Bill Summary
The "Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025" (ASSIST Act of 2025) is a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the support provided to veterans regarding their transportation needs. Specifically, it amends the definition of "medical services" within Title 38 of the United States Code to explicitly include medically necessary automobile adaptations for both drivers and passengers.
These adaptations may include various modifications such as ramp and kneeling systems, raised doors or lowered floors, raised roofs, air conditioning, mobility lifts, accessibility modifications, wheelchair tiedowns, and adapted seating. This clarification ensures that veterans can receive support for these essential modifications as part of their medical services, thereby improving their mobility and safety.
Additionally, the Act extends certain limits on pension payments, pushing the deadline from November 30, 2031, to September 30, 2032, allowing for continued financial support for veterans. The legislation was passed by the House of Representatives on May 19, 2025.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025" (ASSIST Act of 2025) could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Mobility for Veterans**: The act clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations are considered medical services by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This means that veterans with disabilities will have better access to essential mobility modifications for their vehicles, such as wheelchair lifts and adapted seating. As a result, these veterans can achieve greater independence and ease of transportation, allowing them to participate more fully in everyday activities, such as attending medical appointments, work, or social gatherings.
2. **Financial Support for Modifications**: By explicitly including automobile adaptations within the definition of medical services, the act may facilitate increased funding or reimbursement for these services through the VA. Veterans who require vehicle modifications will potentially face lower out-of-pocket expenses, making it more affordable for them to obtain the necessary adaptations. This financial support can significantly reduce the burden on veterans and their families, especially for those with limited income or fixed pensions.
3. **Improved Quality of Life**: With access to necessary vehicle adaptations, veterans may experience an overall improvement in their quality of life. These adaptations are not only about mobility but also about safety and comfort. For instance, modifications such as air conditioning and accessibility features can make travel safer and more comfortable, reducing stress and enhancing the ability to engage in community activities. This can lead to better mental health outcomes, as veterans become more socially active and less isolated.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1364 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1364
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 20, 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide clarification
regarding the inclusion of medically necessary automobile adaptations
in Department of Veterans Affairs definition of ``medical services''.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Automotive Support Services to
Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025'' or the ``ASSIST Act of
2025''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION REGARDING INCLUSION OF MEDICALLY NECESSARY
AUTOMOBILE ADAPTATIONS IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
DEFINITION OF ``MEDICAL SERVICES''.
Section 1701(6)(I) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
``(I) The provision of any medically necessary automobile
adaptations for driver or passenger use, including--
``(i) ramp and kneeling systems;
``(ii) raised doors or lowered floors;
``(iii) raised roofs;
``(iv) air conditioning;
``(v) occupied and unoccupied mobility lifts;
``(vi) ingress or egress accessibility
modifications;
``(vii) wheelchair tiedowns; and
``(viii) adapted seating.''.
SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITS ON PAYMENTS OF PENSION.
Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``November 30, 2031'' and inserting ``September 30, 2032''.
Passed the House of Representatives May 19, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.