zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Higher Education Savings Accounts Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to carry out a pilot program under which tax-exempt savings accounts (to be known as higher education pledge accounts) are established for the benefit of 9th and 10th grade students who are eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

ED: (1) shall deposit into each account for a selected student an initial amount equal to the amount of the maximum federal Pell Grant for the award year, and (2) may make additional deposits of such amount based on the student's academic progress.

A student may use funds from such account only to pay the cost of attendance at a qualified institution. Any contribution to or distribution from such account shall not be includible in gross income. The amount of any Pell Grant awarded to a student attending a qualified institution shall be reduced by the amount in such student's account.

ED shall: (1) monitor the academic progress of each student for whose benefit an account is maintained; and (2) ensure that each such student receives at least 12 hours of financial counseling on the rules pertaining to deposits, distributions, and the tax treatment of funds in the account and on sources of federal financial assistance for higher education.

Date: 2015-12-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt Act or the POST GRAD Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make graduate and professional students eligible to receive subsidized Stafford Loans under the Federal Direct Loan Program beginning on July 1, 2016. (Graduate and professional students have been ineligible to receive subsidized Stafford Loans since July 1, 2012.)

Date: 2015-12-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Simple Income-Based Repayment Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace several existing federal student loan programs for graduated, extended, income-contingent, and income-based repayment with a single repayment plan that caps annual debt repayments based on the borrower's income. Under the new program, loan payments are made automatically through voluntary wage withholding based on quarterly estimated payments.

The new income-based repayment program shall be available to both new and existing borrowers, excluding borrowers of specified federal loans made on behalf of a dependent student. Existing repayment plans other than standard repayment shall generally be unavailable to new borrowers, although the Department of Education (ED) may make graduated and extended plans available to new borrowers who demonstrate exceptional circumstances.

Under the program, an individual's income-based repayment obligation shall be limited to 10% of the excess of the individual's taxable income over a specified amount. In the case of a joint return of two married individuals who each have an eligible loan, the income-based repayment amount with respect to each spouse shall generally be determined by apportioning half of the total income to each spouse.

ED must provide an online tool to enable borrowers to make direct payments and access information regarding their loans.

In the event of underpayment, a borrower who does not request and receive a reduction must pay to ED an amount equal to the difference between the annual repayment amount and the sum of payments made for that taxable year. In the event of overpayment, ED shall either refund the overpayment amount to the borrower or apply the amount as prepayment to the borrower's loans.

Loan forgiveness is available after 240 qualifying payments are made under the program.

Date: 2015-12-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Technical Education and Career Help (TEACH) Act 

This bill amends title II (Teacher Quality Enhancement) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants under the Teacher Quality Partnership grant program to be used for secondary school career and technical education teacher preparation programs. The grant program provides funds to partnerships of high-need local educational agencies, high-need schools or early education programs, and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to train current and prospective teachers and school leaders.

The bill requires the career and technical education teacher preparation programs to:

 be available to mid-career professionals or recent graduates of an IHE who have expertise in a program area in which there is a career and technical education teacher shortage; allow individuals to obtain initial licensure and the basic skills required for entry into the education profession, with the option of earning a bachelor's or master's degree; and allow teachers who do not have subject matter expertise in a career and technical education field that is in demand in the local or regional economy to receive the technical skills training they need to teach those skills in a classroom setting. It directs the Department of Education to establish performance measures for the career and technical education teacher preparation programs.

Date: 2015-12-16
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Tax Affordability and Relief Act 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an employee's gross income, for income tax purposes, qualified student loan payment assistance provided by an employer. This assistance includes the payment of principal or interest, up to $10,000 in a taxable year, on student loan indebtedness incurred by an employee for higher education expenses. 

Date: 2016-01-11
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
College for All Act

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states to eliminate tuition and required fees at public institutions of higher education (IHEs).

