zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Student Loan Sunshine Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each lender entering into an educational loan arrangement with a postsecondary school to: (1) report annually to the Secretary of Education specified information concerning such arrangement; (2) inform borrowers of their loan options under title IV (Student Assistance) before extending private educational loans for attendance at such school; and (3) be barred by such school from marketing such loans in a manner implying the school's endorsement. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the adequacy of educational loan information provided to borrowers, including a model format for lender use in providing annual loan information to the Secretary and covered schools. Requires any school that provides prospective borrowers with private educational loan information to: (1) include information on their title IV assistance eligibility; and (2) compare and distinguish private loans from title IV loans. Bars lenders or guarantors of educational loans from offering gifts to school employees or agents. Directs the Comptroller General to study the effect loan arrangements and lender inducements to schools have on loan terms. Imposes conditions on school maintenance of preferred lender lists, requiring that lenders be listed on the basis of the benefits they provide borrowers. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require lenders of private educational loans to provide specified information to prospective borrowers and, if the loan equals or exceeds $1,000, notify the relevant school of the proposed loan. Requires such schools to notify the prospective borrower whether and to what extent such loan exceeds the student's attendance costs, after considering other assistance the student has or is eligible to receive.

Date: 2007-02-01
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007 or VET Act - Authorizes the accelerated payment of basic educational assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) basic educational assistance program for an individual entitled to such assistance who, during the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on September 30, 2011, is enrolled in a VA-approved program of education lasting less than two years that leads to employment in one of the following sectors: (1) transportation; (2) construction; (3) hospitality; or (4) energy.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Public Land Military Pass Act - Makes the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, as provided in this Act, available at a discount (subject to the same rate of increase as the regular cost of the Pass) to any veterans and active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces determined to be eligible for such a discount. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (with respect to federal land management agencies) and the Secretary of Agriculture (with respect to the Forest Service), after consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, to determine the appropriate documentation that a veteran or an active duty or reserve member shall provide as proof that the veteran or member is eligible for the discount. Makes a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass issued under this Act valid for one year after the date of issuance.

Date: 2007-02-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007 - Exempts members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve on active duty between November 16, 2001, and the termination date of Executive Order 13235 from the mandatory payroll deductions ($100 for the first 12 months of active duty pay) under the veterans' basic educational assistance program. Provides for reimbursement of payroll deductions taken prior to the enactment of this Act. Allows such members to withdraw an election not to receive basic educational assistance.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Graduate for a Better Future Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states, educational nonprofit organizations, or partnerships of such entities for their use in providing competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAS) that have a high school graduation rate of no more than 60% in the aggregate or among at least two subgroups consisting of the poor or major racial or ethnic groups. Requires each LEA subgrantee to use the funds to implement: (1) a college-preparatory curriculum aligned with rigorous secondary school studies; (2) accelerated remedial programs that allow underperforming students to become proficient in mathematics, reading and language arts, and science and thereby graduate in a timely manner; (3) systems to measure student progress in the core subjects and quickly identify students who are dropout risks; (4) a comprehensive college guidance program; (5) a program offering students opportunities for work-based and experiential learning; (6) a program providing students with access to courses in which they may earn college credit; (7) a program providing each student with an academic teacher advisor with whom the student regularly meets; and (8) a program of teacher professional development and institutional leadership that includes diagnostic and formative assessments. Requires nonfederal matching contributions equal to the grant amount. Directs the Secretary to provide for an independent evaluation of, and report to Congress on, the impact this program has on high school graduation rates, college attendance rates, and academic achievement.

Date: 2007-03-06
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Loan Forgiveness for Head Start Teachers Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan or the Direct Loan programs to individuals who have been employed as Head Start teachers for five consecutive complete program years, if they have demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, early childhood development, and other areas of a preschool curriculum, with a focus on cognitive learning. Limits the benefits of this Act to individuals who earn a baccalaureate or graduate degree on or after the date of this Act's enactment.

Date: 2007-03-14
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Pell Grant award for academic years 2007-2008 through 2011-2012. Increases such amount to $7,600 for 2007-2008, and by $1,000 increments in each subsequent academic year, until it stands at $11,600 for 2011-2012. Requires a further increase in any such maximum Pell Grant award, by an amount sufficient to achieve a 5% increase in students' purchasing power relative to the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education, if the Secretary of Education determines that the amount authorized does not increase such purchasing power by at least 5% from one academic year to the next.

