Education

Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2016

Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award National Classified School Employee Awards to classified public school employees within certain occupational specialties who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher education. ED shall choose an awardee each year, out of nominations received from each state, from one of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraeducator services, (2) clerical and administrative services, (3) transportation services, (4) food and nutrition services, (5) custodial and maintenance services, (6) security services, (7) health and student services, (8) technical services, and (9) skilled trades.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2016

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to ending multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about individuals affected by multiple sclerosis and supporting research and education programs. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those so affected and continue to work to find ways to stop the progression of the disease, restore nerve function, and end multiple sclerosis forever.

S.O.S. Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2016

Support Our Students Act of 2016 or the S.O.S. Act of 2016 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to support or develop programs that will train teachers, school personnel, and specialized instructional support personnel regarding mental health conditions in children. To be eligible to receive such a grant or subgrant, a state or LEA must partner with a mental health organization, family advocacy organization, or community nonprofit organization. Subgrantees shall utilize school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, or community organizations with experience in mental illness and suicide prevention to develop and conduct the training. The training program must include an annual in-service training component that enables teachers, school personnel, and specialized instructional support personnel to: (1) better understand mental health conditions and the early warning signs in children and adolescents; (2) effectively communicate their mental health concerns with families and consider family perspectives; (3) identify classroom strategies for working effectively with troubled children; and (4) understand school-specific information, including links to mental health services and supports in the school and community. ED shall develop outcome measures for in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness of the training programs.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 3 March 2016

National Park Service Centennial Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

National Park Service Centennial Act This bill establishes the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund in the Treasury to finance signature projects and programs to enhance the National Park System (NPS) as it approaches its centennial in 2016. National Park Foundation Endowment Act The National Park Foundation shall establish the Second Century Endowment for the National Park Service. Interior shall undertake a broad program of the highest quality interpretation and education. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 is amended to increase from 25 to 30 the age limit for participants in the Public Lands Corps.

CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Child Care Access Means Parents in School Reauthorization Act or the CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise and permanently reauthorize the Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant program. The Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education must report to Congress on plans to better serve postsecondary students with dependents.

Prevent Drug Addiction Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Prevent Drug Addiction Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to award grants for consumer education about opioid addiction. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin or certain prescription painkillers.) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to require medical practitioners to be trained in the treatment of opioid-dependent patients, pain management, and early detection of opioid addiction before they can be registered by the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispense opioids. Opioid treatment programs that close on any day must make arrangements for each patient to receive treatment during the closure, as necessary. A report must be submitted to SAMHSA for each individual who dies while receiving treatment in an opioid treatment program. In states receiving funding for controlled substance monitoring programs, deaths where an opioid drug is detected in the body must be reported to SAMHSA. The National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must establish a National Opioid Death Registry to track opioid-related deaths. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must develop and apply prescription drug addiction prevention and treatment quality measures. This bill amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors to limit the access of certain beneficiaries to addictive drugs. PDP sponsors must have a utilization management tool to prevent drug addiction. Medicare Drug Integrity Contractors may accept prescription and medical records to determine whether a beneficiary is at risk for prescription drug addiction.

Officer Sean Collier Campus Police Recognition Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Officer Sean Collier Campus Police Recognition Act of 2016 This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the definition of public safety officer for purposes of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program to include a campus police officer who is employed by an institution of higher education and authorized to enforce criminal laws. Specifically, the bill extends death, disability, or education benefits to a campus police officer or survivors of a campus police officer who dies or becomes disabled as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty on or after April 15, 2013.

Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to authorize an institution of higher education to operate an unmanned aircraft system within the United States without the specific approval of, and without registering the system with, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if: the institution has adopted a policy to ensure safe operation of such systems, which shall include the designation of a point of contact at the institution for review and approval of such operation and the requirement that such operation be conducted under the supervision of an operator in command; the point of contact has confirmed that the proposed operation is for educational or research purposes, is in accordance with applicable policies of the institution regarding safety, training or supervision requirements, privacy, and prior notice and permission, and will occur under the supervision of an operator in command; the system is operated not higher than 400 feet above ground level and in a manner that will not create a hazard to persons or property, is marked with the identification and contact information of the owner, does not survey, create a nuisance on, or overfly private property without the permission of the property owner, gives right of way to, and avoids flying in the proximity of, full-scale aircraft, and is operated at a site that is of sufficient distance from populated areas to protect the safety of persons and property; and the institution notifies and obtains permission, at least annually, from air traffic control or the airport manager (for small facilities) when the system will be operated within five statute miles of an airport around which the airspace is designated as class B or class C airspace, within two statute miles of any other airport or heliport, or within airspace designated as restricted or prohibited. If an unmanned aircraft system operated by an institution of higher education is involved in any incident resulting in personal injury or property damage (other than to the system, to property of the institution, or to individuals directly involved in the system's operation), the point of contact shall report the incident to the FAA within 10 days.

Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2016 This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a grant program to provide assistance to states that require compliant carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in dwelling units. A "compliant carbon monoxide alarm" is an alarm that complies with: (1) the American National Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and (2) the American National Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors. States receiving such grants may use the funds to: (1) purchase and install such alarms in dwelling units of low-income families or elderly persons, childcare facilities, public schools, senior centers, or student dwelling units owned by public universities; (2) train state or local fire code enforcement officials regarding compliance and installation; and (3) educate the public about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Global Development Lab Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Global Development Lab Act of 2016 This bill establishes in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the United States Global Development Lab, whose duties shall include: increasing the application of science, technology, innovation and partnerships to develop new solutions to end extreme poverty; discovering and testing development innovations to increase cost effectiveness and support U.S. foreign policy and development goals; leveraging the expertise, resources, and investment of businesses, nongovernmental organizations, science and research organizations, and universities to increase program impact and sustainability; utilizing innovation-driven competitions to expand the number and diversity of solutions to development challenges; and supporting USAID missions and bureaus in applying science, technology, innovation, and partnership approaches to decision making, procurement, and program design.

Protecting Our Servicemembers' Children from Sexual and Violent Predators Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Protecting Our Servicemembers' Children from Sexual and Violent Predators Act This bill requires each Department of Defense domestic dependent elementary and secondary school and each local educational agency (LEA) that receives, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, specified funds for children with a parent on active duty in the uniformed services to: require, for each employee of the LEA or school, a criminal background check that includes a search of specified registries and repositories; prohibit the employment of an individual who refuses to consent to, or who makes a false statement in connection with, a background check or who has been convicted of one of specified crimes; require background checks to be periodically repeated or updated in accordance with established policies; provide an employee with a timely process to appeal the results of a background check; and allow the LEA or school to share the results of a school employee's recent background check with another LEA that is considering that individual for employment.

ALLERGY Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Alerting Local Leaders and Ensuring Responsible Guidelines for Youth Act or the ALLERGY Act This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require a local educational agency (LEA), as a condition of receiving funds under the ESEA, to establish and implement a policy on allergy bullying that requires schools to: educate students, school personnel, and parents about allergy bullying; clearly define what the punishment or response may be for violating rules against allergy bullying; encourage each victim of allergy bullying to report the bullying to school personnel; and comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in carrying out these requirements. An LEA shall certify annually that it has established and implemented such a policy. "Allergy bullying" is an unwanted, aggressive behavior by a student toward another student who has an allergy, including: (1) a real or perceived imbalance of power due to the student's allergy; and (2) actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, making physical or verbal attacks, and purposefully excluding the student from a group.

Timely Payment for Veterans' Emergency Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Timely Payment for Veterans' Emergency Care Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts with an eligible entity to serve as an administrative contractor with respect to the performance of any or all of the following functions relating to providing medical care and hospital services in non-VA facilities: determining and making the payments required to be made to a non-VA facility; providing education and outreach to individuals enrolled in the patient enrollment system; providing consultative services to institutions, agencies, and other persons to enable them to maintain necessary fiscal records; communicating to non-VA facilities any information or instructions furnished to the administrative contractor by the VA; and performing functions relating to non-VA facility education, training, and technical assistance. An administrative contractor that performs such payment-related functions shall implement a contractor-wide information security program. The VA shall use claims payment error rates or similar methodology of administrative contractors in the processing or reviewing of claims in order to give such contractors an incentive to implement effective education and outreach programs for non-VA facilities.

Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act This bill requires a state or local educational agency (LEA) that receives funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to: require, for each school employee, a criminal background check that includes a search of specified registries and repositories; prohibit the employment of an individual who refuses to consent to, or who makes a false statement in connection with, a background check or who has been convicted of one of specified crimes; require background checks to be periodically repeated or updated in accordance with state law or LEA policies; provide a school employee with a timely process to appeal the results of a background check; ensure that such policies and procedures are published on state and LEA websites; and allow an LEA to share the results of a school employee's recent background check with another LEA that is considering that individual for employment.

Parent PLUS Loan Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Parent PLUS Loan Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the applicable terms and conditions with respect to Federal Direct PLUS Loans to parent borrowers (i.e., parent PLUS loans). Specifically, it reduces the interest rate and eliminates the origination fee for a parent PLUS loan disbursed on or after July 1, 2016. The Department of Education must ensure, prior to disbursement, that a parent PLUS loan borrower receives counseling that includes comprehensive information on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities with respect to the loan. The bill makes a parent PLUS loan eligible for the income-contingent and income-based repayment plans. Additionally, it makes a consolidation loan that repays parent PLUS loan eligible for the income-based repayment plan.

School-Based Asthma Management Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

School-Based Asthma Management Program Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to add requirements that states must meet to receive a preference for asthma grants. (Currently, the preference is given to states that meet requirements regarding administration of epinephrine to students having severe allergic reactions.) To receive the preference, states must additionally: (1) provide civil liability protection to trained school personnel who administer asthma-related rescue medication to a student with asthma; and (2) require schools to permit trained school personnel to administer asthma-related rescue medication to students with asthma, maintain a supply of asthma-related rescue medication, and have a comprehensive asthma management program.

A resolution designating March 2, 2016, as "Read Across America Day".

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Designates March 2, 2016, as Read Across America Day. Honors Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) for his success in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Honors the 19th anniversary of Read Across America Day. Encourages parents to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day.

Nepal Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Nepal Recovery Act This bill authorizes the President to provide technical and financial assistance for programs that: (1) improve Nepal's basic infrastructure following the earthquakes in affected communities; (2) support economic growth, including through agriculture and small-scale enterprise opportunities; (3) promote health and basic education programs; and (4) support democracy programs that promote political reforms, including strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency may provide accelerated response in Nepal for: project identification and investment analyses; trade capacity building and sector development activities, including technical assistance and feasibility studies that support investments in infrastructure that contribute to overseas development; and trade capacity building and sector development assistance supporting the establishment of industry standards, market liberalization, and other policy reform, with a particular focus on engineering and construction. The U.S Agency for International Development shall report to Congress regarding: the effectiveness of U.S. investment in Nepal in disaster risk reduction and recovery program improvement; and the effectiveness of international humanitarian and reconstruction assistance provided to Nepal, and a related assessment of U.S. anti-corruption efforts. The Department of State shall report to Congress regarding impediments to Nepal's recovery efforts.

An original bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national voluntary labeling standard for bioengineered foods, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national voluntary bioengineered food labeling standard. The standard applies to food that either contains or was developed or produced using genetic material that: (1) has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques, and (2) could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. (Recombinant DNA is DNA that has been altered by joining genetic material from two or more different organisms.) USDA regulations implementing this bill must: prohibit claims regarding the safety or quality of food based on whether or not the food is bioengineered, determine the amounts of a bioengineered substance that may be present for a food to be labeled as bioengineered, and establish a process for requesting and granting determinations regarding other factors and conditions under which a food may be labeled as bioengineered. USDA must provide science-based information through education, outreach, and promotion to address consumer acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services must report to Congress regarding the availability of information for determining whether food is bioengineered or bioengineering was used in the development or production process. The labeling standard established by this bill preempts state and local laws regarding the labeling of bioengineered or genetically engineered food or seeds.

