zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
GI Education Benefit Fairness Act

Expands the definition of "children," for purposes of provisions allowing members or former members of the uniformed services who served on active duty for specified periods beginning on or after September 11, 2001, to transfer their entitlement to educational assistance, to mean an unmarried person who: (1) is placed in the legal custody of a member or former member by court order for at least 12 consecutive months, (2) has not attained the age of 21, (3) has not attained the age of 23 and is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning, (4) is incapable of self support due to a mental or physical incapacity that occurred while such person was a dependent of the member or former member, (5) is dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of his or her support, (6) resides with the member or former member unless separated due to military service or institutionalization for a disability or incapacitation, and (7) is not a dependent of a member or former member under any other provision defining dependent.

Date: 2015-04-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Computer Science Career Education Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants to consortia composed of at least one local educational agency, at least one institution of higher education (IHE), and community representatives for the development and operation of four- or six-year computer science career education programs.

Each such career education program must include the development of a computer science program for both secondary and postsecondary education that:

 is aligned with rigorous computer science standards for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education; links secondary schools and IHEs through non-duplicative sequences of courses in computer science career fields; uses, if appropriate and available, experiential or work-based learning in collaboration with local or regional employers; uses educational technology and distance learning to involve all members of the consortium more fully in the development and operation of the programs; aligns with industry needs in the state or region; and creates innovative opportunities for students that lead to attainment of industry-recognized credentials. A program must also provide: (1) professional development for teachers, (2) career and academic counseling for students, and (3) equal access to the full range of career education programs to members of underrepresented groups and special populations.

Date: 2015-04-28
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Go to High School, Go to College Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to carry out (from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2022) a program awarding Early College Federal Pell Grants to students to support their enrollment in, and completion of, postsecondary courses offered through early college high schools.

Students who would be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if not for their enrollment in secondary school are deemed eligible for an Early College Federal Pell Grant upon their completion of a full-time postsecondary semester or its equivalent.

Students may receive Early College Federal Pell Grants in an amount equal to the cost of not more than four full-time postsecondary semesters or the equivalent while enrolled in postsecondary courses offered by an early college high school.

Early College Federal Pell Grants shall count toward the 12-semester, or equivalent, limit on a student's receipt of Federal Pell Grants.

Date: 2015-04-28
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2015

This bill makes procedures for the enforcement of arbitration agreements inapplicable to an enrollment agreement between a student and an institution of higher education (IHE). The bill also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to forbid an IHE that participates in federal student aid programs, including work-study programs, from requiring a student to agree to any restriction on the student's ability to pursue a claim, individually or with others, against it in court.

Date: 2015-04-28
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Electronic Books Opening Opportunity for Knowledge Act of 2015 or the E-BOOK Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to up to 10 institutions of higher education (IHEs) to conduct pilot programs to reduce the cost of attendance for undergraduate students by expanding their access to digital course materials.

A preference is given to applications that demonstrate a commitment to serving disadvantaged students.

Grantees must make digital course materials available to undergraduate students in at least two different academic departments.

Grant funds may be used to:

 purchase and maintain the electronic equipment or software their pilot programs need; purchase and maintain the digital and online content that instructors or students will use; hire staff to administer their pilot programs, with priority given to hiring enrolled undergraduate students; build or acquire extra storage space for pilot program equipment; support professional development; and revise and adapt curricula as needed to implement the IHEs' pilot programs.

Date: 2015-04-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015 the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Date: 2015-04-30
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Protections and Regulation for Our Students Act or the PRO Students Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require proprietary institutions of higher education (IHEs) to derive at least 15% of their revenue from non-federal sources or risk becoming ineligible for title IV funding.

The legislation establishes a Proprietary Education Oversight Coordination Committee.

IHEs and other postsecondary educational institutions must meet certain requirements regarding entrance counseling for first-time borrowers, disclosure of clinical training agreement terms, disclosure of a mandatory program review, and preparation of students upon successful program completion.

 IHEs and other post-secondary educational institutions must not use revenues derived from federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities.