Date: 2007-03-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Accessing College through Comprehensive Early Outreach and State Partnerships Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace the current special leveraging educational assistance partnership program with a program of allotments to enable states to: (1) expand and enhance partnerships with institutions of higher education, early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs, private corporations, philanthropic organizations, and other interested parties to carry out specified activities and provide coordination and cohesion among federal, state, and local governmental and private efforts providing financial assistance to help low-income students attend college; (2) provide need-based grants for college access and increased college persistence to eligible low-income students; (3) provide early notification to low-income students of their eligibility for financial aid; and (4) encourage increased participation in early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs. Requires partnerships for the award of grants between a state agency and: (1) at least one public and one private degree granting institution of higher education located in the state; (2) new or existing early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs also located in the state; and (3) at least one philanthropic organization located in, or providing funding in, the state, or one private corporation located in, or doing business in, the state. Requires different federal shares of program costs and different amounts of grants awarded in partnerships with institutions of higher learning: (1) serving less than a majority of students in the state; and (2) serving the majority of students in the state. Requires annual early notification of low-income students of their potential eligibility for student financial assistance. Prescribes minimum eligibility requirements for such students.

Date: 2007-03-20
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois, which shall include: (1) a core area in central Illinois comprising 42 counties; (2) any sites, buildings, and districts within the core area that are recommended in the management plan; and (3) specified related historic sites, museums, and places, including the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Directs the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition to submit a management plan for the Area. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the federal cost share of any activity carried out using funds made available under this Act to 50%.

Date: 2007-03-21
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Teach for America Act of 2007- Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Teach For America, Inc. to implement and expand its program of recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting new teachers. Requires that grant funds be used to provide teachers to local educational agencies that serve a substantial percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Directs the Secretary of Education to provide for a study, at least once every three years, comparing the academic achievement of students taught by teachers assisted by this Act with the academic achievement of students taught by other teachers in the same schools and positions.

Date: 2007-03-22
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Vote by Mail Act of 2007 - Directs the Election Assistance Commission to establish a Vote by Mail program of grants to participating states solely for implementation of procedures for the conduct of all elections by mail at the state or local level.Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the benefits of broader implementation of mail-in voting in elections.

Date: 2007-03-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income student loan repayments by the federal government on behalf of federal employees and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Exempts such repayments from social security taxes.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Medical Education Affordability Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to revise specified regulations regarding student loan repayment deferment under certain programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to borrowers who qualify for such deferment on the basis of economic hardship and are in postgraduate medical or dental internship, residency, or fellowship programs. Revises such regulations to: (1) make such deferment available to such borrowers for the duration of postgraduate medical or dental internship, residency, or fellowship programs if they must be successfully completed to begin work in the profession, or they lead to a degree or certificate from a health professional school or facility that offers postgraduate training; and (2) make it unnecessary for borrowers to apply annually for such deferments while participating in such programs.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Civil Legal Assistance Attorney Loan Repayment Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make payments to holders of student loans under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan programs on behalf of civil legal assistance attorneys for the duration of agreements between the Secretary and such attorneys that require their continued employment in such capacity for at least three years. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into additional agreements with civil legal assistance attorneys who have completed their service obligation.

Date: 2007-04-19
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
No Child Left Behind Reform Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states to include measures of individual or cohort growth over time in determining whether students are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Eliminates the consideration of student attendance rates. Allows schools to be given credit for performing well on measures other than test scores when calculating student achievement. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive: (1) grants to state educational agencies to develop or increase the capacity of data systems for accountability purposes; and (2) subgrants to increase the capacity of local educational agencies to upgrade, create, or manage information databases for the purpose of measuring AYP. Allows schools to target school choice and supplemental services to the students who are members of specified types of groups that fail to make AYP. Requires placement and service in the least restrictive environment for students who receive services under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act who use an option to transfer under ESEA. Revises the definition of highly qualified teacher to authorize states to: (1) use a generalist exam for middle school teachers; and (2) issue certificates that qualify teachers to teach a number of subjects in social studies or in science.

