H.R. 3027: Green Star Families Act

This bill, known as the Green Star Families Act, aims to create a counseling program for the next of kin and caregivers of veterans who die by suicide. Here are the key points of the bill:

Establishment of Counseling Program

• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to provide counseling services to specific individuals at no cost. These individuals include:
• The next of kin (closest living relative) of a veteran who dies by suicide.
• A former volunteer caregiver who provided assistance to the veteran prior to their death.
• The Secretary must ensure that these counseling services are reasonably accessible and of a quality that is at least equal to similar services provided to other veterans.
• The Secretary may enter into agreements with federal, state, or private entities to deliver these counseling services.

Public Awareness

• The Secretary is tasked with promoting the counseling program by:
• Publishing information about the program on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
• Providing information directly to individuals who qualify for the counseling services.

Definitions

• The term "covered veterans service organization" refers to organizations that assist veterans, which could include those recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or non-profit organizations that meet specific criteria.
• A "former volunteer caregiver" is defined as an individual who provided unpaid personal care services to the veteran for at least three months prior to the veteran's death.
• Definitions also include what constitutes "personal care services," as defined elsewhere in relevant statutes.

Implementation Timeline

• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to implement this program within 90 days after the bill becoming law.

Relevant Companies