A resolution honoring the memory and legacy of Michael James Riddering and condemning the terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on January 15, 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

Condemns the terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on January 15, 2016. Honors the memory of Michael James Riddering, the U.S. citizen who was killed in the terrorist attack on the Cappuccino Cafe on January 15, 2016, in Ouagadougou. Recognizes the dedication of Michael James Riddering, who moved halfway across the world to work with orphans and widows in order to help them improve their lives and contribute to their communities. Extends condolences and prayers to Michael James Riddering's family, friends, and colleagues and to the individuals touched by his life. Pledges to work to counter violent extremism, including through education and community development, in the United States and abroad.

A resolution congratulating the community colleges of Iowa for 50 years of outstanding service to the State of Iowa, the United States, and the world.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

Congratulates and commends the community colleges in Iowa for 50 years of: (1) sustained access to quality higher education opportunities for all Iowans, and (2) service to Iowa and the United States.

CLEAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2016

Clarity in Lending for Education and Repayment Act or the CLEAR Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise federal student loan repayment plan options for new borrowers of Direct Loan (DL) program loans issued on or after July 1, 2016. Specifically, the bill terminates several existing repayment plan options, including the graduated, extended, income-contingent, and income-based repayment plans. It retains the existing standard repayment plan and establishes a new revised pay-as-you-earn repayment plan that, among other things, caps monthly payments at 10% of discretionary income and sets a 20-year maximum repayment period. A new borrower of a DL program subsidized Stafford, unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, or consolidation loan issued on or after July 1, 2016, must enroll in the standard or revised pay-as you earn repayment plan. The Department of Education must consult with students, family members, institutions of higher education, and other experts to improve the required disclosures with respect to federal Direct Loans. Finally, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income the amount of federal student loans discharged due to the death or disability of the student.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's History Month.

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2016

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's History Month. Recognizes and honors the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for and continue to promote the teaching of women's history.

PRIDE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2016

Providing Resources to Improve Dual Language Education Act of 2016 or the PRIDE Act This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, early childhood education programs, and technical assistance providers for the implementation of dual language demonstration programs designed to enhance and assess the biliteracy and bilingualism skills of low-income minority and limited English proficient children from preschool through grade five. ED shall: (1) contract with an entity that has dual language program experience to provide technical assistance and program evaluation, and (2) disseminate information on best practices implemented under model programs.

Families Learning and Understanding English Together Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2016

Families Learning and Understanding English Together Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to make grants to providers of family literacy services in order to improve the literacy and English skills of limited English proficient individuals who are parents or children in families where each parent is at least age 16 and at least one child is under age 8. ED shall reserve certain funds to: (1) provide grantees with technical assistance and training, and (2) evaluate and improve the family literacy grant program. Grantees must meet specified outcome measures.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

NOMINATION OF DR. JOHN KING TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

United States · United States Senate · 25 February 2016

NEXT STEPS FOR K-12 EDUCATION: UPHOLDING THE LETTER AND INTENT OF THE EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

RAISE Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Reforming American Indian Standards of Education Act of 2016 or the RAISE Act of 2016 This bill replaces the Bureau of Indian Education with the Indian Education Agency. Functions, authorities, and personnel of the Department of the Interior related to Indian education are transferred to the agency. Regulations promulgated by the agency are not subject to review or approval by Interior. The agency must give preference in hiring to members of Indian tribes. The agency must annually report on its activities, the effectiveness of this bill, and recommendations for legislation to improve the agency.

