years experience military occupational specialty similar civilian occupation license credential required


Summary: Transition Assistance Advisor Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish, as part of the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense (DOD), a Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program to provide professionals in each state to serve as statewide contacts to assist members of the Armed Forces in accessing benefits and health care furnished by DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires a minimum number of TAAs in each state based on the number of Army and Air National Guard members in such state. Provides additional TAA duties, including the provision of a military-to-civilian transition plan for such members and their families.

transition assistance advisor act directs secretary defense establish transition_assistance_program_of_the_department_of_defense dod transition assistance advisor taa program provide professionals state serve statewide contacts assist members armed_forces accessing benefits health care furnished dod department_of_veterans_affairs requires minimum number state based number army air_national_guard members state provides additional taa duties including provision military civilian transition plan members families


Summary: Veterans Small Business Protection Act of 2012 - Treats a small business acquired by the surviving spouse or dependent from a member of the Armed Forces killed during active duty as a small business owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) small business contracting goals and preferences. Continues such treatment for the period beginning on the date of the member's death and ending on the earlier of: (1) the date on which the surviving spouse remarries or relinquishes such ownership interest or ten years after the member's death, or (2) the date on which the surviving dependent relinquishes such ownership interest or ten years after the member's death.

treats small business acquired surviving spouse dependent member armed_forces killed active duty small business owned controlled service disabled veteran purposes department_of_veterans_affairs small business contracting goals preferences continues treatment period beginning date member death ending earlier date surviving spouse remarries relinquishes ownership interest years member death date surviving dependent relinquishes ownership interest years member death


Summary: Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training Practices Act or BEST Practices Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), no later than: (1) October 1, 2014, to develop, test, and validate human-based training methods for training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of combat injuries, with the goal of replacing live animal-based training methods; and (2) October 1, 2016, to use only use human-based training methods for such purposes. Prohibits the use of animals in such training after the latter date. Provides an exception when the Secretary determines that human-based training methods will not provide an educationally equivalent or superior substitute for live animal-based training methods. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on the development and implementation of the human-based training methods, as well as any exceptions implemented.

battlefield excellence superior training practices act best practices act requires secretary defense dod later october develop test validate human based training methods training members armed_forces treatment combat injuries goal replacing live animal based training methods october use use human based training methods purposes prohibits use animals training date provides exception secretary determines human based training methods provide educationally equivalent superior substitute live animal based training methods requires annual report secretary congressional defense committees development implementation human based training methods exceptions implemented


Summary: Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Secretary) to establish a veteran jobs corps to employ veterans: (1) in conservation, resource management, and historic preservation projects on public lands and maintenance and improvement projects for cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Cemetery Administration; and (2) as firefighters and law enforcement officers. Requires priority employment for veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Provides for such employment in coordination with the Attorney General, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Interior. Directs the Secretary to establish a steering committee for assistance in providing such employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing veterans seeking employment with access to computing facilities in order to: (1) match veterans with available jobs based on veterans' skills acquired as members of the Armed Forces, and (2) allow employers to post information about available jobs. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a license or certification as a nursing assistant, certified nursing assistant, commercial driver, emergency medical technician EMT-B or EMT-1, or emergency medical technician-paramedic. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum funding levels for specified veterans' benefits contracts and grants to ensure that each state receives sufficient funding to support at least one disabled veterans' outreach program specialist and one local veterans' employment representative per 5,000 square miles of service delivery area within the state. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the three-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to provide the Transition Assistance Program to veterans and their spouses at locations other than military installations in at least three and up to five states selected by the Secretary based on the highest rates of veteran unemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a 100% continuous levy upon the property and rights of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) providers and suppliers neglecting or refusing to pay taxes. Permits the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport to any individual upon receiving certification from the Secretary of the Treasury that such individual has a delinquent tax debt in an amount in excess of $50,000.

veterans jobs corps act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary establish veteran jobs corps employ veterans conservation resource management historic preservation projects public lands maintenance improvement projects cemeteries jurisdiction national_cemetery_administration firefighters law enforcement officers requires priority employment veterans served active duty september provides employment coordination attorney general commanding general homeland_security interior directs secretary establish steering committee assistance providing employment directs secretary labor commence pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing veterans seeking employment access computing facilities order match veterans available jobs based veterans skills acquired members armed_forces allow employers post information available jobs directs secretary condition grant contract state certain veterans employment training programs require state demonstrate consideration military training received veteran approving denying license certification nursing assistant certified nursing assistant commercial driver emergency medical technician emt emergency medical technician paramedic directs secretary labor establish minimum funding levels specified veterans benefits contracts grants ensure state receives sufficient funding support disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative square miles service delivery area state directs secretary labor year period beginning date enactment act provide transition_assistance_program veterans spouses locations military installations states selected secretary based highest rates veteran unemployment amends internal revenue code provide continuous levy property rights medicare title xviii social security act providers suppliers neglecting refusing pay taxes permits secretary state deny revoke limit passport individual receiving certification secretary treasury individual delinquent tax debt excess