It also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to:

 modify provisions related to interest rates on federal student loans to revise rates applicable to new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2016; allow student loan borrowers to modify interest rates on outstanding federal student loans to current rates; reauthorize the Federal Work Study program for FY2017-FY2021; eliminate existing base guarantees of Federal Work Study funds to IHEs and require funds to be allocated based solely on the aggregate need of the institution’s students; authorize ED to establish a pilot program to streamline the federal financial assistance application process and reduce the need for students to apply for financial assistance each year; and require ED to use tax information from the second preceding tax year (the “prior, prior year”) to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility.

Date: 2016-01-13
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Pathways to an Affordable Education Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify provisions related to the Federal Pell Grant program. Among other things, it:

 increases the maximum Pell Grant award for academic year 2017-2018 and adjusts it in subsequent award years to account for inflation, converts the Pell Grant program into a mandatory spending program, increases from 12 to 15 semesters a student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period, and restores year-round grants. Additionally, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include, as a qualified scholarship excludible from gross income, any amount received as a Pell Grant.

Date: 2016-01-13
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Opportunities in Cooperative Education And New Research Partnerships Act or the OCEAN Research Partnerships Act

This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to revise and reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. These fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.

In placing marine policy fellows in the legislative branch, NOAA must give priority to positions in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources.

The bill authorizes through FY2021 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2021 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.

Date: 2016-01-25
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Kerry Rose Fire Sprinkler Notification Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify fire safety reporting requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs.

Specifically, it requires an IHE that maintains on-campus student housing facilities to notify students about whether a housing facility is equipped with a fire safety system, including an automatic fire sprinkler system in each bedroom.

Additionally, the bill expands the information an IHE must submit in its annual fire safety report to include, with respect to student housing facilities, the number and percentage of beds protected and not protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system in the bedroom.

Finally, the Department of Education must publish the number and percentage, in the aggregate and by state, of:

 student housing facilities with less than 100% of beds protected by an automatic sprinkler system, student housing facilities with less than 50% of beds protected, beds at student housing facilities that are protected, and beds at student housing facilities that are not protected.

Date: 2016-02-01
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Early Pell Promise Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education to carry out a program of grants to state educational agencies under which a student who is in eighth grade and is eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act may be provided a commitment to receive a Federal Pell Grant early in the student's academic career.

Pursuant to such a commitment, the student shall receive a Pell Grant during the first two years of attendance at an institution of higher education (IHE) as an undergraduate if the student:

 files the FAFSA form during the senior year of secondary school and the succeeding year, and enrolls at the IHE not later than three years after receiving a secondary school diploma or after release from the Armed Forces. A student may not receive the early Pell Grant for a succeeding year if the expected family contribution for either year is more than twice the threshold amount for Pell Grant eligibility for that year.

Date: 2016-02-01
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Working Student Act of 2015 

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the income protection allowance levels used to calculate a student's expected family contribution and need for financial assistance. (An income protection allowance is an amount for basic living expenses that is protected from being considered income available for postsecondary educational expenses.)

 Specifically, the bill increases, in academic year 2016-2017, income protection allowance levels for students who are dependent, independent without non-spouse dependents (e.g., children), and independent with non-spouse dependents to reduce such students' income available (and increase need for financial assistance) to cover postsecondary educational expenses.

 The Department of Education must, in subsequent years, adjust the income protection allowance levels for inflation.

Date: 2016-02-02
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Chris Kotch VA Education Access Act

 This bill makes eligible under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program an individual who is: (1) discharged or released from the Armed Forces (under current law, from active duty in the Armed Forces) due to a service-connected disability; or (2) transferred to the temporary disability retirement list.

Date: 2016-02-03
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Truth in Tuition Act of 2016

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify eligibility requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) to participate in federal student aid programs.

Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to provide to an admitted graduate or undergraduate student: (1) a multi-year tuition and fee schedule; or (2) a single-year tuition and fee schedule, and a nonbinding, multi-year estimate of net costs after financial aid is awarded.

An IHE that provides a single-year tuition and fee schedule must include, in its multi-year estimate of net costs, the average difference between previous year estimates and actual net costs.