It amends title IV program participation requirements to broaden the incentive compensation ban, to prohibit predispute arbitration agreements in student contracts, to establish certain institutional requirements related to student default risk, and to prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers who disclose institutional violations.

The Department of Education (ED) must establish a complaint tracking system, conduct mandatory program reviews of institutions that pose a significant risk of failing to comply with title IV requirements, and recalculate the cohort default rate and redetermine title IV eligibility for institutions that engage in default manipulation.

The legislation permits a federal student loan borrower or ED, on behalf of multiple borrowers, to assert an IHE's unlawful acts or omissions as an affirmative claim or defense against student loan repayment. It also permits ED to impose civil penalties on IHEs that engage in substantial misrepresentation or other serious violations.

Accrediting agencies or associations must not require institutions to enter predispute arbitration agreements with students.

Date: 2015-04-30
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterans Education Priority Enrollment Act

Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or a state approving agency from approving a program of education offered by an educational institution for purposes of an educational assistance program for veterans or members of the Selected Reserve or the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces unless any such institution that administers a priority enrollment system allows an eligible veteran, member, or dependent to enroll in courses at the earliest possible time.

Date: 2015-05-12
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution (EFC) used to determine financial need in the case of a Pell Grant-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty as a police officer, firefighter, or other public safety officer. Such student is eligible to receive an automatic zero EFC and qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award if the student was less than 24 years old or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of the parent or guardian's death.

Date: 2015-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 16, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Career-Ready Student Veterans Act

(Sec. 2) This bill adds the following new criteria for state approval, with respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance, of applications of educational institutions providing veterans with non-accredited courses:

 a program designed to prepare an individual for state licensure or certification must meet any state instructional curriculum licensure or certification requirements; or a program designed to prepare an individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a state board or agency in an occupation requiring approval or licensure must be approved or licensed by that state board or agency. The VA may waive either of these two requirements if:

 the educational institution is accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Department of Education; the program did not meet the requirements at any time during the two-year period preceding the waiver date; the waiver furthers the purposes of the educational assistance programs or would further the education interests of individuals eligible for assistance under such programs; and the educational institution does not provide any incentive payment based on securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance, except for recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are ineligible for federal student assistance. The VA shall submit to Congress notice of, and justification for, a waiver within 30 days of issuance.

The VA shall disapprove a course of education unless the educational institution providing it discloses publicly any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or exams, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course is designed to provide preparation.

 If after enrollment in a course subject to disapproval an individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same educational institution while remaining continuously enrolled, such course or courses shall not be subject to disapproval by reason of this Act.

Date: 2015-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Work-Study for Student Veterans Act

Reauthorizes through June 30, 2020 (under current law, the authorization expires as of June 30, 2013) certain qualifying work-study activities for individuals receiving educational assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Date: 2015-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Federal Adjustment in Reporting Student Credit Act of 2015 or the FAIR Student Credit Act of 2015

Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow a consumer to request the removal of a previously reported default regarding a qualified education loan from a consumer report if the consumer meets the requirements of a private loan rehabilitation program in which the number of consecutive on-time monthly payments is equal to the number of payments specified in a default reduction program under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Permits a consumer to obtain such rehabilitation benefits only once per loan.

Requires the Government Accountability Office to report on any challenges borrowers experience with the private loan rehabilitation program.

Date: 2015-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Protect Student Borrowers Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) participating in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program to accept specified risk-sharing requirements.

 For any fiscal year in which at least 25% of the IHE's student body is participating in the Direct Loan program, the IHE must remit a risk-sharing payment (a percentage of the total amount of its defaulted Direct Loans) that declines as the cohort default rate declines.

 If an IHE develops and implements an approved student loan management plan that includes individualized financial aid counseling for students and strategies to minimize student loan default and delinquency, the Department of Education (ED) must modify the risk-sharing requirements. ED may waive or reduce an IHE's risk-sharing payments in certain other instances.

 An IHE may not deny admission or financial aid based on a perception that a student may be at risk for defaulting on a Direct Loan.