Summary: Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Secretary) to establish a veteran jobs corps to employ veterans: (1) in conservation, resource management, and historic preservation projects on public lands and maintenance and improvement projects for cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Cemetery Administration; and (2) as firefighters and law enforcement officers. Requires priority employment for veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Provides for such employment in coordination with the Attorney General, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Interior. Directs the Secretary to establish a steering committee for assistance in providing such employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing veterans seeking employment with access to computing facilities in order to: (1) match veterans with available jobs based on veterans' skills acquired as members of the Armed Forces, and (2) allow employers to post information about available jobs. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a commercial driver's license or a certification to be a nursing assistant or certified nursing assistant, or an emergency medical technician or paramedic. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum funding levels for specified veterans' benefits contracts and grants to ensure that each state receives sufficient funding to support at least one disabled veterans' outreach program specialist and one local veterans' employment representative per 5,000 square miles of service delivery area within the state. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to provide the Transition Assistance Program to veterans and their spouses at locations other than military installations in at least three and up to five states selected by the Secretary based on the highest rates of veteran unemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a 100% continuous levy upon the property and rights of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) providers and suppliers neglecting or refusing to pay taxes. Repeals provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 providing for a program for the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies for ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production. Permits the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport to any individual upon receiving certification from the Secretary of the Treasury that such individual has a delinquent tax debt in an amount in excess of $50,000.

veterans jobs corps act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary establish veteran jobs corps employ veterans conservation resource management historic preservation projects public lands maintenance improvement projects cemeteries jurisdiction national_cemetery_administration firefighters law enforcement officers requires priority employment veterans served active duty september provides employment coordination attorney general commanding general homeland_security interior directs secretary establish steering committee assistance providing employment directs secretary labor commence pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing veterans seeking employment access computing facilities order match veterans available jobs based veterans skills acquired members armed_forces allow employers post information available jobs directs secretary condition grant contract state certain veterans employment training programs require state demonstrate consideration military training received veteran approving denying commercial driver license certification nursing assistant certified nursing assistant emergency medical technician paramedic directs secretary labor establish minimum funding levels specified veterans benefits contracts grants ensure state receives sufficient funding support disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative square miles service delivery area state directs secretary labor year period beginning date enactment act provide transition_assistance_program veterans spouses locations military installations states selected secretary based highest rates veteran unemployment amends internal revenue code provide continuous levy property rights medicare title xviii social security act providers suppliers neglecting refusing pay taxes repeals provisions energy policy act providing program research development demonstration commercial application technologies ultra deepwater unconventional natural gas petroleum resource exploration production permits secretary state deny revoke limit passport individual receiving certification secretary treasury individual delinquent tax debt excess


Summary: Military Religious Freedom Act of 2012 - Requires the Armed Forces to accommodate the conscience and sincerely held moral principles and religious beliefs of its members concerning the appropriate and inappropriate expression of human sexuality, and prohibits the Armed Forces from using such conscience, principles, or beliefs (beliefs) as the basis of any adverse personnel action, discrimination, or denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment. Prohibits any member from: (1) directing, ordering, or requiring a chaplain to perform any duty, rite, service, or function that is contrary to his or her beliefs; or (2) discriminating or taking any adverse personnel action against a chaplain for refusing to comply with a direction, order, or requirement that is against his or her beliefs. Prohibits a military installation or other property owned, rented, or under the jurisdiction or control of the Department of Defense (DOD) from being used to officiate, solemnize, or perform a marriage or marriage-like ceremony involving anything other than the union of one man with one woman.

military religious freedom act requires armed forces accommodate conscience sincerely held moral principles religious beliefs members concerning appropriate inappropriate expression human sexuality prohibits armed_forces conscience principles beliefs beliefs basis adverse personnel action discrimination denial promotion schooling training assignment prohibits member directing ordering requiring chaplain perform duty service function contrary beliefs discriminating taking adverse personnel action chaplain refusing comply direction order requirement beliefs prohibits military installation property owned rented jurisdiction control department_of_defense dod perform marriage marriage like ceremony involving union man woman


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish a process for determining whether individuals who served in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines or in the Philippine Scouts while in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and who are not included in the Missouri List are eligible for certain benefits relating to their U.S. service.

directs secretary defense dod establish process determining individuals served organized military forces government commonwealth philippines scouts service included eligible certain benefits relating service


Summary: VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2016 the work opportunity tax credit for hiring veterans, (2) revise tax credit eligibility requirements for documenting the status of veterans and their receipt of unemployment compensation, and (3) extend the payroll tax offset for such credit to certain for-profit employers.

extension act amends internal revenue code extend work opportunity tax credit hiring veterans revise tax credit eligibility requirements documenting status veterans receipt unemployment compensation extend payroll tax offset credit certain profit employers


Summary: Careers for Veterans Act of 2012 - Directs the head of each federal agency to develop a plan for exercising, during the five-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, current Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authority to hire qualified veterans for positions within the federal government. Includes as qualified veterans those who: (1) are disabled or recently separated; (2) served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; or (3) while serving on active duty, participated in a military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that, under such plans, agencies shall appoint no less than 10,000 qualified veterans during the five-year period. Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the VA for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to establish a program which issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran: (1) receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state, and (2) has at least 10 years of experience in a military occupational specialty that is similar to the civilian occupation for which such license or credential is required. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) furnish each one-stop (job search) center with a list of all Internet websites and applications identified as beneficial for veterans in pursuit of employment; and (2) coordinate with public and private entities to identify websites and applications not included on such list that match veterans seeking employment with available jobs based on skills acquired as members of the Armed Forces, and allow employers to post information about available jobs. Expands VA small business contracting goals to include small businesses fully, but conditionally, owned by one or more veterans. Treats the surviving spouse of a service-disabled veteran who acquires the ownership interest in a small business of the deceased veteran as such veteran, for purposes of eligibility for VA service-disabled small business contracting goals and preferences, for a period of: (1) 10 years after the veteran's death, if such veteran was either 100% disabled or died from a service-connected disability; or (2) 3 years after such death, if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did not die from a service-connected disability. Treats a small business acquired by the surviving spouse or dependent from a member killed during active duty as a small business owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals and preferences. Continues such treatment for the period beginning on the date of the member's death and ending on the earlier of the date on which the surviving spouse remarries or relinquishes, or the date on which the surviving dependent relinquishes, such ownership interest or ten years after the member's death. Provides that if the Secretary determines, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals, that an individual would have had a greater degree of ownership of a small business in a state other than a community property state, then the Secretary shall treat such small business as licensed in a non-community property state. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the three-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, to provide the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to veterans and their spouses at locations other than military installations in at least three, and up to five, states selected by the Secretary based on the highest rates of veteran unemployment.