Date: 2016-02-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Education for Jobs Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make an individual eligible to apply for a loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program if that individual: (1) is carrying at least three credit hours or the equivalent coursework for the course of study the individual is pursuing, (2) is enrolled in an educational program leading to a degree or certificate, and (3) was employed on a full-time basis for at least 10 years.

It makes those students eligible for interest subsidies. It requires the repayment period for such a loan to begin the day after six months after the student ceases to meet the loan eligibility requirements.

Date: 2016-02-08
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Net Price Calculator Improvement Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish the minimum requirements for the net price calculator that each institution of higher education (IHE) receiving federal funds under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act must include on its website. (An IHE's "net price" is the average yearly price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at the school after deducting such aid.)

It requires the link for the calculator to be clearly labeled and conspicuously posted on an IHE's website.

It requires each calculator's results page to include:

 the net price of attending the IHE; the cost of attending the IHE; the estimated total need- and merit-based grant aid, from federal, state, and institutional sources, that may be available to first-time, full-time undergraduate students enrolled at the IHE; the percentage of such students enrolled at the school who receive any of that grant aid; and a notice that an estimate of an individual's net price is non-binding and subject to change. It requires calculators that estimate a user's eligibility for veterans' education benefits or educational benefits for active duty service members to clearly distinguish those benefits from other grant-aid. Requires calculators that do not make such estimates to provide users with notice of, and a link to information concerning, those benefits.

The bill directs IHEs to populate their calculators with data from not later than two academic years prior to the most recent academic year.

Calculators must: (1) clearly indicate which questions need to be completed for a net price estimate, (2) clearly mark requests for contact information as optional, and (3) prohibit personally identifiable information from being sold or made available to third parties.

It authorizes the Department of Education to develop a universal net price calculator that enables users to answer one set of questions and receive net prices for any IHE that is required to have a net price calculator.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Save Teachers of Adults from Paying out of Their Livelihood for Education Resources Act of 2016 or the STAPLER Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include individuals who provide adult education for at least 250 hours in a taxable year in the definition of  "eligible educator" for purposes of the $250 tax deduction allowed to such educators for their education-related costs.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Making College Affordable and Accessible Act of 2016

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: (1) extend the authorization of appropriations for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education through FY2022, and (2) authorize the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to institutions of higher education to carry out credit-based academic transition programs established through partnerships between high schools and such institutions that utilize dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs that enable students to earn college credits while in high school.

ED shall give priority in awarding grants to institutions that serve students from low-income families, students from rural communities, or students who are the first in their family to receive postsecondary education.

Institutions shall use grant funds to:

 provide teachers, principals, and other school leaders with professional development activities that enhance or enable the provision of the appropriate coursework through such programs; and support activities including curriculum design, establishment of a course articulation process, outreach programs to provide elementary school and secondary school students information about and academic preparation for the transition programs, helping students meet eligibility criteria for the postsecondary courses, and coordinating secondary and postsecondary support services and academic calendars. Institutions may use grant funds for costs associated with carrying out such transition programs, including the costs of: (1) tuition and fees, books, and required instructional materials; and (2) transportation to and from such programs.

Date: 2016-02-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Clarity in Lending for Education and Repayment Act or the CLEAR Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise federal student loan repayment plan options for new borrowers of Direct Loan (DL) program loans issued on or after July 1, 2016.

Specifically, the bill terminates several existing repayment plan options, including the graduated, extended, income-contingent, and income-based repayment plans. It retains the existing standard repayment plan and establishes a new revised pay-as-you-earn repayment plan that, among other things, caps monthly payments at 10% of discretionary income and sets a 20-year maximum repayment period.

A new borrower of a DL program subsidized Stafford, unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, or consolidation loan issued on or after July 1, 2016, must enroll in the standard or revised pay-as you earn repayment plan.

The Department of Education must consult with students, family members, institutions of higher education, and other experts to improve the required disclosures with respect to federal Direct Loans.

Finally, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income the amount of federal student loans discharged due to the death or disability of the student.

Date: 2016-02-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Parent PLUS Loan Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the applicable terms and conditions with respect to Federal Direct PLUS Loans to parent borrowers (i.e., parent PLUS loans).

