Bill Summary
This legislation proposes an amendment to Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically addressing smoking policies within facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Prohibition of Smoking**: The bill establishes a complete ban on smoking in all VHA facilities. This includes not only traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes but also electronic nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes and vape pens. The prohibition applies to everyone on the premises, including veterans, patients, employees, contractors, and visitors.
2. **Definition of Facilities**: The bill defines "facilities of the Veterans Health Administration" to encompass any land or building operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides health care and related services, such as medical centers, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and centers for counseling.
3. **Conforming Amendments**: The legislation includes updates to the table of sections in the law to reflect the new prohibition and repeals a previous section of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 that may have conflicted with this new prohibition.
Overall, the bill aims to enhance the health and safety of veterans and staff by eliminating smoking in VHA facilities, promoting a healthier environment in healthcare settings.
Possible Impacts
The proposed legislation that prohibits smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration can affect people in several ways:
1. **Health Benefits for Veterans and Patients**: The primary aim of the legislation is to protect the health of veterans and patients who utilize the facilities. By prohibiting smoking, the legislation helps to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, which can lead to improved respiratory health and overall well-being for individuals who are already vulnerable due to health issues.
2. **Workplace Environment for Employees**: For employees of the Veterans Health Administration, the prohibition of smoking creates a healthier workplace environment. This can lead to fewer health-related absences and a reduction in healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses. It also promotes a culture of wellness within the organization, aligning with the mission to provide quality care.
3. **Encouragement for Smoking Cessation**: The legislation could serve as a motivational factor for veterans and other individuals who smoke to consider quitting. By removing the option to smoke on-site, it may encourage those who wish to quit or reduce their smoking to seek help or utilize cessation programs, contributing to broader public health goals.
Overall, the legislation aims to create safer and healthier environments within Veterans Health Administration facilities for all individuals involved.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3855 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3855
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the
premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 10, 2025
Mr. Dunn of Florida (for himself and Ms. Underwood) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the
premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN FACILITIES OF THE VETERANS HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Prohibition.--Section 1715 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 1715. Prohibition on smoking in facilities of the Veterans
Health Administration
``(a) Prohibition.--No person (including any veteran, patient,
resident, employee of the Department, contractor, or visitor) may smoke
on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `smoke' includes--
``(A) the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and any
other combustion or heating of tobacco; and
``(B) the use of any electronic nicotine delivery
system, including electronic or e-cigarettes, vape
pens, and e-cigars.
``(2) The term `facility of the Veterans Health
Administration' means any land or building (including any
medical center, nursing home, domiciliary facility, outpatient
clinic, or center that provides readjustment counseling) that
is--
``(A) under the jurisdiction of the Department of
Veterans Affairs;
``(B) under the control of the Veterans Health
Administration; and
``(C) not under the control of the General Services
Administration.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by striking
the item relating to section 1715 and inserting the following:
``1715. Prohibition on smoking in facilities of the Veterans Health
Administration.''.
(2) Veterans health care act of 1992.--Section 526 of the
Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585) is
repealed.
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