careers veterans act directs head federal agency develop plan exercising year period beginning enactment act current department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs authority hire qualified veterans positions federal government includes qualified veterans disabled recently separated served active duty war campaign expedition campaign badge authorized serving active duty participated military operation armed_forces service medal awarded requires director ensure plans agencies shall appoint qualified veterans year period requires state condition receipt grant contract support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state years experience military occupational specialty similar civilian occupation license credential required directs secretary labor furnish stop job search center list internet websites applications identified beneficial veterans pursuit employment coordinate public private entities identify websites applications included list match veterans seeking employment available jobs based skills acquired members armed_forces allow employers post information available jobs expands small business contracting goals include small businesses fully conditionally owned veterans treats surviving spouse service disabled veteran acquires ownership interest small business deceased veteran veteran purposes eligibility service disabled small business contracting goals preferences period years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability treats small business acquired surviving spouse dependent member killed active duty small business owned controlled service disabled veteran purposes small business contracting goals preferences continues treatment period beginning date member death ending earlier date surviving spouse remarries relinquishes date surviving dependent relinquishes ownership interest years member death provides secretary determines purposes small business contracting goals individual greater degree ownership small business state community property state secretary shall treat small business licensed non community property state directs secretary labor year period beginning enactment act provide transition_assistance_program tap veterans spouses locations military installations states selected secretary based highest rates veteran unemployment


Summary: Honoring Service Through National Park Access Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make a lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available, at a cost of $10, to veterans who were separated from military service under conditions other than dishonorable.

honoring service national park access act directs secretary interior secretary agriculture usda lifetime available cost veterans separated military service conditions dishonorable


Summary: Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2012 or HAVEN Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to award grants to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve veterans or low-income individuals. Requires such grants to be used to rehabilitate and modify the primary residence of disabled or low-income veterans (at a specified limited or no cost to such veterans). Limits grant amounts to $1 million per organization. Requires the Secretary to direct the oversight of grant fund use. Requires a minimum of 50% matching funds by participating organizations.

housing assistance veterans act haven act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud establish pilot program award grants nonprofit organizations primarily serve veterans low income individuals requires grants rehabilitate modify primary residence disabled low income veterans specified limited cost veterans limits grant amounts million organization requires secretary direct oversight grant fund use requires minimum matching funds participating organizations


Summary: Streamlining Services for Older Veterans Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include status as a veteran among the categories of greatest social need based on noneconomic factors. Requires state and area plans to include information on how the state and area agencies on: (1) aging will engage in outreach to veterans eligible for services under such Act, and (2) effective and efficient procedures for the coordination of services provided under that Act with services provided to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other providers.

streamlining services older veterans act amends older americans act include status veteran categories greatest social need based noneconomic factors requires state area plans include information state area agencies aging engage outreach veterans eligible services act effective efficient procedures coordination services provided act services provided veterans department_of_veterans_affairs providers


Summary: Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012 - Revises certain commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements with which a state must comply in order to avoid the administrative penalty of a withholding by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) of a percentage of the state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway program funds. Permits a state to issue a CDL to an individual who operates or will operate a commercial motor vehicle and who: (1) is an active duty member of the Armed Forces, including the military reserves, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, or Coast Guard Auxiliary; and (2) is not domiciled in the state, but whose temporary or permanent duty station is located there.

military commercial driver revises certain commercial driver license cdl requirements state comply order avoid administrative penalty withholding secretary transportation dot percentage state apportionment certain federal aid highway program funds permits state issue cdl individual operates operate commercial motor vehicle active duty member armed_forces including military reserves national_guard coast_guard_auxiliary domiciled state temporary permanent duty station located


Summary: Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 2012 - Prohibits any person convicted under federal or state law of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or incest from being commissioned or enlisting in the Armed Forces. Requires administrative separation from the Armed Forces, when not punitively discharged, for any member of the Armed Forces (member) on active duty, and any reserve member in an active status, who is convicted of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or an attempt thereof (covered offenses). Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive such a separation in the interests of national security on a case-by-case basis. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), with respect to any charge under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that alleges any of the covered offenses, to require the military department Secretaries to restrict disposition authority to specified high-command officers authorized to convene special courts-martial under the UCMJ. States as the policy of the United States that any charge regarding the covered offenses should be disposed of by court-martial rather than non-judicial punishment or administrative action. Requires inclusion in a member's personnel service record of a substantiated complaint of a sexual-related offense. Requires commanding officer review of a member's history of substantiated sexual offenses upon a member's transfer to the new command. Requires sexual assault forms and records to be retained for at least 50 years. Amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to add additional required information within annual reports on sexual assaults involving members. Establishes an independent panel to review and assess UCMJ judicial proceedings involving sexual assault and related offenses for purposes of developing potential improvements to such proceedings. Directs the Secretary to develop a comprehensive policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the Armed Forces. Requires related reports.

