Protect the GI Bill Act

Bill: 116-hr-4625
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Introduced: 2019-10-08
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Government information and archives

Government lending and loan guarantees

Marketing and advertising

Military personnel and dependents

State and local government operations

Student aid and college costs

Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Latest action: action_date: 2019-11-13
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-10-08
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Protect the GI Bill Act</b></p> <p>This bill imposes requirements and restrictions on educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). </p> <p>The bill limits participation in VA educational assistance programs if an educational institution (1) does not perform specified actions, such as providing cost information to individuals prior to enrollment; (2) implements fraudulent recruiting techniques or pays inducements to secure enrollments; or (3) is the subject of a negative action by its accrediting agency. The state approving agency or the VA shall impose limitations by publishing a warning or temporarily prohibiting the pursuit of a course of education at an institution.</p> <p>The bill provides for waivers of certain requirements for a one-year period, but waivers may not be provided for more than two consecutive academic years.</p> <p>The bill also prohibits the VA from approving the enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution engaged in substantial misrepresentation (e.g., misrepresenting the size, location, facilities, or equipment of the institution).</p> <p>Finally, the bill modifies the criteria that non-accredited courses must meet to be eligible for educational assistance. The bill adds requirements for (1) the educational institution offering the course to refrain from substantial misrepresentation; and (2) the state approving agency to review advertising, sales, or enrollment materials used by the institution.</p>

action_date: 2019-11-12
action_desc: Passed House
text: <p><b>Protect the GI Bill Act</b></p> <p>This bill makes various updates to the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) educational assistance programs.</p> <p>(Sec. 2) First, the bill specifies that educational assistance is payable for programs of education leading to a degree that is pursued on active duty if the active duty is for a period of more than 30 days.</p> <p>(Sec. 3) The VA shall require each educational institution to submit monthly verification of each individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education and receiving educational assistance. Individuals must also submit a monthly verification of enrollment. If an individual fails to verify for two consecutive months, the VA may not make a monthly stipend payment until the individual submits such verification. </p> <p>(Sec. 4) The bill expands the list of dependents that qualify as eligible dependents for purposes of transfer of education benefits under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program. Under the bill, an individual may transfer an entitlement to educational assistance to an eligible dependent or combination of eligible dependents.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) The bill also expands the reasons for which a course of education may be disapproved in relation to VA education benefits. Specifically, a program offered by an educational institution that is at risk of losing accreditation shall not be deemed approved.</p> <p>(Sec. 6) The bill requires the VA to notify a state approving agency when certain actions or events take place, such as final punitive action being taken against an educational institution. Additionally, the state approving agency must provide notice to the VA and other state approving agencies if it disapproves or suspends an educational institution.</p> <p>(Sec. 7) In order to approve an accredited program, the VA (or state approving agency) must find the educational institution is approved and participates in a federal student financial aid program (or has had such requirement waived).</p> <p>(Sec. 8) The bill requires certain non-accredited law programs to be accredited by a specialized accrediting agency in order to be approved for the administration of educational benefits. </p> <p>The bill permits the approval of certain non-accredited courses related to the practice of law if such courses are accredited by a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.</p> <p>(Sec. 9) The bill provides that an approved course that fails to comply with a risk-based survey requirement shall be immediately disapproved by the VA or state approving agency.</p> <p>(Sec. 10) The bill limits participation in VA educational assistance programs if an educational institution (1) does not perform specified actions, such as providing estimated cost information to individuals prior to enrollment; (2) implements deceptive recruiting techniques or pays inducements to secure enrollments; or (3) is the subject of a negative action by its accrediting agency. The state approving agency or the VA may impose limitations by publishing a warning or temporarily prohibiting the pursuit of a course of education at an institution.</p> <p>The bill provides for waivers of certain requirements for a one-year period, but waivers may not be provided for more than two consecutive academic years.</p> <p>(Sec. 11) The bill provides that overpayments made by an educational institution to a veteran or eligible person shall constitute a liability of the educational institution if the payment is made as a payment of established charges to educational institutions, advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance, or a public-private contribution for additional education assistance.</p> <p>(Sec. 12) The bill also prohibits the VA or a state approving agency from approving the enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution engaged in substantial misrepresentation (e.g., misrepresenting the size, location, facilities, or equipment of the institution).</p> <p>The bill modifies the criteria that non-accredited courses must meet to be eligible for educational assistance. The bill adds requirements for (1) the educational institution offering the course to refrain from substantial misrepresentation; (2) the state approving agency to review advertising, sales, or enrollment materials used by the institution; and (3) the state approving agency to verify that no federal department or agency has taken a punitive action against the school for misleading or deceptive practices.</p> <p>(Sec. 13) After a state or federal department or agency takes final punitive action against an educational institution for substantial misrepresentation, the bill authorizes the VA or state approving agency to (1) publish a warning or temporarily prohibit the pursuit of a course of education at an institution, or (2) disapprove each course offered by that institution.</p> <p>(Sec. 14) Under the bill, an individual enrolled in a course or program of education that closed or was discontinued who transfers fewer than 12 credits from such a program shall be deemed to not have received such credits and shall not have their entitlement to educational assistance charged during that period of enrollment.</p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4625 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 8, 2019 Mr. Levin of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that educational institutions abide by certain principles as a condition of approval for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect the GI Bill Act . 2. Requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) (1) Except as provided by paragraph (5), a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, shall take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency or the Secretary determines that an educational institution does not perform any of the following: (A) Prior to the enrollment of a covered individual in a course of education at the educational institution, provide the individual with a form that contains information personalized to the individual that describes— (i) the total cost of the course, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any other additional costs; (ii) an estimate of the cost for living expenses for students enrolled in the course; (iii) the amount of the costs under clauses (i) and (ii) that are covered by the educational assistance provided to the individual under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, as the case may be; (iv) the type and amount of Federal financial aid not administered by the Secretary and financial aid offered by the institution that the individual may qualify to receive; (v) an estimate of the amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation; (vi) information regarding graduation rates; (vii) job-placement rates for graduates of the course, if available; (viii) any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or examinations, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation; and (ix) other information to facilitate comparison by the individual of aid packages offered by different educational institutions. (B) Not later than 15 days after the date on which the institution (or the governing body of the institution) determines tuition rates and fees for an academic year that is different than the amount being charged by the institution, provide a covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution with the form under subparagraph (A) that contains updated information. (C) Maintain policies to— (i) inform each covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution of the availability of Federal financial aid not administered by the Secretary and financial aid offered by the institution; and (ii) alert such individual of the potential eligibility of the individual for such financial aid before packaging or arranging student loans or alternative financing programs for the individual. (D) Maintain policies to— (i) prohibit the automatic renewal of a covered individual in courses and programs of education; and (ii) ensure that each covered individual approves of the enrollment of the individual in a course. (E) Provide to a covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution with information regarding the requirements to graduate from such course, including information regarding when required classes will be offered and a timeline to graduate. (F) With respect to an accredited educational institution, obtain the approval of the accrediting agency for each new course or program of the institution before enrolling covered individuals in such courses or programs if the accrediting agency determines that such approval is appropriate under the substantive change requirements of the accrediting agency regarding the quality, objectives, scope, or control of the institution. (G) Maintain a policy that— (i) ensures that members of the Armed Forces, including