Specifically, it reduces the interest rate and eliminates the origination fee for a parent PLUS loan disbursed on or after July 1, 2016.

 The Department of Education must ensure, prior to disbursement, that a parent PLUS loan borrower receives counseling that includes comprehensive information on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities with respect to the loan.

The bill makes a parent PLUS loan eligible for the income-contingent and income-based repayment plans. Additionally, it makes a consolidation loan that repays parent PLUS loan eligible for the income-based repayment plan.

Date: 2016-03-02
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Child Care Access Means Parents in School Reauthorization Act or the CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise and permanently reauthorize the Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant program.

The Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education must report to Congress on plans to better serve postsecondary students with dependents.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Pell for Performance Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the Federal Pell Grant program.

Specifically, if a Pell Grant recipient fails to complete an education program within the maximum timeframe for completion, then the Pell Grants received for such program convert to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and are subject to repayment, in accordance with applicable terms and conditions.

Date: 2016-03-17
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
HBCU Innovation Fund Act

This bill amends title VII (Graduate and Postsecondary Improvement Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a competitive grant program for historically black colleges and universities to plan, develop, and implement innovations that enable disadvantaged students to enroll in, persist through, and graduate from college.

Date: 2016-03-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Save for Success Act 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the American Opportunity Tax Credit to include an increased credit amount for college savings contributions, and (2) direct the Departments of the Treasury and Education to jointly establish a pilot program to make periodic payments of educational expenses for a student as such expenses are incurred during the taxable year.

Treasury shall establish a taxpayer awareness program to inform the public of the availability of the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

Date: 2016-03-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Tuition Use Information Transparently Identified Online Act or the TUITION Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand disclosure requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs.

Specifically, it requires an IHE to publish annually on its website for students and parents: (1) the total revenue it generated from tuition and fees, disaggregated by the proportion of such revenue it applied to any type of institutional expense (e.g., faculty salaries); and (2) a description of each such expense. 

This requirement takes effect in academic year 2016-2017.

Date: 2016-03-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Teacher Debt Relief Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow an eligible teacher to use the same teaching service to qualify for both the teacher and public service loan forgiveness programs.

Date: 2016-04-13
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
This bill provides that the monthly stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program for a member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who is pursuing a program of education using assistance under such program and performing certain active duty service shall be payable on a pro rata basis for the period of such month in which the individual is not performing active duty service.

Date: 2016-04-14
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Financial Literacy for Financial Aid Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to maintain a consumer-tested online counseling tool that provides required entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower.

Date: 2016-04-20
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill requires Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) counselors who provide specified educational or vocational counseling services to provide a requesting veteran or member of the Armed Forces with information about the articulation agreements (agreements governing the transferability of credits toward meeting specific degree or program requirements) of each institution of higher learning in which the individual is interested.

The VA shall: (1) provide a veteran who is certified as eligible for VA educational assistance with information on education counseling services and articulation agreements, and (2) implement this bill within 90 days after its enactment.

Date: 2016-04-25
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Safe Prescribing for Veterans Act

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require a VA employee (including a temporary full-time, part-time, or without-compensation employee) who is authorized to prescribe any controlled substance to complete at least one accredited continuing education course on pain management every two years.

Such requirement shall:

 apply to an employee who is employed by the VA for at least 180 days during any 24-month period; and not apply to an employee licensed or certified by a state licensure or specialty board that requires the completion of pain management or substance use disorder management continuing education. Continuing education courses shall include information on safe prescribing practices, controlled substance disposal, pain management principles, and identification of potential substance use disorders and addiction treatment.

Date: 2016-04-26
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
In the Red Act of 2016

This bill authorizes and appropriates specified funds to the Department of Education (ED) for FY2016-FY2025 and each succeeding year for grants: (1) to waive tuition and fees for eligible students at community colleges, and (2) to waive or reduce tuition and fees for low-income students at four-year historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions.

It amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct ED to establish a program to refinance outstanding federal student loans for borrowers of Direct Loan program loans disbursed before July 1, 2016, and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program loans. (FFELs were not disbursed after June 30, 2010.)