 ED may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements for: (1) statewide or institutionally-based programs for the prevention of federal student loan delinquency and default at IHEs that have a high cohort default rate or serve large numbers of students who have a higher risk of defaulting on student loans under title IV, and (2) increasing the number of borrowers who successfully rehabilitate defaulted loans.

Risk-sharing payments are to be deposited in a separate account in the Treasury and used as follows: (1) up to 50% for ED to enter into the contracts or cooperative agreements for delinquency and default prevention or rehabilitation, and (2) the remainder to offset any future shortfalls in funding under the Federal Pell Grant program.

An IHE's ability to meet its obligation to make risk-sharing payments shall be part of the determination of its eligibility to participate in title IV programs.

Date: 2015-05-15
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Homeland Security University-based Centers Review Act

(Sec. 2) Directs the Government Accountability Office to initiate a study to assess the university-based centers for homeland security program authorized by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and provide recommendations to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, for appropriate improvements.

Requires the study to:

 review the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) efforts to identify key areas of study needed to support the homeland security mission and criteria that DHS utilized to determine those key areas for which it should maintain, establish, or eliminate university-based centers; review the method by which university-based centers, federally funded research and development centers, and Department of Energy national laboratories receive tasking from DHS; review and weight selection criteria for designating university-based centers; examine best practices from other agencies' efforts to organize and use university-based research to support their missions; review DHS's criteria and metrics to measure demonstrable progress achieved by university-based centers in fulfilling DHS taskings and mechanisms for delivering and disseminating the research results of designated university-based centers within DHS and to other agencies; examine means by which academic institutions that are not designated or associated with the designated university-based centers can optimally contribute to the research mission of the Directorate of Science and Technology of DHS; and assess the interrelationship between the different university-based centers and the degree to which outreach and collaboration among a diverse array of academic institutions is encouraged by DHS. Requires the annual report from DHS on such centers to describe:

 research that has been tasked and completed by each center designated during the preceding year, funding provided by DHS for each such center for that year, and plans for utilization of such centers in the forthcoming year.

Date: 2015-05-18
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Emergency management
Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require all foreign medical schools to meet minimum requirements for percentage of foreign students and for percentage of students passing exams administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates in order for students to be eligible for William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans. (Currently, the Department of Education may establish alternative standards and certain clinical training programs are grandfathered.)

Students continue to be eligible for a loan if, on the date of enactment of this Act, they are enrolled in a foreign medical school that loses eligibility as a result of this Act.

Date: 2015-05-19
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Loan Tax Debt Relief Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the exclusion from gross income of income attributable to the discharge of student loan indebtedness to include indebtedness discharged pursuant to income-contingent and income-based repayment plans.

Date: 2015-05-19
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Student Veterans Housing Support Act

This bill provides a full monthly housing stipend, eliminating the current 50% stipend, for a veteran pursuing a program of education on a more than half-time basis solely through distance learning.

An individual pursuing a degree program on a more than half-time basis shall receive a monthly housing stipend for the month immediately preceding the first month of the program, and in an amount equal to one for a month during which the individual pursues the program.

Housing allowances paid to veterans and eligible persons enrolled in courses may continue during periods:

 when the schools are temporarily closed; between consecutive school terms where such veterans or persons transfer from one approved educational institution to another approved educational institution if the period between such consecutive terms does not exceed 30 days; or between school terms if the period between them does not exceed 8 weeks, and both the preceding and following terms are not shorter than such period, or if the period falls between consecutive spring and fall semesters and the eligible veteran or person resides during such period within the educational institution's ZIP code area. Benefits provided under this Act shall be in addition to any other veterans' educational benefits provided to an individual.

Date: 2015-05-20
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Julian Woods Yellow Ribbon Program Expansion Act

This bill includes under the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program (public-private contributions for educational assistance in addition to post-9/11 educational assistance) the child or spouse of an individual who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies in the line of duty while serving on active duty (Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship recipients).