military sexual assault prevention act prohibits person convicted federal state law rape sexual assault forcible sodomy incest commissioned armed_forces requires administrative separation armed_forces discharged member armed_forces member active duty reserve member active status convicted rape sexual assault forcible sodomy attempt thereof covered offenses allows secretary military department concerned waive separation interests national security case case basis directs secretary defense dod respect charge uniform code military justice ucmj alleges covered offenses require military department secretaries restrict disposition authority specified high command officers authorized convene special courts martial ucmj states policy united_states charge covered offenses disposed court martial non judicial punishment administrative action requires inclusion member personnel service record substantiated complaint sexual related offense requires commanding officer review member history substantiated sexual offenses member transfer new command requires sexual assault forms records retained years amends ike skelton national defense authorization act fiscal year add additional required information annual reports sexual assaults involving members establishes independent panel review assess ucmj judicial proceedings involving sexual assault related offenses purposes developing potential improvements proceedings directs secretary develop comprehensive policy prevent respond sexual harassment armed_forces requires related reports


Summary:
Man in the Sea Memorial Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to permit a third party to establish and maintain, at a suitable location at the former Navy Dive School at the Washington Navy Yard (District of Columbia) a memorial to honor members of the Armed Forces who have served as divers and whose service in defense of the United States has been carried out beneath the waters of the world.

Prohibits the use of federal funds for designing, procuring, preparing, installing, or maintaining the memorial.

man sea memorial act authorizes secretary navy permit party establish maintain suitable location district columbia memorial honor members armed_forces served service defense united_states carried beneath waters world prohibits use federal funds designing procuring preparing installing maintaining memorial


Summary:
Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act - States that it is the policy of the United States to ensure that funds made available for operations of the Armed Forces in Afghanistan are to be used only for providing for the safe and orderly withdrawal of all U.S. military personnel and Department of Defense (DOD) contractor personnel in Afghanistan.

Allows such funds to be obligated and expended only for such purpose.

responsible end war afghanistan act states policy united_states ensure funds available operations armed_forces afghanistan providing safe orderly withdrawal military personnel department_of_defense dod contractor personnel afghanistan allows funds obligated expended purpose


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to award the Army Combat Action Badge to any member of the Army who participated in combat during which the person actually engaged, or was personally engaged by, the enemy at any time between December 7, 1941, and September 18, 2001, as long as such person has not been previously recognized for such participation.

authorizes secretary army award member army participated combat person actually engaged personally engaged enemy time december september long person previously recognized participation


Summary: Directs the Secretary of each military department to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces under their jurisdiction receives an audiometric test at the 8000 Hz frequency (or an equivalent test) to evaluate the hearing of such member during the 90-day period before the member is discharged, separated, or retired.

directs secretary military department ensure member armed_forces jurisdiction receives test frequency equivalent test evaluate hearing member day period member discharged separated retired


Summary:
Protect Our Military Trainees Act - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to establish sexual assault and abusive sexual contact offenses that prohibit covered military instructors from committing sexual acts upon, or causing sexual contact upon or by, members of the armed forces undergoing basic training if the military instructor exercised supervisory authority over the member.

Requires violators to be punished as a court-martial may direct.

Defines "covered military instructors" as drill sergeants in the Army, drill instructors in the Marine Corps, recruit division commanders in the Navy, military training instructors in the Air Force, company commanders in the Coast Guard, and such other members as the Secretary concerned may designate as having supervisory authority over new recruits undergoing basic training or its equivalent.

Prohibits consent from being a defense in any such prosecution.

establish sexual assault abusive sexual contact offenses prohibit covered military instructors committing sexual acts causing sexual contact members armed forces undergoing basic training military instructor exercised supervisory authority member requires violators punished court martial direct defines covered military instructors drill sergeants army drill instructors marine_corps recruit division commanders navy military training instructors air_force company commanders coast_guard members secretary concerned designate having supervisory authority new recruits undergoing basic training equivalent prohibits consent defense prosecution


Summary: Sets a maximum age limit of 40 years for an original appointment to a position as a federal law enforcement officer in the case of individuals who have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Increases the age at which such an individual must be separated from service as an officer to 60 years of age, with an authorized exemption until age 63.

sets maximum age limit years original appointment position federal law enforcement officer case individuals discharged released active duty armed_forces honorable conditions increases age individual separated service officer years age authorized exemption age


Summary: Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act - Considers a person a spouse, for purposes of military personnel policies and military and veterans' benefits, if the marriage of the individual is valid in the state in which the marriage was entered into or, in the case of a marriage entered into outside any state, if the marriage is valid in the place in which the marriage was entered into and the marriage could have been entered into in a state. Includes as a state the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. territories and possessions.

military spouses equal treatment act considers person spouse purposes military personnel policies military veterans benefits marriage individual valid state marriage entered case marriage entered outside state marriage valid place marriage entered marriage entered state includes state district_of_columbia commonwealths puerto_rico northern_mariana_islands territories possessions


Summary: Reserve Retirement Deployment Credit Correction Act - Requires the days of active duty or active service used to reduce the minimum age at which a member of the reserves may retire for non-regular (reserve) service to occur in in any two consecutive fiscal years (under current law, in the same fiscal year).

reserve retirement deployment credit correction act requires days active duty active service reduce minimum age member reserves retire non regular reserve service occur consecutive fiscal years current law fiscal year


Summary: Military Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act - Provides whistleblower protections to a member of the Armed Forces who complains or discloses evidence of ideologically based threats or actions of another member that the providing member reasonably believes could be counterproductive or detrimental to U.S. interests or security.

military whistleblower protection enhancement act provides whistleblower protections member armed_forces discloses evidence based threats actions member providing member reasonably believes detrimental interests security