the reserve components and the National Guard, who enroll in a course of education at the educational institution may be readmitted at such institution if such members are temporarily unavailable or have to suspend such enrollment by reason of serving in the Armed Forces; and (ii) otherwise accommodates such members during short absences by reason of such service. (H) Designate an employee of the educational institution to serve as a point of contact for covered individuals and the family of such individuals needing assistance with respect to academic counseling, financial counseling, disability counseling, and other information regarding completing a course of education at such institution, including by referring such individuals and family to the appropriate persons for such counseling and information. (2) Except as provided by paragraph (5), a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, shall take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency, the Secretary, or the Federal Trade Commission, determines that an educational institution does any of the following: (A) Carries out fraudulent or persistent recruiting techniques, including on military installations, that may include— (i) misrepresentation or payment of incentive compensation; (ii) during any one-month period making three or more unsolicited contacts to a covered individual, including contacts by phone, email, or in-person; or (iii) engaging in same-day recruitment and registration. (B) Pays inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount, to any individual or entity, or its agents including third-party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of covered individuals or obtaining access to educational assistance under this title, with the exception of scholarships, grants, and tuition reductions provided by the educational institution. (3) A State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, shall take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency or the Secretary determines that an educational institution is the subject of a negative action made by the accrediting agency that accredits the institution, including any of the following: (A) A show cause order. (B) Accreditor sanctions. (C) Accreditation probation. (D) The loss of accreditation or candidacy for accreditation. (4) (A) An action described in this subparagraph is any of the following: (i) Publishing a warning on the internet website of the Department described in section 3698(c)(2) of this title, or such other similar internet website of the Department, that describes how an educational institution is failing to meet a requirement under paragraph (1) or (2). (ii) Prohibiting the pursuit by an individual of a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, during the period beginning on the date of such prohibition and ending on a date specified by the State approving agency, in consultation with the Secretary, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, unless the individual was enrolled at the institution before such period. (B) The Secretary shall establish guidelines to ensure that the actions described in subparagraph (A) are applied in a proportional and uniform manner by State approving agencies, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency. (5) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph (1) or waive the requirements of paragraph (2) with respect to an educational institution for a one-academic-year period beginning in August of the year in which the waiver is made. A single educational institution may not receive waivers under this paragraph for more than two consecutive academic years. (6) On an annual basis, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and make publicly available, a report that includes the following: (A) A summary of each action described in paragraph (4)(A) made during the year covered by the report, including— (i) the name of the educational institution; (ii) the type of action taken; (iii) the rationale for the action, including how the educational institution was not in compliance with this subsection; (iv) the length of time that the educational institution was not in such compliance; and (v) whether the educational institution was also not in compliance with this subsection during any of the two years prior to the year covered by the report. (B) A summary and justifications for the waivers made under paragraph (5) during the year covered by the report, including the total number of waivers each educational institution has received. (C) Recommendations of the Secretary with respect to any legislative actions the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure that this subsection is carried out in a manner that is consistent with the requirements that educational institutions must meet for purposes of other departments or agencies of the Federal Government. (7) In this subsection, the term covered individual means an individual who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title. . 3. Improvements to limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices (a) Substantial misrepresentation (1) In general Subsection (a) of section 3696 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The Secretary shall not approve the enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution, or by an entity that owns the institution, engaged in substantial misrepresentation described in subsection (e)(1). . (2) Definitions Such section is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) (1) Substantial misrepresentation described in this paragraph is substantial misrepresentation by an educational institution, a representative of the institution, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services, concerning any of the following: (A) The nature of the educational program of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) the particular type, specific source, or nature and extent, of the accreditation of the institution or a course of education at the institution; (ii) whether a student may transfer course credits to another institution; (iii) conditions under which the institution will accept transfer credits earned at another institution; (iv) whether successful completion of a course of instruction qualifies a student— (I) for acceptance to a labor union or similar organization; or (II) to receive, to apply to take, or to take an examination required to receive a local, State, or Federal license, or a nongovernmental certification required as a precondition for employment, or to perform certain functions in the States in which the educational program is offered, or to meet additional conditions that the institution knows or reasonably should know are generally needed to secure employment in a recognized occupation for which the program is represented to prepare students; (v) the requirements for successfully completing the course of study or program and the circumstances that would constitute grounds for terminating the student's enrollment; (vi) whether the courses of education at the institution are recommended or have been the subject of unsolicited testimonials or endorsements by— (I) vocational counselors, high schools, colleges, educational organizations, employment agencies, members of a particular industry, students, former students, or others; or (II) officials of a local or State government or the Federal Government; (vii) the size, location, facilities, or equipment of the institution; (viii) the availability, frequency, and appropriateness of the courses of education and programs to the employment objectives that the institution states the courses and programs are designed to meet; (ix) the nature, age, and availability of the training devices or equipment of the institution and the appropriateness to the employment objectives that the institution states the courses and programs are designed to meet; (x) the number, availability, and qualifications, including the training and experience, of the faculty and other personnel of the institution; (xi) the availability of part-time employment or other forms of financial assistance; (xii) the nature and availability of any tutorial or specialized instruction, guidance and counseling, or other supplementary assistance the institution ill provide students before, during, or after the completion of a course of education; (xiii) the nature or extent of any prerequisites established for enrollment in any course of education; (xiv) the subject matter, content of the course of education, or any other fact related to the degree, diploma, certificate of completion, or any similar document that the student is to be, or is, awarded upon completion of the course of education; and (xv) whether the degree that the institution will confer upon completion of the course of education has been authorized by the appropriate State educational agency, including with respect to cases where the institution fails to disclose facts regarding the lack of such authorization in any advertising or promotional materials that reference such degree. (B) The financial charges of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) offers of scholarships to pay all or part of a course charge; (ii) whether a particular charge is the customary charge at the institution for a course; (iii) the cost of the program and the refund policy of the institution if the student does not complete the program; (iv) the availability or nature of any financial assistance offered to students, including a student's responsibility to repay any loans, regardless of whether the student is successful in completing the program and obtaining employment; and (v) the student's right to reject any particular type of financial aid or other assistance, or whether the student must apply for a particular type of financial aid, such as financing offered by the institution. (C) The employability of the graduates of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) the relationship of the institution with any organization, employment agency, or other agency providing authorized training leading directly to employment; (ii) the plans of the institution to maintain a placement service for graduates or otherwise assist graduates to obtain employment; (iii) the knowledge of the institution about the current or likely future conditions, compensation, or employment opportunities in the industry or occupation for which the students are being prepared; (iv) job market statistics maintained by the Federal Government in relation to the potential placement of the graduates of the institution; and (v) other requirements that are generally needed to be employed in the fields for which the training is provided, such as requirements related to commercial driving licenses or permits to carry firearms, and failing to disclose factors that would prevent an applicant from qualifying for such requirements, such as prior criminal records or preexisting medical conditions. (2) In this subsection: (A) The term misleading statement includes any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means, that