The bill modifies, for academic year 2018-2019 and succeeding years, the calculation of the mandatory add-on amount used to determine the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award.

It also amends various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things: (1) expand the expenses eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit to include the amount of a Federal Pell Grant used to pay for living expenses; and (2) include, as a qualified scholarship excludible from gross income, any amount received as a Federal Pell Grant.

Finally, the bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal royalty relief for: (1) deep gas wells in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and (2) deep water oil and gas leases in the central and western Gulf of Mexico.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterans Education Enhancement Act of 2016

This bill revises the fee that is deducted from a veteran's education entitlement under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 educational assistance program from a monthly to a prorated fee for: (1) certain license and certification tests, and (2) national tests.

The Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is extended through December 31, 2021.

The VA shall, in consultation with state approving agencies, prescribe training requirements for a school certifying official (SCO) employed by a covered educational institution offering approved veterans education courses. The VA may disapprove any course of education offered by a covered educational institution that does not ensure that an SCO meets such requirements. (A covered educational institution is an institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals using veterans educational assistance.)

The bill extends the applicability of provisions requiring rounding down, and delays the applicability of provisions requiring rounding up, of veterans educational assistance increases for: (1) the All-Volunteer Force, and (2) survivors and dependents.

The VA shall reduce the monthly housing stipend on a pro rata basis for a student who reduces his or her course load, effective for a month that begins on or after August 1, 2017.

A reporting fee paid by the VA to an educational institution or joint apprenticeship training committee with respect to an institution that has 75 or more enrollees may not be used for or merged with amounts available for the general fund of the educational institution or joint apprenticeship training committee.

Date: 2016-05-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
GI Bill Oversight Act of 2016

This bill directs the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to apply heightened scrutiny to any program of education if any federal or state agency has made a final determination or settlement that the program used advertising, sales, or enrollment practices that are erroneous, deceptive, or misleading.

The VA shall provide notice of such heightened scrutiny and the reasons for it to an individual who is entitled to VA educational assistance and is enrolled in a course under such program.

The VA shall: (1) monitor allegations of deceptive and misleading program practices, including federal and state investigations; and (2) include information about allegations on the GI Bill Comparison Tool or any similar VA website.

The VA shall: (1) disapprove an educational course provided by an institution of higher learning if the VA determines pursuant to heightened scrutiny that such institution has engaged in erroneous, deceptive, or misleading practices; and (2) provide counseling services to assist affected individuals in transferring to another institution of higher learning.

The VA shall establish an interagency working group to: (1) share information about educational programs that employ deceptive or misleading practices; and (2) enter into information sharing memoranda of understanding with the Inspector Generals of relevant agencies to determine if funds from other federal programs are affected when one agency investigates a program for employing deceptive or misleading practices.

Date: 2016-05-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Success on Campus Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) provide educational and vocational counseling services for veterans at VA-selected institutions of higher learning, and (2) select locations where the maximum number of veterans would have access to such services.

(Sec. 3) The bill revises the fee that is deducted from a veteran's education entitlement under the Post-9/11 educational assistance program from a monthly to a prorated fee for: (1) certain license and certification tests, and (2) national tests.

(Sec. 4) The bill extends provisions requiring rounding down to the next lower dollar amount through FY2024, and rounding to the nearest whole dollar amount after FY2024, with respect to veterans educational assistance increases for: (1) the All-Volunteer Force, and (2) survivors and dependents.

(Sec. 5) The Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is extended through December 31, 2021.

(Sec. 6) The VA shall, in consultation with state approving agencies, prescribe training requirements for a school certifying official (SCO) employed by a covered educational institution offering approved veterans education courses. The VA may disapprove any course of education offered by a covered educational institution that does not ensure that an SCO meets such requirements. (A covered educational institution is an institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals using veterans educational assistance.)

(Sec. 7) A reporting fee paid by the VA to an educational institution or joint apprenticeship training committee after the date of enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2011 with respect to an institution that has 75 or more enrollees may not be used for or merged with amounts available for the general fund of the educational institution or joint apprenticeship training committee.