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2015 

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify reporting requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in title IV federal financial aid programs. Currently, to retain title IV eligibility, IHEs must report data to the Department of Education (ED) through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

This bill requires IHEs to submit additional student enrollment data to ED to enable coding and reporting on students' level of academic preparation. It also requires ED to calculate additional outcome measures by institution and program, including:

 the percentage of students who receive federal, state, or institutional grants or loans; the average amount of federal loan debt upon graduation; the average amount of total federal loan debt of students who do not complete a program of study; student transfer rates; rates of continuation to higher levels of education; and the percentage of students who receive the degree they initially sought. ED must report additional outcome measures established by this Act, as well as all existing student data in IPEDS, based on these student types:

 receipt or non-receipt of federal Pell Grants, receipt or non-receipt of Stafford Loans,  participation in the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program, enrollment status, and enrollment intensity. ED must also, in cooperation with the Social Security Administration, make publicly available data on employment metrics and median annual earnings 2 years, 6 years, and 15 years after program completion. ED must report the data by:

 education program, credential received, institution, and state of employment.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Restoring Education And Learning Act of 2015 or the REAL Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the provision that prohibits Pell Grant eligibility for individuals incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution and for sex offenders subject to civil commitment following incarceration.

This amendment takes effect in academic year 2015-2016.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Bereaved Borrowers' Bill of Rights Act of 2015 

Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a private educational lender to include in a private education loan for which the cosigner is jointly liable a process for releasing the cosigner from obligations on the loan.

 Requires a lender who receives notification of the death or bankruptcy of a cosigner who is jointly liable for the loan to notify the borrower about the borrower's rights under the loan agreement regarding: (1) release of the cosigner, and (2) identification of a new cosigner or refinancing of the loan.

 Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit: (1) consumer reporting agencies from containing in any consumer report default on a private education loan that results from accelerated repayment terms of the loan after the death or bankruptcy of a jointly liable cosigner, and (2) the lender or servicer of a private educational loan from furnishing loan information to a consumer reporting agency if the consumer defaulted on the loan due to accelerated repayment terms after the death or bankruptcy of such a cosigner.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Young Farmer Success Act of 2015 

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include a full-time job as an employee or manager of a qualified farm or ranch within the definition of "public service job" for purposes of the public service employee loan forgiveness program.

A "qualified farm or ranch" earns, from the sale of agricultural products, gross revenue of at least $35,000 in 2015, adjusted annually for inflation in subsequent years.

Date: 2015-06-01
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Need-Based Educational Aid Act of 2015

(Sec. 2)This bill amends the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 to extend through FY2022 the antitrust exemption that allows institutions of higher education that admit all students on a need-blind basis to enter or attempt to enter into agreements among themselves regarding the administration of need-based financial aid.

The bill also, however, repeals the permission for these institutions to exchange through an independent third party, before awarding financial aid to any of the students, data submitted by the student, his or her family, or a financial institution on their behalf relating to assets, liabilities, income, expenses, the number of family members, and the number of the student's siblings in college, if each of the institutions is permitted to retrieve the data only once with respect to the student.

Date: 2015-06-02
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Commerce
Recruit Act

This bill specifies that a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health professional scholarship shall consist of up to the full amount of the tuition and other reasonable educational expenses for a school year.

The period of obligated service may exceed one calendar year for each such school year or part thereof if the VA determines that such period is appropriate based on the scholarship's amount and duration.

An individual who is enrolled in such program as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act may elect to be covered by the amendments made by this Act with respect to a quarter, semester, or term commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Train Act

This bill revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee incentive scholarship program to increase: (1) the scholarship program from one to four years, (2) the required term of a graduate's full-time VA health service to up to four years, and (3) the maximum scholarship for a full-time student to $25,000 per year.

An individual who is enrolled in the program as of the day before the enactment of this Act may elect to be covered by this Act with respect to a quarter, semester, or term commencing on or after enactment.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Retain Act

This bill expands the eligibility of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to participate in the education debt reduction program.

The VA must give participation priority to employees providing direct-patient care services or services incident to direct-patient care services for which recruitment or retention of qualified health-care personnel is difficult.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Flexibility and Oversight Act

Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transfer funds from one covered program to another covered program if: (1) such transfer will improve the quality of service provided by the VA to veterans, (2) the VA notifies Congress of the justification for such transfer, and (3) a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date of such notification. Defines "covered program" to mean the VA's Health Professional Scholarship Program, Employee Incentive Scholarship Program, and education debt reduction programs.

