Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Housing, Citizenship, and Mental Health Access Bill
Long Title
An Act to enforce recognition of G.I. Bill housing benefits as lawful income; to expedite naturalization for non-citizen veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions; to modernize veteran mental health grant administration; and to fulfill commitments made to those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Short Title
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Bill.”
Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Housing, Citizenship, and Mental Health Access Bill
Section 1. Legislative Findings
The Legislature finds that:
1. Veterans who receive education benefits under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill are entitled to equal housing opportunity and protection under lawful source of income standards.
2. Non-citizen veterans who have served honorably and were discharged under honorable conditions are entitled to expedited and reliable naturalization processing consistent with the promises made by the United States.
3. Community-based organizations serving veterans face excessive administrative barriers and delayed reimbursements when accessing mental health grant funding.
4. The provisions contained in this Act do not create new entitlements or increase taxpayer burden. These protections enforce commitments already promised when an individual signed an enlistment contract, stepped onto the yellow footprints at boot camp, and served this country honorably.
5. The United States has a moral and institutional obligation to provide stability, dignity, and administrative fairness to those who have worn its uniform.
Section 2. Recognition of G.I. Bill Benefits as Lawful Source of Income
A. For purposes of housing qualification, rental application review, mortgage underwriting, federally assisted housing eligibility, and fair housing compliance, the housing allowance provided under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill shall constitute lawful and verifiable income.
B. It shall be unlawful for any landlord, property owner, lessor, property manager, real estate broker, mortgage lender, housing provider, or other entity engaged in housing-related transactions to:
1. Refuse to rent, lease, or otherwise make available a dwelling to an otherwise qualified applicant on the basis that such applicant’s income includes a G.I. Bill housing allowance;
2. Impose different terms, conditions, income multipliers, credit standards, or qualification requirements solely because the applicant receives such allowance;
3. Represent, advertise, or publish any notice or statement indicating that G.I. Bill housing benefits will not be accepted as qualifying income.
C. A violation of this section shall constitute a discriminatory housing practice and shall be enforceable under applicable federal fair housing statutes.
D. An aggrieved individual may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction. Available remedies shall include compensatory damages, injunctive relief, attorney’s fees, and, where appropriate, punitive damages.
E. Where a pattern or practice of violations is identified, the Attorney General may initiate a civil enforcement action seeking civil penalties not to exceed $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations.
F. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue implementing regulations and guidance within 180 days of enactment.
G. This section enforces recognition of benefits already authorized under federal law and does not create additional appropriations or new federal expenditures.
Section 3. Expedited Naturalization for Honorably Discharged Veterans
A. Non-citizen veterans who completed active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States and were discharged under honorable conditions shall be eligible for expedited naturalization processing pursuant to existing federal law.
B. Applications filed under this section shall receive priority adjudication and shall be processed within 180 days of receipt, absent exceptional circumstances consistent with federal statutory requirements.
C. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall designate a priority review track or specialized processing unit to ensure timely adjudication of eligible veteran naturalization applications.
D. This section does not create a new immigration classification, expand substantive eligibility standards, or alter existing statutory naturalization requirements. It accelerates processing for individuals who have already earned eligibility through honorable military service.
E. Nothing in this section shall shield an individual from removal proceedings where otherwise authorized under federal law, including in cases involving serious post-service felony convictions.
Section 4. Modernization of Veteran Mental Health Grant Access
A. Federal agencies administering veteran mental health grants shall streamline statistical reporting requirements for nonprofit veteran-serving organizations while maintaining appropriate outcome accountability standards.
B. Reimbursement payments for approved grants shall be disbursed within 90 days of submission of required documentation.
C. Agencies shall publish annual public reports detailing grant processing times, approval rates, reimbursement timelines, and compliance benchmarks.
D. This section does not increase grant allocations or authorize additional appropriations. It improves administrative efficiency to ensure timely distribution of already appropriated funds.
Section 5. Definitions
For purposes of this Act:
1. The term “G.I. Bill housing allowance” means the monthly housing stipend provided under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code.
2. The term “veteran” means an individual who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
3. The term “non-citizen veteran” means a veteran who was not a United States citizen at the time of enlistment.
4. The term “housing provider” includes any individual or entity engaged in the rental, leasing, sale, financing, or management of residential property.
Section 6. Effective Date
This Act shall take effect 180 days after enactment.
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