H.R. 1030 — Flight 293 Remembrance Act

This section provides the short title of the Act as the “Flight 293 Remembrance Act.”

This section establishes a Department of Defense program, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to support families of Armed Forces members who died in non-combat military plane crashes categorized as “Operational Loss/Non-War Loss.” It requires the Secretary of Defense to, not later than 1 year after enactment, (1) identify and document all such crashes using Department of Defense records starting with calendar year 1984 and other sources for crashes before 1984, and (2) develop and maintain a publicly accessible database of the names, ranks, and service details of all service members who died in those crashes. This section also directs the Secretary of Defense to provide families with assistance to ensure they are aware of, and can access, Department of Defense benefits, resources, and support services; to offer personalized guidance on applying for financial assistance, counseling, and survivor benefits tailored to non-combat losses; and to connect families with community and peer support networks. It requires the Secretary to establish a designated point of contact within the Department of Defense to guide families through the benefits process, provide updates on new programs and legal changes affecting eligibility, and coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local support organizations. The Secretary may consult with outside organizations with expertise on such crashes. This section requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress not later than 2 years after enactment on the number of families receiving support, the status of the database, the effectiveness of the program, family satisfaction, and any recommended legislative changes. This section further provides that, for purposes of applying section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), programs and activities funded under this section are treated as education programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance, even when carried out directly by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs. It also directs both departments to issue regulations to enforce these nondiscrimination requirements for their employees who provide assistance under the section.