Summary: Truth in Trials Act - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow any person on trial for a federal marijuana-related offense to introduce evidence that the alleged marijuana-related activities were performed in compliance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana, (2) allow an affirmative defense to a marijuana prosecution that the alleged marijuana-related activities complied with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana, (3) limit the criminal liability of persons convicted of federal marijuana-related offenses, (4) require the preservation and return (if a defendant is acquitted) of property seized in connection with a marijuana prosecution, and (5) prohibit the seizure of plants grown or stored under a physician's recommendation or by order of a state or municipal agency in accordance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana.

truth trials act amends federal criminal code allow person trial federal marijuana related offense introduce evidence alleged marijuana related activities performed compliance state law medical use marijuana allow affirmative defense marijuana prosecution alleged marijuana related activities complied state law medical use marijuana limit criminal liability persons convicted federal marijuana related offenses require preservation return defendant property seized connection marijuana prosecution prohibit seizure plants grown stored physician recommendation order state municipal agency accordance state law medical use marijuana


Summary:
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to include females (under current law, only males) between the ages of 18 and 26 within military service registration requirements.

Makes such amendment effective 60 days after the enactment of this Act.

amends military_selective_service act include females current law males ages military service registration requirements makes amendment effective days enactment act


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), in order to continue and expand the DOD report submitted in 2011, to establish the Task Force on Urotrauma to: (1) conduct a study on urotrauma (injury to the urinary tract from a penetrating, blunt, blast, thermal, chemical, or biological cause) among members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and (2) provide an interim and final report to the congressional defense and veterans committees on such study.

directs secretary defense dod order continue expand dod report submitted establish conduct study injury tract penetrating thermal chemical biological cause members armed_forces veterans provide interim final report congressional defense veterans committees study


Summary: Efficient Service for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to jointly ensure that certain VA readjustment counseling centers have access to the Defense Personnel Record Image Retrieval and the VA/DOD Identity Repository Systems.

veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary defense dod jointly ensure certain readjustment counseling centers access


Summary: Fairness for Military Homeowners Act of 2013 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit the absence of a servicemember from his or her principal place of residence due to active-duty military service from preventing such servicemember from refinancing a mortgage on such residence. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to a servicemember who entered into a refinancing on such residence within the past five years.

fairness military homeowners act amends servicemembers civil relief act prohibit absence servicemember principal place residence active duty military service preventing servicemember refinancing mortgage residence makes prohibition inapplicable servicemember entered refinancing residence past years


Summary: Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to carry out tuition assistance programs for members of the Armed Forces during the remainder of FY2013, using funds appropriated for such programs under the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 reduced by a specified budget sequestration percentage.

directs secretaries military departments carry tuition assistance programs members armed_forces remainder fy2013 funds appropriated programs consolidated continuing appropriations act reduced specified budget sequestration percentage


Summary:
Military Family Leave Act of 2013 - Entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Allows such leave to: (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate.

Allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request.

Provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave. Prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

military family leave act entitles employed family member member armed_forces receives notification order active duty support contingency operation deployed connection contingency operation workweeks leave year family member called deployed allows leave taken intermittently reduced leave schedule consist paid unpaid leave employer considers appropriate allows employer require certification entitlement leave leave request provides employment benefits protection employees return leave prohibits employer interfering denying exercise leave rights


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), within one year after the enactment of this Act, to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at or underwent training at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada (Gagetown), during the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on December 31, 2006, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Gagetown; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

Requires an annual Registry report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees.

directs secretary veterans_affairs year enactment act establish maintain special record known containing individual serving armed_forces stationed training canada period beginning january ending december applies care services files claim compensation basis disability associated service dies survived spouse child parent files claim dependency indemnity compensation basis service requests health examination receives health examination requests inclusion registry requires secretary request provide health examination consultation counseling respect examination results directs secretary notify individuals registry significant developments research health consequences potential exposure toxic substance environmental hazard related service carry appropriate outreach activities respect health examinations consultation counseling requires annual registry report secretary congressional veterans committees


Summary: Entitles to post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance the child of a person who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies as the result of a service-connected disability. (Under current law, such assistance is available only to the child of a person who, on or after such date, dies in the line of duty while serving on active duty.)

entitles veterans educational assistance child person september dies result service connected disability current law assistance available child person date dies line duty serving active duty


Summary:
Military Suicide Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide a one-on-one mental health assessment for each member of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation once during each 180-day period of such deployment.

Requires that, if the Secretary determines that such assessment cannot be performed by personnel trained and certified to do so, the Secretary shall ensure that the assessment is conducted using an Internet-based questionnaire. Requires, in such case, that the commanding officer (CO) of such member also complete a separate questionnaire containing the CO's observations with respect to the mental health of that member. Requires such questionnaires to: (1) be reviewed and acted upon by trained and certified mental health personnel, and (2) be accorded appropriate privacy under requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

military suicide reduction act requires secretary defense dod provide mental health assessment member armed_forces deployed support contingency operation day period deployment requires secretary determines assessment performed personnel trained certified secretary shall ensure assessment conducted internet based questionnaire requires case commanding officer member complete separate questionnaire containing observations respect mental health member requires reviewed acted trained certified mental health personnel accorded appropriate privacy requirements health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act


Summary: POW/MIA Accounting and Recovery Support Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to allow DOD civilian employees who are required to take a furlough that would otherwise occur during their deployment in support of accounting and recovery efforts by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command to take such furlough after returning from the deployment.

pow recovery support act requires secretary defense dod allow dod civilian employees required furlough occur deployment support accounting recovery efforts joint pow furlough returning deployment


Summary:
Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act or STOP Act - Establishes a Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Council, composed mainly of civilians, as an independent entity from the chain of command of the Department of Defense (DOD).

