Summary

Creates a 15-member federal Commission to investigate historical and contemporary policing of sexual orientation and gender identity in the uniformed services (beginning with World War II). The Commission will gather evidence and testimony, hold public hearings, analyze effects on health, benefits, records, readiness, and disparate impacts, and deliver a written report to Congress with recommendations — including possible apologies, compensation, discharge upgrades, restorations of benefits and care, and policy changes — within one year of its first meeting. The Commission may compel testimony and documents, must be staffed and funded (authorized as "such sums as necessary"), and terminates 90 days after it submits its final report.

Key Points

• Creates a 15-member Commission to investigate policing of sexual orientation and gender identity in the uniformed services from World War II to present.
• Commission can compel testimony and documents, hold hearings nationwide, and require executive-branch cooperation to the extent allowed by law.
• Must produce a written report to Congress with findings and recommendations within one year of its first meeting; terminates 90 days after the report is submitted.
• Required analyses include effects on VA benefits, health (including suicidality), homelessness, discharge codes, readiness costs, and disparate racial/women’s impacts.
• May recommend apologies, compensation (back pay, reinstatement, benefits), restoration of gender-affirming care, discharge upgrades, policy changes, and education efforts.
• Authorizes indefinite funding as "such sums as necessary" with funds available until the Commission terminates; actual spending requires appropriations.
• Appointments must be made quickly (within 30 days); first meeting is to be called by the President shortly after enactment or after appropriations.
• Commission staffing and consultants may be hired outside normal competitive service rules subject to statutory pay caps and available appropriations.
• Commission may contract with federal, state, private, and academic entities for research and outreach, subject to available funds.

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