Date: 2007-04-24
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Campus Law Enforcement Emergency Response Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to include information concerning its law enforcement emergency response program and the occurrence of campus law enforcement emergencies in the annual campus security report it must provide to current and prospective students and employees. Requires such an IHE to: (1) test annually its law enforcement emergency response program; and (2) inform those on campus of any school law enforcement emergency within 30 minutes of discovering it. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to IHEs or consortia of IHEs, or enter into competitive contracts with IHEs, consortia, and other organizations, to develop, implement, operate, improve, test, or disseminate campus law enforcement emergency response programs. Defines "campus" for purposes of this Act to include property controlled by recognized student organizations, off-campus school-related property, and certain public property used by and adjacent to the school.

Date: 2007-04-26
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
College Saver's Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow certain middle-income individual taxpayers age 18 or older a refundable tax credit for 50% of their contributions to a qualified tuition program (tax-exempt college savings plan), up to an annual limit of $2,000; and (2) require the distribution of financial education materials to participants in a qualified tuition program.Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the participation of individuals in qualified tuition programs.

Date: 2007-04-26
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to reauthorize and revise title II part A requirements for teacher quality enhancement grants for states and partnerships (II-A). Revises state grant, partnership grant, and recruitment grant requirements to include requirements relating to: (1) early childhood education; (2) exemplary, highly competent, and highly qualified teachers as these are defined under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) teacher mentoring; (4) professional development; (5) parental involvement; and (6) high-need schools and local educational agencies. Revises requirements for peer review panel grant evaluation and for teacher preparation program accountability.Requires states to submit teacher quality plans. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education that are II-A partner institutions to create Academies for Faculty Excellence.

Date: 2007-04-26
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 - Provides that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter or semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis. Repeals the: (1) 14-year (after first becoming entitled) limit on the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve; and (2) ten-year limit on the use educational assistance by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations.

Date: 2007-05-01
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Student Loan Accountability and Disclosure Reform Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to expand prohibitions on guaranty agencies operating under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program by prohibiting their offering specified inducements to institutions of higher education (IHE) or lenders to secure business or providing certain services for such institutions without appropriate compensation. Requires lenders to provide student loan applicants with certain written information regarding: (1) loan conditions; (2) their possible qualification for title IV assistance; (3) the method for determining the applicable interest rate; and (4) whether the loans provided exceed a student's attendance costs. Directs the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Treasury to review the private educational loan market to identify possible discriminatory lending practices affecting students who qualify for a simplified needs test or application process. Expands the activities disqualifying lenders from participation in the FFEL program, including: (1) offering specified inducements to IHEs; (2) performing certain uncompensated services for IHEs; and (3) entering into certain business arrangements with students or school financial aid employees. Establishes a private loan exception to the prohibition IHE certification of a student's eligibility to borrow amounts in excess of those allowable under the FFEL program. Requires limitation, suspension, or termination of an IHE's participation in title IV loan programs for noncompliance with a student loan code of conduct prohibiting IHEs or their financial aid employees from accepting certain inducements from, or entering into certain business arrangements with, lenders. Bans IHEs from designating preferred lenders; but allows lenders to submit a standard electronic template to IHEs regarding loan conditions which will then be made available to students and their parents. Terminates the authority of a school to serve as a lender or a lender to serve as a school trustee under the FFEL program.

Date: 2007-05-02
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterans and Survivors Employment and Training Act of 2007 - Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that either: (1) leads to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry; or (2) lasts less than two years and leads to employment in a sector of the economy that is projected to experience a substantial increase in the number of jobs, positively affect the growth of another sector of the economy, or consists of existing or emerging businesses that are being transformed by technology and innovation and require new skills for workers. Includes as an authorized program for purposes of such assistance a program of education pursued at a tribally controlled college or university as defined under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Permits accelerated payments, with the same requirements, for eligible individuals under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program, with added conditions.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Higher Education Affordability, Access, and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a student loan program for workforce development for high-growth occupations or industries. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for: (1) job skill training in high-growth occupations or industries to partnerships of community colleges and workforce investment boards; and (2) training and job skills for small business owners or operators to partnerships of institutions of higher education (IHEs) and entities that help small business development. Prohibits, under the student loan program, IHEs and accrediting agencies and associations from restricting transfers of credits in specified ways. Requires studies and dissemination of comparative data on college costs and related matters. Revises requirements for teacher quality enhancement grants with respect to high-need local educational agencies and eligible partnerships. Allows states to submit applications, under the leveraging educational assistance partnership program, with philanthropic organizations and public or private IHEs.