Directs the Council to: (1) appoint personnel to the Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office, and advise such Office; (2) appoint the Director of Military Prosecutions (Director); (3) review each request of the Director with respect to a case stemming from a sexual-related offense that has been referred to a military appellate court or to the Department of Justice (DOJ); and (4) submit to the Secretary of Defense, Congress, and the Attorney General a report on each Director request for referral to a higher court. Requires the Council to advise on the development of sexual assault reporting protocols, risk-reduction and response training, and policy.

Establishes within DOD the Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office, headed by an Executive Director, to undertake specified duties and responsibilities relating to the investigation, prevention, and reduction of sexual assault incidents within the Armed Forces. Requires the Office to establish protocols to ensure that all reports of sexual assault are taken out of the chain of command and reported directly to the Office.

Establishes the position of Director of Military Prosecutions, appointed by the Council, to have independent and final authority to oversee the prosecution of all sexual-related offenses committed by a member of the Armed Forces, and to refer such cases to trial by courts-martial.

prevention act stop act establishes sexual assault oversight composed civilians independent entity chain command department_of_defense dod directs council appoint personnel response_office advise office appoint director military prosecutions director review request director respect case stemming sexual related offense referred military appellate court department_of_justice doj submit secretary defense congress attorney general report director request referral higher court requires council advise development sexual assault reporting protocols risk reduction response training policy establishes dod sexual assault oversight response_office headed executive director undertake specified duties responsibilities relating investigation prevention reduction sexual assault incidents armed_forces requires office establish protocols ensure reports sexual assault taken chain command reported directly office establishes position appointed council independent final authority oversee prosecution sexual related offenses committed member armed_forces refer cases trial courts martial


Summary: Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. Defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.

military spouse job continuity act amends internal revenue code allow spouse member armed_forces military spouse moves member state permanent change station order tax credit qualified relicensing costs incurred spouse defines qualified relicensing costs costs state license certification engage profession military spouse engaged residing state


Summary:
Accessing Military Education Benefits Act - Provides that when a member of the Armed Forces is assigned to duty in an area for which hostile fire, imminent danger, or hazardous duty pay is authorized, the Secretary of Defense (DOD) shall ensure that, if such member has any direct student loans, the member shall automatically obtain the benefits of the Higher Education Act of 1965 which prohibit the accrual of student loan interest for active-duty military personnel.

Requires the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the implementation of such requirement.

accessing military education benefits member armed_forces assigned duty area hostile fire imminent danger hazardous duty pay authorized secretary defense dod shall ensure member direct student loans member shall automatically obtain benefits higher education act prohibit accrual student loan interest active duty military personnel requires secretary submit congressional defense committees plan implementation requirement


Summary: Aviation Teams Helping Our Municipalities' Economies Act of 2013 or AT HOME Act of 2013 - Prohibits any funds available to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) for FY2014-FY2015 from being used for the performance of flight demonstration teams under DOD jurisdiction at any location outside the United States.

aviation teams helping municipalities economies act home act prohibits funds available secretary defense dod fy2014 fy2015 performance flight demonstration teams dod jurisdiction location outside united_states


Summary:
Deployed Troops Support Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to transport to any country, on a space-available basis and without charge, supplies that have been furnished by a nonprofit organization and intended for distribution to members of the Armed Forces.

Prohibits such transportation unless the Secretary determines that: (1) such transportation is consistent with U.S. policies, (2) the supplies are suitable for transportation and in usable condition, (3) there is a legitimate need for the supplies, and (4) adequate arrangements have been made for their distribution.

Makes the nonprofit organization responsible for ensuring the suitability for transport of such supplies. Allows the supplies to be distributed by the U.S. government or a nonprofit organization.

deployed troops support act authorizes secretary defense dod transport country space available basis charge supplies furnished nonprofit organization intended distribution members armed_forces prohibits transportation secretary determines transportation consistent policies supplies suitable transportation usable condition legitimate need supplies adequate arrangements distribution makes nonprofit organization responsible ensuring suitability transport supplies allows supplies distributed government nonprofit organization


Summary:
Makes the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity for survivors of members of the reserves who die from an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during inactive-duty training the same as such annuity for survivors of members of the regular Armed Forces who die in the line of duty while on active duty. Provides the same increase with respect to the payment of an SBP annuity to a dependent child or children when there is no eligible surviving spouse.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to adjust SBP payment amounts to reflect such changes.

makes survivor benefit plan sbp annuity survivors members reserves die injury illness incurred aggravated line duty inactive duty training annuity survivors members regular armed_forces die line duty active duty provides increase respect payment sbp annuity dependent child children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary defense dod adjust sbp payment amounts reflect changes


Summary:
Troop Talent Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretaries of the military departments, to the maximum extent practicable, to make information on civilian credentialing opportunities available to members of the Armed Forces (members) beginning with, and at every stage of, their training for military occupational specialities, in order to permit such members to: (1) evaluate the extent to which such training correlates with skills and training required for various civilian certifications and licenses, and (2) assess the suitability of such training for obtaining and pursuing such certifications and licenses.

Requires the information made available to: (1) be consistent with the Transition Goals Plans Success program, and (2) include information on the civilian occupational equivalents of military occupational specialties.

Requires such Secretaries to make available to civilian credentialing agencies specified information on the content of military training provided to members.

Allows members or veterans to use educational assistance provided through the Department of Defense (DOD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in pursuit of a civilian certification or license only if the successful completion of a curriculum fully qualifies such student to take the appropriate examination and be certified or licensed to meet any other academic conditions required for entry into that occupation or profession.

Requires the military occupational specialties designated for a military skills to civilian credentialing pilot program under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to include those specialties relating to the military information technology workforce.