has the likelihood or tendency to mislead the intended recipient of the communication under the circumstances in which the communication is made. Such term includes the use of student endorsements or testimonials for an educational institution that a student gives to the institution either under duress or because the institution required the student to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program of education. (B) The term misrepresentation means any false, erroneous, or misleading statement made directly or indirectly to a student, a prospective student, the public, an accrediting agency, a State agency, or to the Secretary by an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services. (C) The term substantial misrepresentation means misrepresentation in which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person's detriment. . (b) Referral Subsection (c) of such section is amended by striking the last sentence and inserting the following: The findings and results of any such investigations shall be referred to the State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, who shall take appropriate action in such cases not later than 90 days after the date of such referral. . (c) Requirements for nonaccredited courses Paragraph (10) of section 3676(c) of such title is amended to read as follows: (10) The institution, and any entity that owns the institution, does not engage in substantial misrepresentation described in section 3696(e) of this title. The institution shall not be deemed to have met this requirement until the State approving agency— (A) has ascertained from the Federal Trade Commission whether the Commission has issued an order to the institution to cease and desist from any act or practice described in such subsection; (B) has, if such an order has been issued, given due weight to that fact; and (C) has reviewed the complete record of all advertising, sales, or enrollment materials (and copies thereof) used by or on behalf of the institution during the preceding 12-month period. . 4. Application date The amendments made by this Act shall apply to an educational institution beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

tv_txt: IIB 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4625 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 13, 2019 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs AN ACT To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that educational institutions abide by certain principles as a condition of approval for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect the GI Bill Act . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Clarification of educational assistance for individuals who pursue an approved program of education leading to a degree while on active duty. Sec. 3. Verification of enrollment for purposes of receipt of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits. Sec. 4. Clarification regarding the dependents to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program. Sec. 5. Expansion of reasons for which a course of education may be disapproved. Sec. 6. Oversight of educational institutions subject to Government action for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 7. Additional requirement for approval of educational institutions for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 8. Clarification of accreditation for law schools for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 9. Clarification of grounds for disapproval of a course for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 10. Requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 11. Overpayments to eligible persons or veterans. Sec. 12. Improvements to limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices. Sec. 13. Additional limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices of educational institutions. Sec. 14. Charge to entitlement to educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education. Sec. 15. Determination of budgetary effects. 2. Clarification of educational assistance for individuals who pursue an approved program of education leading to a degree while on active duty Section 3313(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the heading, by inserting for a period of more than 30 days after active duty ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting for a period of more than 30 days after active duty ; and (3) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting for a period of more than 30 days after active duty . 3. Verification of enrollment for purposes of receipt of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits (a) In general Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) Verification of enrollment (1) The Secretary shall require— (A) each educational institution to submit to the Secretary verification of each individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education at the educational institution and is receiving educational assistance under this chapter for each month during which the individual is so enrolled and receiving such educational assistance; and (B) each individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education and is receiving educational assistance under this chapter to submit to the Secretary verification of such enrollment for each month during which the individual is so enrolled and receiving such educational assistance. (2) Verification under this subsection shall be in an electronic form prescribed by the Secretary. (3) If an individual fails to submit the verification required under paragraph (1)(B) for two consecutive months, the Secretary may not make a monthly stipend payment to the individual under this section until the individual submits such verification. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 4. Clarification regarding the dependents to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program (a) In general Section 3319(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Eligible dependents (1) Transfer An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer the individual’s entitlement to an eligible dependent or a combination of eligible dependents. (2) Definition of eligible dependent For purposes of this subsection, the term eligible dependent has the meaning given the term dependent under paragraph (2) of section 1072 of title 10. . (b) Applicability The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to educational assistance payable under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 5. Expansion of reasons for which a course of education may be disapproved (a) In general Section 3672(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting or or (D) after subparagraph (C) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) A program that is described in subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph and offered by an educational institution that is at risk of losing accreditation shall not be deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter. For purposes of this subparagraph, an educational institution is at risk of losing accreditation if that educational institution has received from the relevant accrediting agency or association a notice described in section 3673(e)(2)(D) of this title. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 6. Oversight of educational institutions subject to Government action for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3673 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) Notice of Government action (1) (A) If the Secretary receives notice under paragraph (2), or otherwise becomes aware of an action or event described in paragraph (3), with respect to an educational institution, the Secretary shall transmit such notice or provide notice of such action or event to the State approving agency for the State where the educational institution is located by not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives such notice or becomes aware of such action or event. A State approving agency shall perform a risk-based oversight survey to the educational institution by not later than 60 days after receiving notice under this subparagraph. (B) If a State approving agency receives notice as described in paragraph (2), or otherwise becomes aware of an action or event described in paragraph (3), with respect to an educational institution, the State approving agency shall perform a risk-based oversight survey to the educational institution by not later than 60 days after receiving such notice or otherwise becoming aware of such action or event. (2) Notice under this paragraph is any of the following: (A) Notice from the Secretary of Education of an event under paragraph (3)(A). (B) Notice of an event under paragraph (3)(B). (C) Notice from a State of an action take by that State under paragraph (3)(C). (D) Notice provided by an accrediting agency or association of an action described in paragraph (3)(D) taken by that agency or association. (E) Notice that the Secretary of Education has placed the educational institution on provisional status. (3) An action or event under this paragraph is any of the following: (A) The receipt by an educational institution of payments under the heightened cash monitoring payment method pursuant to section 487(c)(1)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1094 ). (B) Final punitive action taken by the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, or any other Federal department or agency against an educational institution relating to misconduct or misleading marketing practices, as defined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (C) Final punitive action taken by a State against an educational institution. (D) The loss, or risk of loss, by an educational institution of an accreditation from an accrediting agency or association, including notice of probation, suspension, an order to show cause, or revocation of accreditation. (E) The placement of an educational institution on provisional status by the Secretary of Education. (4) If a State approving agency disapproves or suspends an educational institution, the State approving agency shall provide notice of such disapproval or suspension to the Secretary and to the other State approving agencies. (5) This subsection shall be carried out using amounts made available pursuant to section 3674(a)(4) of this title as long as such amounts remain available. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 7. Additional requirement for approval of educational institutions for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3675 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) The educational institution is approved and participates in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) or the Secretary has waived the requirement under this paragraph with respect to an educational institution and submits to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives notice of such waiver. . (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report on any waivers issued pursuant to subsection (b)(4) or section 3672(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title. Each such report shall include, for the year covered by the report— (1) the name of each educational institution for which a waiver was issued; (2) the justification for each such waiver; and (3) the total number of waivers issued. . (b) Requirement for approval of standard college degree programs Clause (i) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of section 3672 of such title is amended to read as follows: (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (C) or (D), an accredited standard college degree program offered at a public or not-for-profit proprietary educational institution that— (I) is accredited by an agency or association recognized for that purpose by the Secretary of Education; and (II) is approved and participates in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), unless the Secretary has waived the requirement to participate in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.). . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 8. Clarification of accreditation for law schools for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Paragraphs (14)(B) and (15)(B) of section 3676(c) of title 38, United States Code, are each amended by striking an accrediting agency both places it appears and inserting a specialized accrediting agency . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 9. Clarification of grounds for disapproval of a course for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3679(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting (including failure to comply with a risk-based survey under section 3673(d) of this title and secure an affirmation of approval by the appropriate State approving agency following the survey) after requirements of this chapter . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 10. Requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by section 6, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) (1) Except as provided by paragraph (5), a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, may take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency or the Secretary determines that an educational institution does not perform any of the following: (A) Prior to the enrollment of a covered individual in a course of education at the educational institution, provide the individual with a form that contains information personalized to the individual that describes— (i) the estimated total cost of the course, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any other additional costs; (ii) an estimate of the cost for living expenses for students enrolled in the course; (iii) the amount of the costs under clauses (i) and (ii) that are covered by the educational assistance provided to the individual under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, as the case may be; (iv) the type and amount of Federal financial aid not administered by the Secretary and financial aid offered by the institution that the individual may qualify to receive; (v) an estimate of the amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation; (vi) information regarding graduation rates; (vii) job-placement rates for graduates of the course, if available; (viii) information regarding the acceptance by the institution of transfer of credits, including military credits; (ix) any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or examinations, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation; and (x) other information to facilitate comparison by the individual of aid packages offered by different educational institutions. (B) Not later than 15 days after the date on which the institution (or the governing body of the institution) determines tuition rates and fees for an academic year that is different than the amount being charged by the institution, provide a covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution with the form under subparagraph (A) that contains updated information. (C) Maintain policies to— (i) inform each covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution of the availability of Federal financial aid not administered by the Secretary and financial aid offered by the institution; and (ii) alert such individual of the potential eligibility of the individual for such financial aid before packaging or arranging student loans or alternative financing programs for the individual. (D) Maintain policies to— (i) prohibit the automatic renewal of a covered individual in courses and programs of education; and (ii) ensure that each covered individual approves of the enrollment of the individual in a course. (E) Provide to a covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution with information regarding the requirements to graduate from such course, including information regarding when required classes will be offered and a timeline to graduate. (F) With respect to an accredited educational institution, obtain the approval of the accrediting agency for each new course or program of the institution before enrolling covered individuals in such courses or programs if the accrediting agency determines that such approval is appropriate under the substantive change requirements of the accrediting agency regarding the quality, objectives, scope, or control of the institution. (G) Maintain a policy that— (i) ensures that members of the Armed Forces, including the reserve components and the National Guard, who enroll in a course of education at the educational institution may be readmitted at such institution if such members are temporarily unavailable or have to suspend such enrollment by reason of serving in the Armed Forces; and (ii) otherwise accommodates such members during short absences by reason of such service. (H) Designate an employee of the educational institution to serve as a point of contact for covered individuals and the family of such individuals needing assistance with respect to academic counseling, financial counseling, disability counseling, and other information regarding completing a course of education at such institution, including by referring such individuals and family to the appropriate persons for such counseling and information. (2) Except as provided by paragraph (5), a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, may take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency, the Secretary, or the Federal Trade Commission, determines that an educational institution does any of the following: (A) Carries out deceptive or persistent recruiting techniques, including on military installations, that may include— (i) misrepresentation (as defined in section 3696(e)(2)(B) of this title) or payment of incentive compensation; (ii) during any 1-month period making three or more unsolicited contacts to a covered individual, including contacts by phone, email, or in-person; or (iii) engaging in same-day recruitment and registration. (B) Pays inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount, to any individual or entity, or its agents including third party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of covered individuals or obtaining access to educational assistance under this title, with the exception of scholarships, grants, and tuition reductions provided by the educational institution. (3) A State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, may take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency or the Secretary determines that an educational institution is the subject of a negative action made by the accrediting agency that accredits the institution, including any of the following: (A) A show cause order. (B) Accreditor sanctions. (C) Accreditation probation. (D) The loss of accreditation or candidacy for accreditation. (4) (A) An action described in this subparagraph is any of the following: (i) Publishing a warning on the internet website of the Department described in section 3698(c)(2) of this title, or such other similar internet website of the Department, that describes how an educational institution is failing to meet a requirement under paragraph (1) or (2). (ii) Prohibiting the pursuit by an individual of a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title during the period beginning on the date of such prohibition and ending on a date specified by the State approving agency, in consultation with the Secretary, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, unless the individual was enrolled at the institution before such period. (B) The Secretary shall establish guidelines to ensure that the actions described in subparagraph (A) are applied in a proportional and uniform manner by State approving agencies, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency. (5) (A) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph (1) or waive the requirements of paragraph (2) with respect to an educational institution for a 1-academic-year period beginning in August of the year in which the waiver is made. A single educational institution may not receive waivers under this paragraph for more than 2 consecutive academic years. (B) To be considered for a waiver under this paragraph, an educational institution shall submit to the Secretary an application prior to the first day of the academic year for which the waiver is sought. (6) On an annual basis, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate the following reports: (A) A report, which shall be made publicly available, that includes the following: (i) A summary of each action described in paragraph (4)(A) made during the year covered by the report, including— (I) the name of the educational institution; (II) the type of action taken; (III) the rationale for the action, including how the educational institution was not in compliance with this subsection; (IV) the length of time that the educational institution was not in such compliance; and (V) whether the educational institution was also not in compliance with this subsection during any of the 2 years prior to the year covered by the report. (ii) A summary and justifications for the waivers made under paragraph (5) during the year covered by the report, including the total number of waivers each educational institution has received. (B) A report containing the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to any legislative actions the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure that this subsection is carried out in a manner that is consistent with the requirements that educational institutions must meet for purposes of other departments or agencies of the Federal Government. (7) In this subsection, the term covered individual means an individual who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title. . (b) Application date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on June 15, 2020, and shall apply to an educational institution beginning on August 1, 2020, except that an educational institution may submit an application for a waiver under subsection (f)(5) of section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on June 15, 2020. 