Laws related to the work of OCTO and the Veteran Digital Experience
Last Updated: March 27, 2025
Several federal laws shape how VA.gov and other Veteran Affairs (VA) digital services must be designed, maintained, and improved. These laws ensure accessibility, efficiency, security, and usability for Veterans and the public.
Veteran-focused digital improvements
Elizabeth Dole Act (2024)
Requires VA to maintain a centralized, publicly accessible website for Veteran resources.
PACT ACT (2022)
Mandates IT modernization to handle increased health care & benefits demand.
Cleland-Dole Act (2022)
Enhances veterans' healthcare, addressing homelessness, mental health, substance use, and rural health access, among other services.
VA MISSION Act (2018)
Improves VA digital services to help Veterans schedule medical appointments online.
Faster Care for Veterans (2016)
Pilots an online and mobile scheduling system to help veterans book and manage VA medical appointments efficiently.
Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act or Forever GI Bill (2008)
Ensures efficient access to Veterans’ education benefits through VA.gov.
Accessibility & plain language
VA Web Accessibility Act (2019)
Requires VA to remediate all non-compliant websites to meet Section 508 standards.
Plain Writing Act (2010)
Ensures clear, understandable content across VA.gov (supported by the VA Content Style Guide).
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)
Requires VA.gov to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Website modernization & user experience
Government Service Delivery Improvement Act (2025)
Aligns with the 21st Century IDEA by requiring agencies to enhance digital service delivery with a dedicated leader.
21st Century IDEA (2018)
Requires VA.gov to be modern, mobile-friendly, consistent, and secure while digitizing paper-based processes and improving the customer experience.
Connected Government Act (2018)
Ensures mobile-friendly design for all public-facing federal websites.
IT management & security
Geospatial Data Act (2018)
Improves federal coordination, access, and management of geospatial data.
Managing Government Technology Act (2017)
Provides funding flexibility for IT modernization.
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (2014)
Mandates strict cybersecurity and risk management for VA IT systems.
Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (2014)
Increases oversight of IT spending to improve efficiency.
Information Technology Management (2002)
Outlines federal IT governance, acquisition, resources management, and pilot programs to improve efficiency in federal agencies.
E-Government Act (2002)
Enhances federal IT efficiency, cybersecurity, public access, and digital service delivery.
The Clinger-Cohen Act (1996)
Federal IT projects, including VA.gov, are required to be efficient, cost-effective, and accountable.
AI & emerging technology
Advancing American Artificial Intelligence Act (2023)
Requires VA to track and publicly disclose AI use cases in its digital services.
AI in Government Act (2020)
Establishes AI implementation standards for VA systems, aligning with OMB M-24-10 & M-24-18.
National AI Initiative Act (2020)
Promotes U.S. AI research, development, education, and coordination across federal agencies.
Records management & financial oversight
Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (2018)
Enhances evidence-based policymaking by improving federal data collection, open data access, and protecting confidential statistical information for informed decision-making.
Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments (2014)
Modernizes federal record-keeping, ensuring proper preservation, access, and oversight of presidential and agency records.
Title 38 of the U.S Code
Requires VA.gov to display anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault reporting banners.
Money And Finance - 31 U.S.C.
Outlines the role of money and finance in the US government; ch11 is the budget process
Employment
Duties of Employers and Employees - 29 U.S.C. § 654
Establishes workplace safety responsibilities, requiring employers to provide a safe environment and employees to comply with safety standards.
These laws ensure that VA digital services continuously improve, making it easier and safer for Veterans to access the care and benefits they deserve.
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