§5313B Prohibition on Providing Certain Benefits with Respect to Persons Who Are Fugitive Felons

Summary

Stops payment of certain VA benefits to a veteran or their dependent while the veteran or the dependent is a fugitive felon. If a veteran is otherwise eligible for benefits under chapters 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, or 37 of this title, those benefits cannot be paid or given for any time the veteran is a fugitive felon. The same rule applies to a dependent: they cannot get those benefits while the veteran or the dependent is a fugitive felon. A "fugitive felon" is someone who runs away to avoid felony charges or custody after a felony conviction, or who breaks probation or parole for a felony. "Felony" also covers certain state "high misdemeanors" that would be federal felonies. "Dependent" means a spouse, surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent. The Secretary must give law enforcement the latest address they have for an eligible person when a written request is made, the official identifies the person as a fugitive and says arresting them is part of their job, and the official provides enough information to identify the person. The Secretary must make written agreements with federal law enforcement and may do the same with state and local agencies to share this information.