Date: 2007-05-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
College Affordability and Creating Chances for Educational Success for Students Act of 2007 - College ACCESS Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship Credit and the tuition and related expenses deduction with a refundable College Affordability and Creating Chances for Educational Success for Students (ACCESS) tax credit. Sets the maximum yearly credit at $3,000 and the maximum lifetime credit for undergraduate and graduate education at $12,000 and $6,000, respectively. Requires annual inflation adjustments to such amounts. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize an Early Federal Pell Grant Demonstration Program. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to four states to cover administrative expenses incurred in the program. Limits a state to a cohort of up to 10,000 of its eighth grade students who are eligible for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Provides for a cohort for each of the academic years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Declares that each student who participates in the demonstration project receives a commitment to receive a Pell Grant during their first year of undergraduate study at an institution of higher education, subject to a specified condition. Requires state grantees to choose local educational agencies to participate in the program from among those serving students at least half of whom are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Calculates participating students' Pell Grants by deeming them to have no expected family contribution. Directs the Secretary to arrange for an independent evaluation of the demonstration program's effectiveness in providing needy students with access to, and an incentive to pursue, higher education. Requires state grantees annually to provide program participants with information concerning college costs, Pell Grants, state college savings programs, and other state and federal aid programs. Increases the maximum Pell Grant amount from $5,100 for academic year 2007-2008 by specified levels up to $6,300 for academic year 2011-2012.

Date: 2007-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Information Means a Positive Loan Experience Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to give borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs the option to delay the repayment of principal on such loans for the first two years that they are in repayment, regardless of their repayment plan. Requires FFEL lenders to offer extended repayment plans to borrowers with $20,000 (currently, $30,000) of FFEL debt. Revises the definition of economic hardship to include individuals whose earnings do not exceed 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size. Requires lenders that grant FFEL loan deferment or forbearance to inform borrowers of the impact such deferment or forbearance has on the ultimate cost of the loan. Directs lenders to inform borrowers seeking to consolidate loans: (1) of loan costs and repayment terms, including the ability to prepay or change repayment plans; (2) whether FFEL or DL repayment-related benefits will be lost; (3) that certain Federal Perkins Loan (PL) interest-free periods and deferment and cancellation options will be lost; (4) that other lenders may offer different terms; and (5) that applying for such loans does not oblige borrowers to take them. Requires schools to inform prospective and enrolled students of the terms and conditions of FFEL, DL, and PL loans. Adds to the exit counseling information schools must provide to student borrowers. Requires certain information regarding: (1) costs and repayment terms, including the ability to prepay or change repayment plans; (2) loan forgiveness and forbearance options; (3) the effects of consolidating such loans; and (4) the availability of the National Student Loan Data System for use in obtaining information on their loan status.

Date: 2007-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Financial Aid Data Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to take actions necessary to maintain confidence in the National Student Loan Data System, at a minimum: (1) ensuring that guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools primarily access it for legitimate program operations; (2) prohibiting nongovernmental researchers or policy analysts from accessing personally identifiable information; (3) creating a disclosure form for actual and potential students describing the contents of, and access to, the system; (4) requiring guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools to inform borrowers of Federal Family Education Loans, Direct Loans, and Perkins Loans that such a loan will be submitted to the system and accessible to such entities; (5) regularly review the system to delete inactive users, monitor use, and ensure that data is not used for marketing purposes; and (6) developing standardized protocols for limiting access. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) mechanisms giving borrowers the option of restricting lender access to their system records; and (2) appropriate risk-based protocols for limiting access.

Date: 2007-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize an Early Federal Pell Grant Demonstration Program. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to four states to cover administrative expenses incurred in the program. Limits a state to a cohort of up to 10,000 of its eighth grade students who are eligible for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Provides for a cohort for each of the academic years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Declares that each student who participates in the demonstration project receives a commitment to receive a Pell Grant during their first year of undergraduate study at an institution of higher education, subject to a specified condition. Requires state grantees to choose local educational agencies to participate in the program from among those serving students at least half of whom are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Calculates participating students' Pell Grants by deeming them to have no expected family contribution. Directs the Secretary to arrange for an independent evaluation of the demonstration program's effectiveness in providing needy students with access to, and an incentive to pursue, higher education. Requires state grantees annually to provide program participants with information concerning college costs, Pell Grants, state college savings programs, and other state and federal aid programs.