Requires the VA's annual report on its educational assistance programs to include, during the 10-year period beginning on March 1, 2016, an evaluation of the efficacy of the programs in increasing the quality of health care provided to veterans and opportunities for improvement.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to eligibility for consolidation loans, to require verification of a borrower's status by the Department of Education in the following cases:

 for obtaining income-contingent or -based repayment, and only if the loan has been submitted to the guaranty agency for default aversion or where the loan is already in default; for the purposes of using the public service loan forgiveness program; or for the purpose of using the no accrual of interest benefit for active duty service members.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Hold Accountable and Lend Transparency on Campus Sexual Violence Act or the HALT Campus Sexual Violence Act

This bill amends the Department of Education Organization Act to require the Department of Education (ED) to make publicly available on its website:

 a list of the institutions of higher education (IHEs) under investigation, sanctions or investigation findings, and a copy of program reviews and resolution agreements entered into with ED or the Department of Justice (DOJ), under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) or title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the letter terminating the ED's monitoring of such agreements; and a list of the IHEs under investigation, and a copy of the program reviews, sanctions or investigation findings, and resolution agreements entered into with ED or DOJ, under the provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). ED may impose a civil penalty on an IHE that has violated a law under the jurisdiction of its Office for Civil Rights.

The bill amends the Clery Act to direct ED to develop a biennial sexual violence climate survey and include statistics from such survey in the annual campus security report provided to current and prospective students and employees.

An individual may allege a violation of the Clery Act in a judicial proceeding.

The maximum penalty for substantially misrepresenting the number, location, or nature of the crimes required to be reported under the Clery Act is increased.

The IHE's annual statement of its policy regarding domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking must:

 use simple and understandable language and clear formatting; be made available and posted on its public website and in conspicuous places in and around student housing and other campus buildings; be provided to each student group, team, or organization that has a specified connection to the IHE or is known by the IHE to act on an unaffiliated basis; and ensure that each of those groups distributes a copy of such policy to each of its members or applicants for membership. ED and DOJ are directed to create a joint interagency Campus Sexual Violence Task Force.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Sunshine in Academic Admissions Act

This bill requires each institution of higher education that participates in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to submit an annual report to the Department of Education that states whether the institution gives weight to race, color, or national origin in the admissions process and, if yes, provides certain additional disclosures. The institution must make the report publicly available.

Date: 2015-06-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
National Collegiate Athletics Accountability Act or the NCAA Act

This bill amends title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require program participation agreements to prohibit an institution with an intercollegiate athletic program from membership in a nonprofit athletic association unless the association:

 requires annual baseline concussion testing prior to a student athlete's participation in contact sports; requires certain due process procedures for students and institutions prior to enforcing a remedy for any infraction; requires athletically related student aid to be guaranteed for the duration of the student's attendance, up to four years, and irrevocable due to skill or injury; and permits member institutions to pay stipends to student athletes. The legislation also establishes the Presidential Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics to review, analyze, and report to the President and Congress on certain issues related to intercollegiate athletics, including the interaction of athletics and academics, the financing of intercollegiate athletics, the recruitment and retention of student athletes, oversight and governance practices, health and safety protections for student athletes, and due process and equal enforcement of student athlete rules and regulations.

Date: 2015-06-11
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Assuring Quality Outcomes in Higher Education Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to conduct and publish an impact analysis prior to implementing any final rule or enforcing any existing regulation or framework that utilizes income- or employment-based metrics. The Government Accountability Office must review the impact analysis for accuracy and completeness.

ED's impact analysis must include the effect of income- or employment-based metrics on all postsecondary education programs and students at all categories of institutions of higher education that participate in a title IV program under the Higher Education Act of 1965, the correlation between variables other than quality of education that could affect income and debt-to-income ratios or employment outcome, and the comparison of various income sources and debt data utilized under the regulation or performance framework.

The requirement established by this Act terminates when a law is enacted that reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965 for at least two fiscal years.