WARN Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Whistleblower Augmented Reward and Nonretaliation Act of 2016 or the WARN Act of 2016 This bill amends the Financial Institutions Anti-Fraud Enforcement Act of 1990 governing the rights of a private person (declarant) who files a declaration of a violation giving rise to a federal action for civil penalties with respect to fraud crimes involving federally insured financial institutions. The bill revises the minimum and maximum percentage of a declarant's entitlement to share in the recovery by the United States from a judgment, order, or settlement that was based in whole or in part on the information contained in a valid declaration, and allows a 30-day window in which to appeal any award determination. The bill prescribes specified relief in a civil action intended to protect declarants from employer reprisals including reinstatement with the same seniority status. The Department of Justice shall require employers to provide education and training to employees regarding declarant rights and remedies. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act is amended to extend similar protections to employees of banking agencies, together with the same minimum and maximum rewards for information leading to recoveries or civil penalties. Both the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Commodity Exchange Act are amended to: (1) remove the definition of whistleblower, and (2) prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commody Futures Trading Commission (Commissions) from denying eligibility for an award if the information basic to the award is submitted within 90 days after obtaining knowledge of the disclosed misconduct. The Commissions shall also presume that reports are timely and shall not reduce an award due to delay, unless disclosure was deliberately postponed either because of culpability, interference with internal investigative processes, or attempts at self-enrichment. The prohibition against employer retaliation shall cover acts by the whistleblower in: (1) objecting to, or refusing to participate in, any activity, policy, practice which the whistleblower reasonably believed to be in violation of Commission-enforceable law, rule, order, standard, or prohibition; or (2) providing information relating to any violation within Commission jurisdiction. Relief for an individual prevailing in an enforcement action shall include compensatory damages and up to $250,000 in punitive damages. The bill prohibits employers from: (1) taking specified actions to impede an individual who undertakes a protected activity, or (2) engaging in any other discrimination that would chill the exercise of a protected activity. The Commissions shall promulgate regulations requiring each employer to maintain internal compliance programs. The bill makes conforming amendments to federal criminal law.

WARN Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Whistleblower Augmented Reward and Nonretaliation Act of 2016 or the WARN Act of 2016 This bill amends the Financial Institutions Anti-Fraud Enforcement Act of 1990 governing the rights of a private person (declarant) who files a declaration of a violation giving rise to a federal action for civil penalties with respect to fraud crimes involving federally insured financial institutions. The bill revises the minimum and maximum percentage of a declarant's entitlement to share in the recovery by the United States from a judgment, order, or settlement that was based in whole or in part on the information contained in a valid declaration, and allows a 30-day window in which to appeal any award determination. The bill prescribes specified relief in a civil action intended to protect declarants from employer reprisals including reinstatement with the same seniority status. The Department of Justice shall require employers to provide education and training to employees regarding declarant rights and remedies. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act is amended to extend similar protections to employees of banking agencies, together with the same minimum and maximum rewards for information leading to recoveries or civil penalties. Both the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Commodity Exchange Act are amended to: (1) remove the definition of whistleblower, and (2) prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commissions) from denying eligibility for an award if the information basic to the award is submitted within 90 days after obtaining knowledge of the disclosed misconduct. The Commissions shall presume that reports are timely and shall not reduce an award due to delay, unless disclosure was deliberately postponed either because of culpability, interference with internal investigative processes, or attempts at self-enrichment. The prohibition against employer retaliation shall cover acts by the whistleblower in: (1) objecting to, or refusing to participate in, any activity, policy, practice which the whistleblower reasonably believed to be in violation of Commission-enforceable law, rule, order, standard, or prohibition; or (2) providing information relating to any violation within Commission jurisdiction. Relief for an individual prevailing in an enforcement action shall include compensatory damages and up to $250,000 in punitive damages. The bill prohibits employers from: (1) taking specified actions to impede an individual who undertakes a protected activity, or (2) engaging in any other discrimination that would chill the exercise of a protected activity.

GET THE LEAD OUT Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Grants and Education To Tackle Homeowner Exposure to Lead Ensuring America Drinks Only from Unpolluted Taps Act of 2016 or the GET THE LEAD OUT Act of 2016 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a grant program to provide assistance to eligible entities (i.e., certain water systems, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies) for reducing lead levels in water for human consumption. Grant funds may be used to assist low-income homeowners in carrying out lead reduction projects, as long as the grant amount does not exceed the cost of replacing the privately owned portion of the service line. If an eligible entity uses funds for replacing lead service lines, it must: (1) notify customers of the planned replacement of any publicly owned portion of the lead service line; (2) inform each customer that it will replace the public portion of the line only if it obtains the customer's consent to simultaneously replace the privately owned portion of the line; and (3) demonstrate that it has considered multiple options for reducing lead in drinking water, including an evaluation of options for corrosion control.