(Sec. 8) The VA Inspector General shall apply heightened scrutiny to any education program if any federal or state agency has made a final judgment or settlement that the program used deceptive or misleading practices that are potentially in violation of advertising, sales, and enrollment practices.

 The VA shall: (1) provide notice of, and the reasons for, such heightened scrutiny to an individual who is enrolled in an approved course and entitled to educational assistance; and (2) advise such individual to request a transcript and seek counseling about transferring any credits earned.

 The VA shall: (1) monitor allegations of deceptive and misleading practices made against educational programs; and (2) include information about any such allegation on the GI Bill Comparison Tool or any similar VA website.

(Sec. 9) The VA shall: (1) disapprove a course of education provided by an institution of higher learning if the VA determines, pursuant to such heightened scrutiny, that the institution has engaged in deceptive or misleading practices; and (2) provide transfer counseling services to individuals enrolled in a disapproved course.

Date: 2016-05-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Higher Education Loan Payments for Students and Parents Act or the HELP for Students and Parents Act 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance programs to exclude from the gross income of an employee: (1) employer payments of principal or interest on loans for higher education expenses incurred by an employee, and (2) any qualified dependent 529 contributions made by the employer. (Under current law, the maximum exclusion for educational assistance programs is $5,250 per year.)

A "qualified dependent 529 contribution" is any amount contributed by an employer to a qualified tuition program the designated beneficiary of which is an employee's child who: (1) has not attained the age of 19 at the time of the contribution, or (2) is a student who has not attained the age of 24 at the time of the contribution.

The bill also allows a business tax credit for employer-provided higher education assistance, including: (1) 50% of the student loan repayment expenditures of the taxpayer for the year, and (2) 50% of the qualified dependent 529 contributions made by the taxpayer for the year. The amount taken into account for each expenditure with respect to any employee for any taxable year may not exceed $5,250.

Date: 2016-05-11
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Fairness in Forgiveness Act of 2016

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include as a public service job for purposes of the public service loan forgiveness program a full-time job as an employee of a management and operating contractor of a national laboratory owned by the Department of Energy.

This Act and the amendments made by this Act take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2007.

Date: 2016-05-11
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Stop Taxing Death and Disability Act 

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual the discharge of student loans or private education loans due to the death or disability of the student.

The bill also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education (ED) to discharge the liability on loans that parents received on behalf of a student who: (1) has become permanently and totally disabled, or (2) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or has lasted or is expected to last continuously for at least 60 months. (Under current law, ED is required to discharge the loans to parents if the student dies.)

Date: 2016-05-12
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to establish a program to refinance the outstanding principal, interest, and late charges on Federal Direct Loans (DLs) and Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs).

A refinanced loan has a fixed interest rate equal to the 10-year Treasury note rate plus 1 percentage point.

Additionally, the bill modifies the formula to calculate interest rates on new Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2017.

Finally, it eliminates the origination fee on Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans disbursed (and on Consolidation Loans applied for) after enactment of this bill.

Date: 2016-05-18
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Creating Higher Education Affordability Necessary to Compete Economically Act or the Middle Class CHANCE Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify provisions related to the Federal Pell Grant program.

Specifically, it increases the maximum Federal Pell Grant award for academic year 2017-2018 and adjusts it in subsequent award years to account for changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Additionally, the bill increases from one to two the number of Pell Grants an eligible student may receive in a single award year (i.e., it restores year-round Pell Grants). An eligible student is a student who: (1) has already received one Pell Grant for an award year, (2) is enrolled in an eligible program for an additional payment period (e.g., a summer term) during the same award year, (3) is enrolled on at least a part-time basis, and (4) has completed a full-time course load prior to receiving an additional Pell Grant.

A student's total amount of Pell Grants must not exceed 150% of the maximum Pell Grant for that award year. Also, any period during which a student receives an additional Pell Grant counts toward that student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period.

Finally, the bill increases from 12 to 15 semesters a student's lifetime Federal Pell Grant eligibility period.

