To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require the use of certified mail and plain language in certain debt collection activities.
Committees
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
Bill Summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 7, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options. The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election. The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts.
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require the use of certified mail and plain language in certain debt collection activities.
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 7, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with veterans service organizations to write a standard letter to be provided to individuals who owe debts to the VA. Such letter shall be written in plain language and shall include a notice of the debt and a clear explanation of: (1) why the individual owes such money, and (2) available options. The VA shall develop a method by which individuals may elect to receive debt notification letters by electronic means and shall ensure that the letter is delivered: (1) by both standard mail and electronic means to individuals who have made such election, and (2) only by standard mail to individuals who have not made such election. The VA shall: (1) notify Congress regarding the completion of such letter, and (2) study and report to Congress on the process by which it notifies veterans of debt collection efforts.