Directs the VA Secretary to reestablish the Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee (under current law, terminated on December 31, 2006). Provides additional Committee duties, including the development of: (1) guidance for audits of licensure and certification programs in order to ensure high-quality education to members and veterans, and (2) a plan to improve outreach to members and veterans on the importance of licensing and certification and the availability of educational benefits.

troop talent act directs secretaries military departments maximum extent practicable information civilian credentialing opportunities available members armed_forces members beginning stage training military occupational order permit members evaluate extent training skills training required civilian certifications licenses assess suitability training obtaining pursuing certifications licenses requires information available consistent transition goals plans success program include information civilian occupational equivalents military occupational specialties requires secretaries available civilian credentialing agencies specified information content military training provided members allows members veterans use educational assistance provided department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs pursuit civilian certification license successful completion curriculum fully qualifies student appropriate examination certified licensed meet academic conditions required entry occupation profession requires military occupational specialties designated military skills civilian credentialing pilot program national defense authorization act fiscal year include specialties relating military information technology workforce directs secretary reestablish current law terminated december provides additional committee duties including development guidance audits licensure certification programs order ensure high quality education members veterans plan improve outreach members veterans importance licensing certification availability educational benefits


Summary: United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service) to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one, and (2) the discharge to be issued within one year after enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of the enactment of this Act for any period before this Act's enactment date.

united_states_cadet_nurse_corps equity act deems service person member united_states_cadet_nurse_corps july december qualified service active military service purposes laws administered department_of_veterans_affairs requires secretary defense dod issue honorable discharge person qualified service warrants discharge issued year enactment act prohibits benefits paid persons result enactment act period act enactment date


Summary:
Military Family Home Protection Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (the Act) to allow a court, in an action to enforce an obligation on real or personal property secured by a mortgage against a servicemember who is, or was, eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger pay during a period of military service, a servicemember placed on convalescent status, a veteran who was medically discharged and retired, or the surviving spouse of a member who died during military service, to stay such proceedings, upon request of a covered individual, for a specified period (generally, one year after the event occurred for which the individual became covered). Prohibits the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of the subject property during such period, except upon a court order or pursuant to an agreement authorized under the Act. Requires the individual so covered to notify the mortgagee, trustee, or other creditor of such coverage. Provides a criminal penalty for violations of the sale or foreclosure prohibitions, and increases current civil penalties for mortgage violations under the Act. Prohibits an individual from being denied or refused credit solely by reason of eligibility for relief under this Act.

Requires a servicemember-mortgagor who does not reside in the mortgage-secured residence due to military relocation and who inquires about, or applies for, a refinancing to be considered to occupy such residence during the period of the relocation.

Requires each lending institution acting as a creditor to such servicemember, veteran, or surviving spouse to designate an employee responsible for ensuring the institution's compliance with the requirements of this Act. Requires any such institution that had prior annual assets of $10 billion or more to maintain on its primary website a toll-free number for information concerning such requirements.

military family home protection act amends servicemembers civil relief act act allow court action enforce obligation real personal property secured mortgage servicemember eligible hostile fire imminent danger pay period military service servicemember placed convalescent status veteran medically discharged retired surviving spouse member died military service stay proceedings request covered individual specified period generally year event occurred individual covered prohibits sale foreclosure seizure subject property period court order pursuant agreement authorized act requires individual covered notify mortgagee trustee creditor coverage provides criminal penalty violations sale foreclosure prohibitions increases current civil penalties mortgage violations act prohibits individual denied refused credit solely reason eligibility relief act requires servicemember mortgagor reside mortgage secured residence military relocation inquires applies refinancing considered occupy residence period relocation requires lending institution acting creditor servicemember veteran surviving spouse designate employee responsible ensuring institution compliance requirements act requires institution prior annual assets billion maintain primary website toll free number information concerning requirements


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with respect to the Coast Guard, or any of the military departments to investigate allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications to such Inspector General regarding alleged instances of rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated requires inspector general department_of_defense dod department_of_homeland_security dhs respect coast_guard military departments investigate allegations retaliatory personnel actions taken response making protected communications inspector general alleged instances rape sexual assault forms sexual misconduct violation uniform code military justice


Summary:
Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments Act of 2013 or BE SAFE Act - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to repeal the authority of a convening authority (the person taking action on the findings of a court-martial) to use discretion to either set aside a finding of guilty or change such finding to a finding of guilty to a lesser included offense (except with respect to a minor offense). Requires a convening authority, when changing a charge with respect to a minor offense, to prepare a written explanation of such action, which shall be made part of the record.

Prohibits a convening authority from reducing a sentence to less than the mandatory minimum sentence, unless to reflect the substantial assistance by the accused in the investigation or prosecution of another person who has committed an offense. Requires a convening authority who disapproves, commutes, or suspends a sentence, in whole or in part, to prepare a detailed written explanation therefor, which shall be made part of the record.

Requires mandatory dismissal or dishonorable discharge of a person found guilty under the UCMJ of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or an attempt thereof.

Eliminates any statute of limitations with respect to UCMJ actions for sexual assault of a child.

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide guidance for commanders regarding their authority to make determinations, and to take action, regarding whether a member of the Armed Forces (member) serving on active duty who is alleged to have committed a sexual assault or other sex-related offense should be temporarily reassigned or removed from a position of authority or assignment in order to maintain order and discipline within the member's unit.

Directs the Secretary concerned to designate legal counsel (knows as a Victims' Counsel) to provide legal assistance to a member or dependent who is the victim of a sex-related offense, whether the allegation is restricted (confidential) or unrestricted. Requires enhanced training for all military and civilian attorneys providing such assistance.

Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to the congressional defense committees on: (1) sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentencing provisions under the UCMJ, and (2) the roles of commanders in the administration of military justice and the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of UCMJ offenses.

safe act amends uniform code military justice ucmj repeal authority convening authority person taking action findings court martial use discretion set aside finding guilty change finding finding guilty lesser included offense respect minor offense requires convening authority changing charge respect minor offense prepare written explanation action shall record prohibits convening authority reducing sentence mandatory minimum sentence reflect substantial assistance accused investigation prosecution person committed offense requires convening authority disapproves commutes suspends sentence prepare detailed written explanation therefor shall record requires mandatory dismissal dishonorable discharge person found guilty ucmj rape sexual assault forcible sodomy attempt thereof eliminates statute limitations respect ucmj actions sexual assault child authorizes secretary military department concerned provide guidance commanders authority determinations action member armed_forces member serving active duty alleged committed sexual assault sex related offense temporarily reassigned removed position authority assignment order maintain order discipline member unit directs secretary concerned designate legal counsel knows victims counsel provide legal assistance member dependent victim sex related offense allegation restricted confidential unrestricted requires enhanced training military civilian attorneys providing assistance requires secretary defense dod report congressional defense committees sentencing guidelines mandatory minimum sentencing provisions ucmj roles commanders administration military justice investigation prosecution adjudication ucmj offenses


Summary:
Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act - Requires a lapel button, to be known as the children of military service members commemorative lapel button, to be designed, as approved by the Secretary of Defense (DOD), to identify and recognize child dependents of members of the Armed Forces who serve on active duty for more than 30 days. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design and manufacture of the button, as well as mechanisms to facilitate its issuance.

Makes such button available retroactively to the child of any member satisfying such eligibility conditions before the enactment of this Act.

Requires the Secretary to notify members with qualifying service since September 11, 2001, of the availability of the button.

members commemorative lapel pin act requires lapel button known children military service members commemorative lapel button designed approved secretary defense dod identify recognize child dependents members armed_forces serve active duty days expresses sense congress secretary expedite design manufacture button mechanisms facilitate issuance makes button available retroactively child member satisfying eligibility conditions enactment act requires secretary notify members qualifying service september availability button


Summary: Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide that if a court renders a temporary order for custodial responsibility for a child based solely on a deployment or anticipated deployment of a parent-servicemember, then the court shall require that upon the return of that servicemember from deployment the custody order that was in effect preceding such deployment shall be reinstated, unless the court finds that reinstatement in not in the child's best interest. Prohibits a servicemember's deployment or possible deployment from being considered as the sole factor in the determination of a child's best interest in a motion seeking a permanent order to modify custody. Provides that under a temporary custody order, if a state law provides a higher standard of protection to the deploying parent-servicemember, then the appropriate court shall apply the higher standard.

amends servicemembers civil relief act provide court renders temporary order custodial responsibility child based solely deployment anticipated deployment parent servicemember court shall require return servicemember deployment custody order effect preceding deployment shall reinstated court finds reinstatement child best interest prohibits servicemember deployment possible deployment considered sole factor determination child best interest motion seeking permanent order modify custody provides temporary custody order state law provides higher standard protection deploying parent servicemember appropriate court shall apply higher standard


Summary:
Oversight of Sensitive Military Operations Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to notify the congressional defense and appropriations committees of any sensitive military operation (a lethal or capture operation conducted by U.S. Armed Forces outside the United States) promptly following such operation. Requires: (1) the Secretary to submit to such committees procedures for complying with such requirement consistent with U.S. national security and the protection of operational integrity, and (2) such committees to ensure that committee procedures designed to protect the unauthorized disclosure of U.S. national security information are sufficient to protect the information submitted. Makes the notification requirement inapplicable to a sensitive military operation executed within Afghanistan pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Requires the Secretary to submit to such committees an explanation of the legal and policy considerations and approval processes used in determining whether an individual or group could become the target of a sensitive military operation.

Directs the Secretary to provide such committees quarterly briefings on DOD counterterrorism operations and related activities involving special operations forces.

oversight sensitive military operations act directs secretary defense dod notify congressional defense appropriations committees sensitive military operation lethal capture operation conducted outside united_states promptly following operation requires secretary submit committees procedures complying requirement consistent national security protection operational integrity committees ensure committee procedures designed protect unauthorized disclosure national security information sufficient protect information submitted makes notification requirement inapplicable sensitive military operation executed afghanistan pursuant authorization use military force requires secretary submit committees explanation legal policy considerations approval processes determining individual group target sensitive military operation directs secretary provide committees quarterly briefings dod counterterrorism operations related activities involving special operations forces


Summary:
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Deployment Act or SANE Deployment Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to direct the Secretary of each military department to assign at least one Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (Examiner) to each brigade or equivalent unit level under that Secretary's jurisdiction, unless assignment to other units is determined to be more practicable and effective by the Secretary of Defense (DOD). Allows the assignment of more than one Examiner as necessary based on the demographics or needs of a unit. Allows for the waiver of such assignment for a specific unit level if a department Secretary determines that compliance will impose an undue burden, but requires congressional notification and justification therefor.

Requires that, on and after October 1, 2015, only members of the Armed Forces and civilian DOD employees may be assigned as Examiners.

 Requires appropriate Examiner training and certification.

sexual assault nurse examiner deployment act deployment act amends national defense authorization act fiscal year direct secretary military department assign sexual assault nurse examiner adult adolescent examiner brigade equivalent unit level secretary jurisdiction assignment units determined practicable effective secretary defense dod allows assignment examiner necessary based demographics needs unit allows waiver assignment specific unit level department secretary determines compliance impose undue burden requires congressional notification justification therefor requires october members armed_forces civilian dod employees assigned examiners requires appropriate examiner training certification