11. Overpayments to eligible persons or veterans Subsection (b) of section 3685 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Any overpayment by an educational institution to a veteran or eligible person shall constitute a liability of the educational institution to the United States if— (1) the Secretary finds that the overpayment has been made as the result of— (A) the willful or negligent failure of an educational institution to report, as required under this chapter or chapter 34 or 35 of this title, to the Department of Veterans Affairs excessive absences from a course, or discontinuance or interruption of a course by the veteran or eligible person; or (B) the willful or negligent false certification by an educational institution; or (2) the payment is made pursuant to— (A) section 3313(h) of this title; (B) section 3317 of this title; or (C) section 3680(d) of this title. . 12. Improvements to limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices (a) Substantial misrepresentation (1) In general Subsection (a) of section 3696 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The Secretary, or a State approving agency acting in the role of the Secretary, shall not approve the enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution, or by an entity that owns the institution, engaged in substantial misrepresentation described in subsection (e)(1). . (2) Definitions Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) (1) Substantial misrepresentation described in this paragraph is substantial misrepresentation by an educational institution, a representative of the institution, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services, concerning any of the following: (A) The nature of the educational program of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) the particular type, specific source, or nature and extent, of the accreditation of the institution or a course of education at the institution; (ii) whether a student may transfer course credits to another institution; (iii) conditions under which the institution will accept transfer credits earned at another institution; (iv) whether successful completion of a course of instruction qualifies a student— (I) for acceptance to a labor union or similar organization; or (II) to receive, to apply to take, or to take an examination required to receive a local, State, or Federal license, or a nongovernmental certification required as a precondition for employment, or to perform certain functions in the States in which the educational program is offered, or to meet additional conditions that the institution knows or reasonably should know are generally needed to secure employment in a recognized occupation for which the program is represented to prepare students; (v) the requirements for successfully completing the course of study or program and the circumstances that would constitute grounds for terminating the student's enrollment; (vi) whether the courses of education at the institution are recommended or have been the subject of unsolicited testimonials or endorsements by— (I) vocational counselors, high schools, colleges, educational organizations, employment agencies, members of a particular industry, students, former students, or others; or (II) officials of a local or State government or the Federal Government; (vii) the size, location, facilities, or equipment of the institution; (viii) the availability, frequency, and appropriateness of the courses of education and programs to the employment objectives that the institution states the courses and programs are designed to meet; (ix) the nature, age, and availability of the training devices or equipment of the institution and the appropriateness to the employment objectives that the institution states the courses and programs are designed to meet; (x) the number, availability, and qualifications, including the training and experience, of the faculty and other personnel of the institution; (xi) the availability of part-time employment or other forms of financial assistance; (xii) the nature and availability of any tutorial or specialized instruction, guidance and counseling, or other supplementary assistance the institution ill provide students before, during, or after the completion of a course of education; (xiii) the nature or extent of any prerequisites established for enrollment in any course of education; (xiv) the subject matter, content of the course of education, or any other fact related to the degree, diploma, certificate of completion, or any similar document that the student is to be, or is, awarded upon completion of the course of education; and (xv) whether the degree that the institution will confer upon completion of the course of education has been authorized by the appropriate State educational agency, including with respect to cases where the institution fails to disclose facts regarding the lack of such authorization in any advertising or promotional materials that reference such degree. (B) The financial charges of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) offers of scholarships to pay all or part of a course charge; (ii) whether a particular charge is the customary charge at the institution for a course; (iii) the cost of the program and the refund policy of the institution if the student does not complete the program; (iv) the availability or nature of any financial assistance offered to students, including a student's responsibility to repay any loans, regardless of whether the student is successful in completing the program and obtaining employment; and (v) the student's right to reject any particular type of financial aid or other assistance, or whether the student must apply for a particular type of financial aid, such as financing offered by the institution. (C) The employability of the graduates of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) the relationship of the institution with any organization, employment agency, or other agency providing authorized training leading directly to employment; (ii) the plans of the institution to maintain a placement service for graduates or otherwise assist graduates to obtain employment; (iii) the knowledge of the institution about the current or likely future conditions, compensation, or employment opportunities in the industry or occupation for which the students are being prepared; (iv) job market statistics maintained by the Federal Government in relation to the potential placement of the graduates of the institution; and (v) other requirements that are generally needed to be employed in the fields for which the training is provided, such as requirements related to commercial driving licenses or permits to carry firearms, and failing to disclose factors that would prevent an applicant from qualifying for such requirements, such as prior criminal records or preexisting medical conditions. (2) In this subsection: (A) The term misleading statement includes any communication, action, omission, or intimation made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means, that has the likelihood or tendency to mislead the intended recipient of the communication under the circumstances in which the communication is made. Such term includes the use of student endorsements or testimonials for an educational institution that a student gives to the institution either under duress or because the institution required the student to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program of education. (B) The term misrepresentation means any false, erroneous, or misleading statement, action, omission, or intimation made directly or indirectly to a student, a prospective student, the public, an accrediting agency, a State agency, or to the Secretary by an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services. (C) The term substantial misrepresentation means misrepresentation in which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person's detriment. . (b) Referral Subsection (c) of such section is amended by striking the last sentence and inserting the following: The findings and results of any such investigations shall be referred to the State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, who shall take appropriate action in such cases not later than 60 days after the date of such referral. . (c) Requirements for nonaccredited courses Paragraph (10) of section 3676(c) of such title is amended to read as follows: (10) The institution, and any entity that owns the institution, does not engage in substantial misrepresentation described in section 3696(e) of this title. The institution shall not be deemed to have met this requirement until the State approving agency— (A) has ascertained that no Federal department or agency has taken a punitive action, not including a settlement agreement, against the school for misleading or deceptive practices; (B) has, if such an order has been issued, given due weight to that fact; and (C) has reviewed the complete record of advertising, sales, or enrollment materials (and copies thereof) used by or on behalf of the institution during the preceding 12-month period. . (d) Application date The amendments made by this section shall apply to an educational institution beginning on August 1, 2020. 13. Additional limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices of educational institutions (a) In general Section 3696(a) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by section 11, is further amended— (1) by inserting (1) before The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Not later than 120 days after a State or Federal department or agency takes final punitive action against an educational institution relating to practices described in paragraph (1), the Secretary or the relevant State approving agency may— (A) take an action described in subsection (f)(4)(A) of section 3679 of this title; or (B) disapprove under such section each course offered by that educational institution. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 14. Charge to entitlement to educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education (a) In general Subsection (c) of section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Period not charged (1) The period for which, by reason of this subsection, educational assistance is not charged against entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of this title shall not exceed the aggregate of— (A) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course from which the individual did not receive credit or with respect to which the individual lost training time, as determined under subsection (b)(2); and (B) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended under section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title. (2) (A) An individual described in subparagraph (B) who transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved as described in subsection (b)(1) shall be deemed to be an individual who did not receive such credits, as described in subsection (b)(2), except that the period for which such individual's entitlement is not charged shall be the entire period of the individual's enrollment in the program of education. In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall establish procedures to determine whether the individual transferred credits to a comparable course or program of education. (B) An individual described in this subparagraph is an individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education closed or discontinued as described in subsection (b)(1) during the period beginning on the date that is 120 days before the date of such closure or discontinuance and ending on the date of such closure or discontinuance, as the case may be. (C) This paragraph shall apply with respect to a course or program of education closed or discontinued before September 30, 2023. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 15. Determination of budgetary effects The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Passed the House of Representatives November 12, 2019. Cheryl L. Johnson, Clerk