Date: 2015-06-17
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterans Education Flexibility Act

Declares that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of 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 delimiting period for the use of assistance under the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program (generally 10 years after the veteran's last discharge or release from active duty).

Applies the assistance extension provided under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program to the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.

Date: 2015-06-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
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 support programs and services that facilitate student advancement to allopathic or osteopathic medical schools.

Date: 2015-06-25
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
America's College Promise Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and Indian tribes to waive tuition and fees at community colleges. To receive a grant, states and Indian tribes must agree to waive tuition and fees at all their community colleges and for all eligible students.

An eligible student is a first-time student who: (1) qualifies for resident tuition; (2) enrolls at least half-time; (3) maintains satisfactory academic progress; and (4) enrolls in an academic program with credits that are fully transferable to any public institution of higher education in the state or enrolls in a training program that leads to credentials in an in-demand industry.

The bill appropriates $1.4 billion in FY2016 and $79.7 billion over FY2016-FY2025 to make grants under this community college program.

This bill also authorizes ED to award grants to four-year historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to waive or reduce tuition and fees for up to 60 credits for low-income students.

HBCUs and MSIs that participate must: (1) enroll a student body that contains at least 35% low-income students; (2) maintain or adopt reforms and practices to improve completion rates and student outcomes; (3) set performance goals; and (4) execute an articulation agreement with community colleges, if accepting transfer students.

It appropriates $55 million for FY2016 and $10.1 billion over FY2016-FY2025 to make grants under this HBCU/MSI program.

Date: 2015-07-08
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credit, to require: (1) an individual claiming qualified tuition and related expenses under such credit to provide on the individual's tax return a social security number and the employer identification number of the educational institution to which such expenses were paid, (2) an individual claiming such credit to be a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully present in the United States, and (3) paid tax return preparers to receive information on the immigration status of a taxpayer claiming such credit.

The bill also requires the Social Security Administration to maintain a record of each social security account number issued to any individual who receives deferred action on removal by the Department of Homeland Security.

Date: 2015-07-08
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
This bill designates Grambling State University in Louisiana as an 1890 land grant institution. The university becomes eligible for federal formula funds in FY2017.

Date: 2015-07-10
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments under the federal veterinary medicine loan repayment program or any other state loan repayment or forgiveness program that is intended to provide for increased access to veterinary services in such state.

Date: 2015-07-16
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Student Debt Repayment Fairness Act 

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free distributions from qualified tuition programs (i.e., 529 plans) to pay student loan indebtedness.

Date: 2015-07-22
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to provide for the use of 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 the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, pursuant to taxpayer consent.

Date: 2015-07-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title I (General Provisions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify consumer information disclosure requirements related to college costs and student characteristics.

Specifically, it eliminates the existing restriction that limits calculations of cost of attendance, net price, and tuition and fees to first time students only.

Additionally, it eliminates provisions that require the Department of Education (ED) to make publicly available the following: (1) college affordability and transparency lists, (2) annual summaries of institutional reports, (3) state higher education spending charts; and (4) a multi-year tuition and fees calculator.

(Sec. 3) The bill directs ED to develop, annually update, and make publicly available a College Dashboard website to replace the College Navigator website.

It revises the consumer information ED must make publicly available regarding an institution that participates in federal student aid programs under title IV (Student Assistance). ED must also publish and link to the College Dashboard website additional information regarding student enrollment, completion rates, costs, use of financial aid, and faculty.

The bill establishes certain minimum requirements for an institution's net price calculator, including website location and information provided. Sale or distribution of personally identifiable information collected by a net price calculator is prohibited.

(Sec. 4) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill.

Date: 2015-07-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act

(Sec. 2) 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 entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower. This bill replaces required entrance counseling with required annual counseling. Also, it expands the required recipients of such annual counseling to include, in addition to student borrowers, Federal Pell Grant recipients and parent PLUS Loan borrowers.

Each annual counseling recipient must receive comprehensive information on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities with respect to a grant or loan and general information on a typical student budget, the right to request an annual credit report, average income and employment data, and financial management resources. Additionally, the bill revises, expands, or establishes specific annual counseling information requirements for student borrowers, Pell Grant recipients, or parent PLUS Loan borrowers.

