Sec. 101. Military sexual trauma defined for the digital age
410 words·~2 min read·
/bill/117/s/3025/is/section-101A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in accordance with subsection (b), revise regulations for the definition of military sexual trauma for the purposes of access to health care under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, and compensation under chapter 11 of such title. The Secretary shall ensure that all regulations revised under subsection
(a)include matters relating to technological abuse to reflect sexual harassment in the digital age. For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term technological abuse may include— behavior intended to harm, threaten, intimidate, control, stalk, harass, impersonate, or monitor another person, except as otherwise permitted by law, that occurs via the internet, social networking sites, computers, mobile devices, mobile telephones, apps, location tracking devices, instant messages, text messages, or other forms of technology; and specific activities, including— unwanted, repeated telephone calls, text messages, instant messages, or social media posts; nonconsensual access of email accounts, texts or instant messaging accounts, social networking accounts, or mobile telephone logs; attempting to control or restrict a person’s ability to access technology with the intent to isolate the person from support and social connection; using tracking devices or location tracking software for the purpose of monitoring or stalking another person’s location; impersonation of a person with the intent to deceive or cause harm through the use of spoofing technology or the creation of fake email or social media accounts; or pressuring for or sharing of another person’s private information, photographs, or videos without the person's consent. In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall collaborate with the Secretary of Defense. In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consult with veterans service organizations, military service organizations, and other stakeholders. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence efforts to carry out subsection (a). Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the progress of the Secretary in carrying out subsection (a). Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— issue the revised regulations required by subsection (a); and update training aids, manuals, and informational materials for staff, veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and stakeholders to reflect the revised regulations.