Date: 2007-05-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Fostering Adoption to Further Student Achievement Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the definition of independent student, for purposes of the financial need analysis to establish student aid eligibility, to individuals who were adopted from the foster care system when they were 13 years of age or older.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Universal Higher Education and Lifetime Learning Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits with a partially refundable Higher Education Tax Credit covering: (1) up to 50% of a taxpayer's higher education expenses for a taxable year that do not exceed $3,000; and (2) up to 30% of such expenses between $3,000 and $8,000. Sets a lifetime credit limitation of $12,000 per student. Applies the credit to no more than two years of graduate education. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Revises federal bankruptcy law with respect to the exemption from the exception to discharge in bankruptcy for certain educational loans if excepting such debt from discharge would impose an undue hardship on the debtor and debtor's dependents. Limits such exemption to the existing ones for: (1) an educational benefit overpayment or loan made, insured, or guaranteed by a governmental unit; and (2) an obligation to repay funds received from a governmental unit as an educational benefit, scholarship, or stipend. Repeals the current exemption for: (1) any loan made under any program funded in whole or in part by a governmental unit or nonprofit institution; and (2) any other qualified education loan incurred by an individual debtor on behalf of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any dependent, including indebtedness used to refinance a qualified education loan. (Thus makes both kinds of loans nondischargeable in bankruptcy.)

Date: 2007-06-07
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish programs of direct loans and grants for retrofitting nursing facilities with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Gives priority to grant applications that demonstrate a need or hardship.

Date: 2007-06-13
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Health
First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through July 31, 2007.

Date: 2007-06-27
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterans Education Tuition Support Act or VETS Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, in the case of a servicemember who because of military service discontinues a program of education at an institution that administers a federal financial aid program, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit because of such military service; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when the program was discontinued because of the military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against student loan indebtedness.

Date: 2007-06-27
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay to each individual entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and pursuing a program of education with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math a lump-sum payment of $2,000 per academic year, or fraction thereof for enrollment lasting less than a year. Makes such amount in addition to any other educational assistance to which the individual is entitled.

Date: 2007-06-27
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends title IV (Student Assistance) the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a part I Federal Supplemental Loan program under which the Secretary of Education provides fixed and variable interest rate loans to undergraduates and graduates who attend institutions of higher education (IHEs) on a full-time basis. Requires the rate for fixed loans and the margin for variable loans to be set at a level that results in the lowest rate for a borrower that will result in no net cost to the government. Sets the maximum Supplemental loan amount at a student's cost of attending an IHE minus the financial aid awarded to such student and the amount such student is eligible for but does not receive under the Federal Family Education Loan program. Directs the Secretary to offer Supplemental loan borrowers the same repayment plans offered under the Direct Loan program.

Date: 2007-06-27
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals and the spouses of individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months.

Date: 2007-07-17
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals and the spouses of individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months.

Date: 2007-07-19
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include the Kentucky State University qualified graduate program on the list of graduate schools and programs that the Secretary of Education may deem eligible for title III Institutional Aid due to their making substantial contributions to providing Black Americans with graduate education opportunities.

Date: 2007-07-19
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through October 31, 2007.

Date: 2007-07-24
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
National Guard and Reserve Educational Benefits Fairness Act of 2007 - Provides educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the National Guard and Reserve for extended service on continuous active duty that includes prolonged service in certain theaters of operation.

Date: 2007-10-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2008 the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Date: 2007-10-25
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through March 31, 2008. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to consider trustees acting on behalf of certain governmental or tax-exempt entities as eligible nonprofit holders of Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs), regardless of whether or not such entities are eligible FFEL lenders.

Date: 2007-10-30
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the meaning of economic hardship under the Federal Family Education Loan or Perkins Loan and related loan insurance programs. Considers borrowers under such programs to be suffering economic hardship if they are working full-time, have a federal educational debt burden equal to at least 20% of their adjusted gross income, and the difference between their adjusted gross income minus such debt burden is less than 220% of the greater of: (1) the annual earnings of an minimum wage earner; or (2) 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size.

Date: 2007-11-02
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (the Act) made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Specifies the untaxed income and benefits which the Act excluded from the list of untaxed income and benefits considered in federal student need analyses (thereby, specifically excluding them from such analyses). Provides that, for married borrowers who file separate tax returns, income-based loan repayments under the HEA shall be determined solely on the basis of the individual borrower's student loan debt and adjusted gross income. Amends the Act to make technical amendments with respect to Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants.