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4625 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that educational institutions abide by certain principles as a condition of approval for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect the GI Bill Act . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Clarification of educational assistance for individuals who pursue an approved program of education leading to a degree while on active duty. Sec. 3. Verification of enrollment for purposes of receipt of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits. Sec. 4. Clarification regarding the dependents to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program. Sec. 5. Expansion of reasons for which a course of education may be disapproved. Sec. 6. Oversight of educational institutions subject to Government action for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 7. Additional requirement for approval of educational institutions for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 8. Clarification of accreditation for law schools for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 9. Clarification of grounds for disapproval of a course for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 10. Requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 11. Overpayments to eligible persons or veterans. Sec. 12. Improvements to limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices. Sec. 13. Additional limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices of educational institutions. Sec. 14. Charge to entitlement to educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education. Sec. 15. Determination of budgetary effects. 2. Clarification of educational assistance for individuals who pursue an approved program of education leading to a degree while on active duty Section 3313(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the heading, by inserting for a period of more than 30 days after active duty ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting for a period of more than 30 days after active duty ; and (3) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting for a period of more than 30 days after active duty . 3. Verification of enrollment for purposes of receipt of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits (a) In general Section 3313 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) Verification of enrollment (1) The Secretary shall require— (A) each educational institution to submit to the Secretary verification of each individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education at the educational institution and is receiving educational assistance under this chapter for each month during which the individual is so enrolled and receiving such educational assistance; and (B) each individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education and is receiving educational assistance under this chapter to submit to the Secretary verification of such enrollment for each month during which the individual is so enrolled and receiving such educational assistance. (2) Verification under this subsection shall be in an electronic form prescribed by the Secretary. (3) If an individual fails to submit the verification required under paragraph (1)(B) for two consecutive months, the Secretary may not make a monthly stipend payment to the individual under this section until the individual submits such verification. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 4. Clarification regarding the dependents to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program (a) In general Section 3319(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Eligible dependents (1) Transfer An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer the individual’s entitlement to an eligible dependent or a combination of eligible dependents. (2) Definition of eligible dependent For purposes of this subsection, the term eligible dependent has the meaning given the term dependent under paragraph (2) of section 1072 of title 10. . (b) Applicability The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to educational assistance payable under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 5. Expansion of reasons for which a course of education may be disapproved (a) In general Section 3672(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting or or (D) after subparagraph (C) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) A program that is described in subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph and offered by an educational institution that is at risk of losing accreditation shall not be deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter. For purposes of this subparagraph, an educational institution is at risk of losing accreditation if that educational institution has received from the relevant accrediting agency or association a notice described in section 3673(e)(2)(D) of this title. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 6. Oversight of educational institutions subject to Government action for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3673 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) Notice of Government action (1) (A) If the Secretary receives notice under paragraph (2), or otherwise becomes aware of an action or event described in paragraph (3), with respect to an educational institution, the Secretary shall transmit such notice or provide notice of such action or event to the State approving agency for the State where the educational institution is located by not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives such notice or becomes aware of such action or event. A State approving agency shall perform a risk-based oversight survey to the educational institution by not later than 60 days after receiving notice under this subparagraph. (B) If a State approving agency receives notice as described in paragraph (2), or otherwise becomes aware of an action or event described in paragraph (3), with respect to an educational institution, the State approving agency shall perform a risk-based oversight survey to the educational institution by not later than 60 days after receiving such notice or otherwise becoming aware of such action or event. (2) Notice under this paragraph is any of the following: (A) Notice from the Secretary of Education of an event under paragraph (3)(A). (B) Notice of an event under paragraph (3)(B). (C) Notice from a State of an action take by that State under paragraph (3)(C). (D) Notice provided by an accrediting agency or association of an action described in paragraph (3)(D) taken by that agency or association. (E) Notice that the Secretary of Education has placed the educational institution on provisional status. (3) An action or event under this paragraph is any of the following: (A) The receipt by an educational institution of payments under the heightened cash monitoring payment method pursuant to section 487(c)(1)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1094 ). (B) Final punitive action taken by the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, or any other Federal department or agency against an educational institution relating to misconduct or misleading marketing practices, as defined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (C) Final punitive action taken by a State against an educational institution. (D) The loss, or risk of loss, by an educational institution of an accreditation from an accrediting agency or association, including notice of probation, suspension, an order to show cause, or revocation of accreditation. (E) The placement of an educational institution on provisional status by the Secretary of Education. (4) If a State approving agency disapproves or suspends an educational institution, the State approving agency shall provide notice of such disapproval or suspension to the Secretary and to the other State approving agencies. (5) This subsection shall be carried out using amounts made available pursuant to section 3674(a)(4) of this title as long as such amounts remain available. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 7. Additional requirement for approval of educational institutions for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3675 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) The educational institution is approved and participates in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) or the Secretary has waived the requirement under this paragraph with respect to an educational institution and submits to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives notice of such waiver. . (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report on any waivers issued pursuant to subsection (b)(4) or section 3672(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title. Each such report shall include, for the year covered by the report— (1) the name of each educational institution for which a waiver was issued; (2) the justification for each such waiver; and (3) the total number of waivers issued. . (b) Requirement for approval of standard college degree programs Clause (i) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of section 3672 of such title is amended to read as follows: (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (C) or (D), an accredited standard college degree program offered at a public or not-for-profit proprietary educational institution that— (I) is accredited by an agency or association recognized for that purpose by the Secretary of Education; and (II) is approved and participates in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), unless the Secretary has waived the requirement to participate in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.). . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 8. Clarification of accreditation for law schools for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Paragraphs (14)(B) and (15)(B) of section 3676(c) of title 38, United States Code, are each amended by striking an accrediting agency both places it appears and inserting a specialized accrediting agency . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 9. Clarification of grounds for disapproval of a course for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3679(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting (including failure to comply with a risk-based survey under section 3673(d) of this title and secure an affirmation of approval by the appropriate State approving agency following the survey) after requirements of this chapter . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 10. Requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by section 6, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) (1) Except as provided by paragraph (5), a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, may take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency or the Secretary determines that an educational institution does not perform any of the following: (A) Prior to the enrollment of a covered individual in a course of education at the educational institution, provide the individual with a form that contains information personalized to the individual that describes— (i) the estimated total cost of the course, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any other additional costs; (ii) an estimate of the cost for living expenses for students enrolled in the course; (iii) the amount of the costs under clauses (i) and (ii) that are covered by the educational assistance provided to the individual under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, as the case may be; (iv) the type and amount of Federal financial aid not administered by the Secretary and financial aid offered by the institution that the individual may qualify to receive; (v) an estimate of the amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation; (vi) information regarding graduation rates; (vii) job-placement rates for graduates of the course, if available; (viii) information regarding the acceptance by the institution of transfer of credits, including military credits; (ix) any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or examinations, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation; and (x) other information to facilitate comparison by the individual of aid packages offered by different educational institutions. (B) Not later than 15 days after the date on which the institution (or the governing body of the institution) determines tuition rates and fees for an academic year that is different than the amount being charged by the institution, provide a covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution with the form under subparagraph (A) that contains updated information. (C) Maintain policies to— (i) inform each covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution of the availability of Federal financial aid not administered by the Secretary and financial aid offered by the institution; and (ii) alert such individual of the potential eligibility of the individual for such financial aid before packaging or arranging student loans or alternative financing programs for the individual. (D) Maintain policies to— (i) prohibit the automatic renewal of a covered individual in courses and programs of education; and (ii) ensure that each covered individual approves of the enrollment of the individual in a course. (E) Provide to a covered individual enrolled in a course of education at the educational institution with information regarding the requirements to graduate from such course, including information regarding when required classes will be offered and a timeline to graduate. (F) With respect to an accredited educational institution, obtain the approval of the accrediting agency for each new course or program of the institution before enrolling covered individuals in such courses or programs if the accrediting agency determines that such approval is appropriate under the substantive change requirements of the accrediting agency regarding the quality, objectives, scope, or control of the institution. (G) Maintain a policy that— (i) ensures that members of the Armed Forces, including the reserve components and the National Guard, who enroll in a course of education at the educational institution may be readmitted at such institution if such members are temporarily unavailable or have to suspend such enrollment by reason of serving in the Armed Forces; and (ii) otherwise accommodates such members during short absences by reason of such service. (H) Designate an employee of the educational institution to serve as a point of contact for covered individuals and the family of such individuals needing assistance with respect to academic counseling, financial counseling, disability counseling, and other information regarding completing a course of education at such institution, including by referring such individuals and family to the appropriate persons for such counseling and information. (2) Except as provided by paragraph (5), a State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, may take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency, the Secretary, or the Federal Trade Commission, determines that an educational institution does any of the following: (A) Carries out deceptive or persistent recruiting techniques, including on military installations, that may include— (i) misrepresentation (as defined in section 3696(e)(2)(B) of this title) or payment of incentive compensation; (ii) during any 1-month period making three or more unsolicited contacts to a covered individual, including contacts by phone, email, or in-person; or (iii) engaging in same-day recruitment and registration. (B) Pays inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount, to any individual or entity, or its agents including third party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of covered individuals or obtaining access to educational assistance under this title, with the exception of scholarships, grants, and tuition reductions provided by the educational institution. (3) A State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, may take an action described in paragraph (4)(A) if the State approving agency or the Secretary determines that an educational institution is the subject of a negative action made by the accrediting agency that accredits the institution, including any of the following: (A) A show cause order. (B) Accreditor sanctions. (C) Accreditation probation. (D) The loss of accreditation or candidacy for accreditation. (4) (A) An action described in this subparagraph is any of the following: (i) Publishing a warning on the internet website of the Department described in section 3698(c)(2) of this title, or such other similar internet website of the Department, that describes how an educational institution is failing to meet a requirement under paragraph (1) or (2). (ii) Prohibiting the pursuit by an individual of a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title during the period beginning on the date of such prohibition and ending on a date specified by the State approving agency, in consultation with the Secretary, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, unless the individual was enrolled at the institution before such period. (B) The Secretary shall establish guidelines to ensure that the actions described in subparagraph (A) are applied in a proportional and uniform manner by State approving agencies, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency. (5) (A) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph (1) or waive the requirements of paragraph (2) with respect to an educational institution for a 1-academic-year period beginning in August of the year in which the waiver is made. A single educational institution may not receive waivers under this paragraph for more than 2 consecutive academic years. (B) To be considered for a waiver under this paragraph, an educational institution shall submit to the Secretary an application prior to the first day of the academic year for which the waiver is sought. (6) On an annual basis, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate the following reports: (A) A report, which shall be made publicly available, that includes the following: (i) A summary of each action described in paragraph (4)(A) made during the year covered by the report, including— (I) the name of the educational institution; (II) the type of action taken; (III) the rationale for the action, including how the educational institution was not in compliance with this subsection; (IV) the length of time that the educational institution was not in such compliance; and (V) whether the educational institution was also not in compliance with this subsection during any of the 2 years prior to the year covered by the report. (ii) A summary and justifications for the waivers made under paragraph (5) during the year covered by the report, including the total number of waivers each educational institution has received. (B) A report containing the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to any legislative actions the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure that this subsection is carried out in a manner that is consistent with the requirements that educational institutions must meet for purposes of other departments or agencies of the Federal Government. (7) In this subsection, the term covered individual means an individual who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title. . (b) Application date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on June 15, 2020, and shall apply to an educational institution beginning on August 1, 2020, except that an educational institution may submit an application for a waiver under subsection (f)(5) of section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on June 15, 2020. 11. Overpayments to eligible persons or veterans Subsection (b) of section 3685 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Any overpayment by an educational institution to a veteran or eligible person shall constitute a liability of the educational institution to the United States if— (1) the Secretary finds that the overpayment has been made as the result of— (A) the willful or negligent failure of an educational institution to report, as required under this chapter or chapter 34 or 35 of this title, to the Department of Veterans Affairs excessive absences from a course, or discontinuance or interruption of a course by the veteran or eligible person; or (B) the willful or negligent false certification by an educational institution; or (2) the payment is made pursuant to— (A) section 3313(h) of this title; (B) section 3317 of this title; or (C) section 3680(d) of this title. . 