Date: 2016-05-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
This bill authorizes and appropriates additional funds for the Chicago State University, in Chicago, Illinois, to improve its academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. Specifically, it authorizes and appropriates $10 million for FY2016 and $20 million for FY2017 and each subsequent fiscal year.

Date: 2016-05-27
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
College Preparation Tax Credit Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified college preparation expenses. An individual may use the credit for up to three years for qualified college preparation expenses that include:

 the fees required for taking any Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam, the SAT, the ACT, or any SAT subject test; expenses related to preparation for the exams; fees and expenses related to applications for admission to pursue a postsecondary course of study at an institution of higher education; and similar expenses and fees prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service in regulations.

Date: 2016-06-03
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Student Loan Employment Benefits Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee up to $5000 per year of the amounts paid by an employer under a student loan payment assistance program.

The student loan payment assistance program must be a separate written plan of an employer to provide employees with student loan payment assistance which meets specified requirements.

The bill defines "student loan payment assistance" as the payment of principal or interest on any indebtedness incurred by an employee solely to pay qualified higher education expenses which are paid or incurred within a reasonable time before or after such indebtedness was incurred and are attributable to education furnished during a period in which such employee was a student eligible for federal financial assistance. "Student loan payment assistance" also includes the payment of principal or interest on debt used to refinance the debt described above.

Date: 2016-06-03
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Helping Employers Lessen Payments for Students Act of 2016 or the HELPS Act 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income of an employee up to $10,000 per year in education loan payments made by an employer on behalf of the employee.

Date: 2016-06-09
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Ensure Responsible Borrowing Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify loan counseling requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs.

Currently, an IHE must provide one-time entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time Direct Loan (DL) program borrower. This bill allows an IHE to require any student DL program borrower to complete additional counseling on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of a loan at or prior to its disbursement.

Additionally, it requires an IHE to ensure that student and parent DL program borrowers annually accept a loan affirmatively prior to the first disbursement of such loan.

Date: 2016-06-14
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Fairness in Financial Aid Act or the FIFA Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Internal Revenue Code to revise the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application process. Specifically, it allows a tax payer identification number to be used in place of a social security number in the application.

Date: 2016-06-16
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
American Dream Promise Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the eligibility requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) to participate in federal student aid programs.

Specifically, an IHE that participates in title IV federal student aid programs must not deny admission to a student on the basis of that student's immigration or naturalization status.

Date: 2016-06-16
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education (ED) to use tax information from the second preceding tax year (the "prior, prior year") to determine a student's financial aid eligibility. It requires data sharing between ED and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), pursuant to taxpayer consent.

(Sec. 3) The bill revises the annual adjustment percentage calculation used to determine the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award by measuring inflation over the most recent fiscal year instead of calendar year.

(Sec. 4) ED must develop and maintain a consumer-tested technology tool to allow a federal financial aid applicant to complete, save, and submit electronic forms (e.g., the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) using a mobile device.

Additionally, ED must make every effort to allow applicants to utilize the existing IRS data tool to automatically populate the electronic forms with tax return information.

ED must report to Congress on: (1) efforts to simplify the federal financial aid application process, and (2) the needs of limited English proficient students.

Date: 2016-06-20
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand grant activities under the Hispanic Serving Institutions program to include: (1) support programs that facilitate student advancement to doctoral degree programs in health care occupations, and (2) developing or expanding access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs.

Date: 2016-06-20
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
HBCU Capital Financing Improvement Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title III (Institutional Aid) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the HBCU Capital Financing Program. [The program guarantees low-cost private loans to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to finance infrastructure repairs, maintenance, and construction.]

It replaces statutory references to "escrow account" with "bond insurance fund."

(Sec. 3) The bill authorizes the Department of Education to provide financial counseling that prepares an eligible HBCU to qualify for, apply for, and maintain a capital improvement loan.

(Sec. 4) It revises and expands reporting requirements for the HBCU Capital Financing Advisory Board.

Date: 2016-06-20
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Loan Interest Rate Parity Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reduce the interest rates on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2016.

Date: 2016-06-22
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education