S. 1383: Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025, aims to establish an advisory committee within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) focused on improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Here are the key components of the bill:

1. Establishment of the Advisory Committee

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to create the Advisory Committee on Equal Access within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This committee will be responsible for discussing and advising on matters related to accessibility within the VA.

2. Membership of the Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee will consist of:

• 15 voting members appointed by the Secretary, including:
  • Four veterans with disabilities (covering various types of disabilities such as mobility, hearing, visual, and cognitive)
  • Four experts on disability issues or related laws
  • Two VA employees overseeing compliance with accessibility laws
  • Five representatives from national veterans service organizations advocating for veterans with disabilities
• Four ex officio members, including:
  • The Under Secretary for Health
  • The Under Secretary for Benefits
  • The Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs
  • The chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board)

3. Terms and Meetings

Members of the Advisory Committee will serve for two-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment. The committee is required to meet at least twice a year, and it can form subcommittees as needed.

4. Duties of the Advisory Committee

The Committee will provide advice to the Secretary on:

• Improving accessibility within the VA, including:
  • Information and electronic services
  • Benefits and services
  • Facilities accessibility
  • Health care facilities
  • Acquisition processes to ensure accessible products and services
• Compliance with federal laws regarding disability and accessibility, such as:
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act
  • The Rehabilitation Act
  • The Plain Writing Act
  • The 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act
  • The Architectural Barriers Act

5. Reporting Requirements

The Advisory Committee must submit reports to the Secretary every two years. These reports will include:

• Identification of access barriers for veterans and the public
• Assessment of the VA's compliance with accessibility laws
• Recommendations for improving access to services and facilities
• Follow-up on previous recommendations and identifying any unaddressed issues

The Secretary is then obligated to share these reports with certain congressional committees and make them publicly available within 90 days of receipt.

6. Personnel and Resources

Committee members who are not federal officers will not receive compensation, but they can claim travel expenses while conducting committee work. The Secretary will ensure that the committee has the necessary personnel, funding, and resources to fulfill its duties.

7. Duration of the Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee will exist for ten years from the date of the bill's enactment.

8. Abolition of Inactive Committees

Before establishing the new Advisory Committee, the Secretary must abolish or consolidate any existing inactive advisory committees within the VA.

Relevant Companies

None found