12. Improvements to limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices (a) Substantial misrepresentation (1) In general Subsection (a) of section 3696 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The Secretary, or a State approving agency acting in the role of the Secretary, shall not approve the enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution, or by an entity that owns the institution, engaged in substantial misrepresentation described in subsection (e)(1). . (2) Definitions Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) (1) Substantial misrepresentation described in this paragraph is substantial misrepresentation by an educational institution, a representative of the institution, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services, concerning any of the following: (A) The nature of the educational program of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) the particular type, specific source, or nature and extent, of the accreditation of the institution or a course of education at the institution; (ii) whether a student may transfer course credits to another institution; (iii) conditions under which the institution will accept transfer credits earned at another institution; (iv) whether successful completion of a course of instruction qualifies a student— (I) for acceptance to a labor union or similar organization; or (II) to receive, to apply to take, or to take an examination required to receive a local, State, or Federal license, or a nongovernmental certification required as a precondition for employment, or to perform certain functions in the States in which the educational program is offered, or to meet additional conditions that the institution knows or reasonably should know are generally needed to secure employment in a recognized occupation for which the program is represented to prepare students; (v) the requirements for successfully completing the course of study or program and the circumstances that would constitute grounds for terminating the student's enrollment; (vi) whether the courses of education at the institution are recommended or have been the subject of unsolicited testimonials or endorsements by— (I) vocational counselors, high schools, colleges, educational organizations, employment agencies, members of a particular industry, students, former students, or others; or (II) officials of a local or State government or the Federal Government; (vii) the size, location, facilities, or equipment of the institution; (viii) the availability, frequency, and appropriateness of the courses of education and programs to the employment objectives that the institution states the courses and programs are designed to meet; (ix) the nature, age, and availability of the training devices or equipment of the institution and the appropriateness to the employment objectives that the institution states the courses and programs are designed to meet; (x) the number, availability, and qualifications, including the training and experience, of the faculty and other personnel of the institution; (xi) the availability of part-time employment or other forms of financial assistance; (xii) the nature and availability of any tutorial or specialized instruction, guidance and counseling, or other supplementary assistance the institution ill provide students before, during, or after the completion of a course of education; (xiii) the nature or extent of any prerequisites established for enrollment in any course of education; (xiv) the subject matter, content of the course of education, or any other fact related to the degree, diploma, certificate of completion, or any similar document that the student is to be, or is, awarded upon completion of the course of education; and (xv) whether the degree that the institution will confer upon completion of the course of education has been authorized by the appropriate State educational agency, including with respect to cases where the institution fails to disclose facts regarding the lack of such authorization in any advertising or promotional materials that reference such degree. (B) The financial charges of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) offers of scholarships to pay all or part of a course charge; (ii) whether a particular charge is the customary charge at the institution for a course; (iii) the cost of the program and the refund policy of the institution if the student does not complete the program; (iv) the availability or nature of any financial assistance offered to students, including a student's responsibility to repay any loans, regardless of whether the student is successful in completing the program and obtaining employment; and (v) the student's right to reject any particular type of financial aid or other assistance, or whether the student must apply for a particular type of financial aid, such as financing offered by the institution. (C) The employability of the graduates of the institution, including misrepresentation regarding— (i) the relationship of the institution with any organization, employment agency, or other agency providing authorized training leading directly to employment; (ii) the plans of the institution to maintain a placement service for graduates or otherwise assist graduates to obtain employment; (iii) the knowledge of the institution about the current or likely future conditions, compensation, or employment opportunities in the industry or occupation for which the students are being prepared; (iv) job market statistics maintained by the Federal Government in relation to the potential placement of the graduates of the institution; and (v) other requirements that are generally needed to be employed in the fields for which the training is provided, such as requirements related to commercial driving licenses or permits to carry firearms, and failing to disclose factors that would prevent an applicant from qualifying for such requirements, such as prior criminal records or preexisting medical conditions. (2) In this subsection: (A) The term misleading statement includes any communication, action, omission, or intimation made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means, that has the likelihood or tendency to mislead the intended recipient of the communication under the circumstances in which the communication is made. Such term includes the use of student endorsements or testimonials for an educational institution that a student gives to the institution either under duress or because the institution required the student to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program of education. (B) The term misrepresentation means any false, erroneous, or misleading statement, action, omission, or intimation made directly or indirectly to a student, a prospective student, the public, an accrediting agency, a State agency, or to the Secretary by an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or any person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services. (C) The term substantial misrepresentation means misrepresentation in which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person's detriment. . (b) Referral Subsection (c) of such section is amended by striking the last sentence and inserting the following: The findings and results of any such investigations shall be referred to the State approving agency, or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency, who shall take appropriate action in such cases not later than 60 days after the date of such referral. . (c) Requirements for nonaccredited courses Paragraph (10) of section 3676(c) of such title is amended to read as follows: (10) The institution, and any entity that owns the institution, does not engage in substantial misrepresentation described in section 3696(e) of this title. The institution shall not be deemed to have met this requirement until the State approving agency— (A) has ascertained that no Federal department or agency has taken a punitive action, not including a settlement agreement, against the school for misleading or deceptive practices; (B) has, if such an order has been issued, given due weight to that fact; and (C) has reviewed the complete record of advertising, sales, or enrollment materials (and copies thereof) used by or on behalf of the institution during the preceding 12-month period. . (d) Application date The amendments made by this section shall apply to an educational institution beginning on August 1, 2020. 13. Additional limitation on certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices of educational institutions (a) In general Section 3696(a) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by section 11, is further amended— (1) by inserting (1) before The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Not later than 120 days after a State or Federal department or agency takes final punitive action against an educational institution relating to practices described in paragraph (1), the Secretary or the relevant State approving agency may— (A) take an action described in subsection (f)(4)(A) of section 3679 of this title; or (B) disapprove under such section each course offered by that educational institution. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 14. Charge to entitlement to educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education (a) In general Subsection (c) of section 3699 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Period not charged (1) The period for which, by reason of this subsection, educational assistance is not charged against entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of this title shall not exceed the aggregate of— (A) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course from which the individual did not receive credit or with respect to which the individual lost training time, as determined under subsection (b)(2); and (B) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended under section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title. (2) (A) An individual described in subparagraph (B) who transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved as described in subsection (b)(1) shall be deemed to be an individual who did not receive such credits, as described in subsection (b)(2), except that the period for which such individual's entitlement is not charged shall be the entire period of the individual's enrollment in the program of education. In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall establish procedures to determine whether the individual transferred credits to a comparable course or program of education. (B) An individual described in this subparagraph is an individual who is enrolled in a course or program of education closed or discontinued as described in subsection (b)(1) during the period beginning on the date that is 120 days before the date of such closure or discontinuance and ending on the date of such closure or discontinuance, as the case may be. (C) This paragraph shall apply with respect to a course or program of education closed or discontinued before September 30, 2023. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 15. Determination of budgetary effects The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Passed the House of Representatives November 12, 2019. Cheryl L. Johnson, Clerk.