Date: 2007-11-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

Date: 2007-11-16
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
National STEM Scholarship Database Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain, on the public website of the Department of Education, a database of information on public and private programs of financial assistance for the study of postsecondary and graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires that such database: (1) provide separate information for each field of study; (2) be searchable by category and combinations of categories; (3) indicate programs targeted toward specific demographic groups; (4) provide searchers with program sponsor contact information and hyperlinks; and (5) include a recommendation that students and families carefully review application requirements and a disclaimer that scholarships presented in the database are not provided or endorsed by the Department or the federal government.Requires the Secretary and the entity contracted to furnish and regularly update information to consult with public and private sources of scholarships and make easily available a process for the sources to provide regular and updated information.

Date: 2007-11-16
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
National STEM Scholarship Database Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain, on the public website of the Department of Education, a database of information on public and private programs of financial assistance for the study of postsecondary and graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires that such database: (1) provide separate information for each field of study; (2) be searchable by category and combinations of categories; (3) indicate programs targeted toward specific demographic groups; (4) provide searchers with program sponsor contact information and hyperlinks; and (5) include a recommendation that students and families carefully review application requirements and a disclaimer that scholarships presented in the database are not provided or endorsed by the Department or the federal government.Requires the Secretary and the entity contracted to furnish and regularly update information to consult with public and private sources of scholarships and make easily available a process for the sources to provide regular and updated information.

Date: 2007-12-06
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act of 2008 - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to permit any member of the Armed Forces (currently, only members with critical military skills) entitled to basic educational assistance to elect to transfer a portion of such assistance to one or more dependents. Removes the 18-month limitation on the number of months of entitlement authorized to be transferred. Provides similar eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who have completed at least six years of service and enter into an agreement to remain a member of such Reserve for at least four more years.

Date: 2008-01-30
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships between rural institutions of higher education (IHEs) and rural local educational agencies, rural education service agencies, regional employers, or rural education nonprofit organizations for activities to: (1) improve the rural IHE enrollment rates of rural secondary school graduates and former attendees; and (2) encourage nontraditional students' participation in rural IHE degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between rural IHEs and regional employers to: (1) provide additional training to rural IHE attendees in careers relevant to the regional economy; and (2) encourage regional businesses to employ rural IHE graduates. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to rural IHEs to create or strengthen academic programs that prepare graduates to enter high-need occupations in the regional and local economies. Requires the Comptroller General to investigate, and make recommendations to Congress regarding the improvement of, rural access to four-year IHEs and degree programs.

Date: 2008-01-30
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to: (1) prepare a report for specified congressional committees on the adequacy of the financial aid offer forms issued by federally-assisted institutions of higher education (IHEs); and (2) develop model financial aid offer formats based on the report's findings. Requires such formats to include, in a consumer-friendly manner, specified information regarding: (1) the student's total and net cost of attending the IHE; (2) available scholarships, loans, and work assistance; and (3) where to obtain additional information on the financial aid offered. Directs each IHE to use one of the model formats as part of its financial aid offer form, and provide such form to current or prospective students and their parents in time for them to consider the format information before applying for or selecting an educational loan.

Date: 2008-02-06
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs that support veterans who are students by providing and coordinating services that address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Requires each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.

Date: 2008-02-28
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to treat current active National Guard and Reserve personnel who have completed their initial military training as independent students in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act. Prohibits educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in such need analyses.

Date: 2008-03-07
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Higher Education Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through April 30, 2008.

Date: 2008-03-07
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the hope and lifetime learning tax credits with a higher education opportunity tax credit.Allows a higher education opportunity tax credit for 100% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including a certain allowance for books) up to $1,000, 50% for such expenses between $1,000 and $3,000, and 20% of such expenses between $3,000 and $5,500. Reduces credit amounts for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes over $70,000 ($140,000 in the case of a joint return). Allows an increased tax credit for students who served certain periods of active duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001.Limits such credit to three eligible students per taxpayer in any taxable year and for four taxable years. Denies such credit to certain part-time students and students convicted of a felony drug offense. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to suspend students' eligibility for assistance under title IV for being convicted of committing controlled substance offenses while in receipt of such assistance only if the convicting courts order such suspension. (Currently, a conviction suffices.)

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education