(Sec. 3) The legislation revises and expands exit counseling information requirements to include an outstanding loan balance summary, the anticipated monthly payments under standard and income-based repayment plans, an explanation of the grace period preceding repayment, the option to pay accrued interest before it capitalizes, the right to request an annual credit report, and loan servicer contact information.

(Sec. 4) It directs ED to maintain a consumer-tested online counseling tool that provides annual and exit counseling.

 (Sec. 5) The Institute of Education Sciences must study the impact and effectiveness of exit counseling, annual counseling, and the online counseling tool.

(Sec. 6) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill.

Date: 2015-07-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow an eligible student to receive more than one Federal Pell Grant award in a single award year.

An eligible student is a student who: (1) has already received a Pell Grant during an award year and is enrolled in an eligible program for one or more additional payment periods (e.g., a summer term) during the same award year, (2) continues to meet Pell Grant program eligibility requirements, and (3) is accelerating progress toward a degree or certificate.

An eligible student's total Pell Grant amount must not exceed 150% of the annual maximum Pell Grant for that award year.

An institution must notify a student that any period of additional Pell Grant receipt counts toward that student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period (currently 12 full-time semesters). If an additional Pell Grant spans two award years, then an institution must determine the award year to which such Pell Grant applies.

The Department of Education must provide to each Pell Grant recipient an annual status report that includes certain information related to such student's remaining lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period.

Date: 2015-07-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Student Tax Relief Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of a student, for income tax purposes, imputed income due to a discharge of student loan indebtedness under provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or in connection with the closure of an educational institution.

Date: 2015-07-23
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Taxation
Student Financial Aid Simplification Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to determine a student's financial need and federal financial aid eligibility by using tax return information, unless such student qualifies for the simplified needs test or a zero expected family contribution.

It amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to disclose certain tax return information to the Department of Education (ED). Students must submit to ED certain supplemental information not available from the IRS.

The bill requires ED to provide such tax return information to states and institutions of higher education, without charge, for use processing loan applications and determining institutional and state financial aid awards.

Date: 2015-07-28
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Kids Before Cons Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit waiver authority of the Department of Education (ED) under the Experimental Sites Initiative.

Specifically, it prohibits ED from waiving statutory provisions that ban Pell Grant eligibility and federal financial aid for incarcerated students (e.g., as part of an experimental initiative to allow incarcerated students to receive Pell Grants for postsecondary education opportunities). The legislation also prohibits ED from awarding funds to an institution of higher education for providing such postsecondary education to incarcerated individuals.

ED must conduct and make publicly available a study that compares incarceration rates of: (1) private or charter school students who receive vouchers, and (2) traditional public school students.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Teach Our Teachers Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify provisions of the teacher loan forgiveness program.

Specifically, the legislation reduces from five to three years the period of service a full-time teacher must complete consecutively to be eligible for forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan program. It also increases from $5,000 to $17,500 the amount of available loan forgiveness for an elementary or secondary school teacher in any subject. (Currently, forgiveness up to $17,500 is only available for a full-time secondary school math or science teacher or for a special education teacher.)

The bill eliminates the prohibition on counting the same qualifying service for both the teacher and the public service loan forgiveness programs.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education
Flexibility to Innovate for College Affordability Act 

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Task Force to review, report on, and make recommendations to reduce, federal regulatory requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs).

ED must publish the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Report; the President must submit a legislative proposal to implement its recommendations; and Congress must consider legislation to enact such recommendations under expedited procedures.

Additionally, this bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand ED's waiver authority under the Experimental Sites Initiative.

Specifically, it authorizes ED to waive title IV statutory and regulatory requirements to allow participating IHEs to award federal student aid: (1) above the annual maximum amount to students whose academic workload exceeds a full-time academic workload; and (2) to students enrolled in remedial or competency-based programs, students or potential students who incur costs (e.g., test fees) for prior learning assessments, and high school students enrolled in a postsecondary education program. A participating IHE must demonstrate that a waiver reduces the total cost of attendance for such students.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Education (Higher)
Subject: Education