Love Lives On Act of 2023

4/13/2024, 4:05 AM

Love Lives On Act of 2023

This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans.

First, the bill removes the expiration on a surviving spouses' entitlement to educational assistance through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship).

The bill also provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation to such spouse.

Next, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries.

Additionally, the bill provides commissary store and MWR retail facility (e.g., exchange store) access to surviving spouses regardless of the martial status of the spouse. Such spouses must be entitled to use such stores and facilities to the same extent and on the same basis as surviving spouses who did not remarry.

The bill expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment.

Finally, the bill modifies the definition of a surviving spouse for purposes of veterans benefits to include same sex marriages.

The Love Lives On Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 3651, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide support and resources for families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

The main provisions of the Love Lives On Act include the establishment of a national suicide prevention hotline, increased funding for mental health services, and the creation of a grant program to support organizations that work to prevent suicide and support those who have been affected by it.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve data collection and research on suicide prevention, as well as increase awareness and education about mental health issues. It also includes provisions to address the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, and to promote early intervention and treatment for those at risk. Overall, the Love Lives On Act of 2023 seeks to address the growing problem of suicide in the United States by providing much-needed support and resources for individuals and families affected by this tragic issue.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 3651

Introduced on
2023-05-24

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/24/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Love Lives On Act of 2023

This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans.

First, the bill removes the expiration on a surviving spouses' entitlement to educational assistance through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship).

The bill also provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation to such spouse.

Next, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries.

Additionally, the bill provides commissary store and MWR retail facility (e.g., exchange store) access to surviving spouses regardless of the martial status of the spouse. Such spouses must be entitled to use such stores and facilities to the same extent and on the same basis as surviving spouses who did not remarry.

The bill expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment.

Finally, the bill modifies the definition of a surviving spouse for purposes of veterans benefits to include same sex marriages.

The Love Lives On Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 3651, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide support and resources for families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

The main provisions of the Love Lives On Act include the establishment of a national suicide prevention hotline, increased funding for mental health services, and the creation of a grant program to support organizations that work to prevent suicide and support those who have been affected by it.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve data collection and research on suicide prevention, as well as increase awareness and education about mental health issues. It also includes provisions to address the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, and to promote early intervention and treatment for those at risk. Overall, the Love Lives On Act of 2023 seeks to address the growing problem of suicide in the United States by providing much-needed support and resources for individuals and families affected by this tragic issue.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for surviving spouses, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Family relationships
Marriage and family status
Retail and wholesale trades
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/28/2024

Love Lives On Act of 2023

This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans.

First, the bill removes the expiration on a survivin...


Latest Action4/10/2024
Subcommittee Hearings Held