EXAMINING THE POLICIES AND PRIORITIES OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2016

NURSE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016

Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act or the NURSE Act This bill establishes a competitive demonstration grant program through which the Department of Education (ED) shall award matching funds to increase the number of school nurses in public elementary and secondary schools served by an eligible entity. An eligible entity is a state educational agency or local educational agency (LEA) in which at least 20% of students are eligible to participate in the school lunch program. In awarding grant funds, ED shall give priority to high-need LEAs that demonstrate the greatest need for new or additional nursing services. A high-need LEA is one in which at least 40% and no fewer than 15,000 students are eligible to participate in the school lunch program.

ESSA IMPLEMENTATION IN STATES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS: PERSPECTIVES FROM EDUCATION LEADERS

United States · United States Senate · 23 February 2016

Making College Affordable and Accessible Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Making College Affordable and Accessible Act of 2016 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: (1) extend the authorization of appropriations for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education through FY2022, and (2) authorize the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to institutions of higher education to carry out credit-based academic transition programs established through partnerships between high schools and such institutions that utilize dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs that enable students to earn college credits while in high school. ED shall give priority in awarding grants to institutions that serve students from low-income families, students from rural communities, or students who are the first in their family to receive postsecondary education. Institutions shall use grant funds to: provide teachers, principals, and other school leaders with professional development activities that enhance or enable the provision of the appropriate coursework through such programs; and support activities including curriculum design, establishment of a course articulation process, outreach programs to provide elementary school and secondary school students information about and academic preparation for the transition programs, helping students meet eligibility criteria for the postsecondary courses, and coordinating secondary and postsecondary support services and academic calendars. Institutions may use grant funds for costs associated with carrying out such transition programs, including the costs of: (1) tuition and fees, books, and required instructional materials; and (2) transportation to and from such programs.

To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing-related jobs in order to increase the number of skilled workers trained to work in those fields, including by: (1) encouraging the nation's education system to equip students with the skills, mentorships, training, and technical expertise necessary to fill the employment opportunities vital to managing and operating the nation's energy and manufacturing industries and, in collaboration with representatives from such industries, to identify the areas of highest need and to develop guidelines for the skills necessary to develop a workforce trained to go into specified energy and manufacturing sectors; and (2) strengthening and more fully engaging DOE programs and labs in carrying out its workforce development initiatives, including the Minorities in Energy Initiative. DOE shall: make educating and training underrepresented groups for energy and manufacturing-related jobs a national priority; establish a clearinghouse to provide information and resources on training and workforce development programs for energy and manufacturing-related jobs and to act as a resource for educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and industry organizations that would like to develop and implement training programs; foster collaboration, mentorships, and partnerships among organizations that currently provide effective job training programs in such fields and institutions that seek to establish these types of programs in order to share best practices; collaborate with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Commerce, the Bureau of the Census, and the energy and manufacturing industries to develop a comprehensive understanding of the energy and manufacturing workforce needs and opportunities by state and by region; give special consideration to increasing outreach to minority serving institutions and to employers and job trainers preparing displaced and unemployed energy and manufacturing workers for emerging energy and manufacturing jobs; make existing resources available through program cross-cutting to institutions serving minorities and displaced and unemployed energy and manufacturing workers to train such individuals to enter or re-enter the energy and manufacturing workforce; work with industry and community-based workforce organizations to help identify students and other candidates to enroll into training and apprenticeship programs for such jobs; and publish a comprehensive report on the outlook for energy and manufacturing sectors nationally, including a comprehensive summary of job creation as a result of this Act's enactment.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Engineers Week.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Supports the goals and ideals of Engineers Week to increase understanding of, and interest in, engineering and technology careers. Recognizes that engineering education is a critical component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.

Encouraging people in the United States to recognize March 2, 2016, as Read Across America Day.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Honors Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) for his success in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Honors the 18th anniversary of Read Across America Day. Encourages parents to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day.

Making College Affordable and Accessible Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2016

Making College Affordable and Accessible Act of 2016 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: (1) extend the authorization of appropriations for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education through FY2022, and (2) authorize the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to institutions of higher education to carry out credit-based academic transition programs established through partnerships between high schools and such institutions that utilize dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs that enable students to earn college credits while in high school. ED shall give priority in awarding grants to institutions that serve students from low-income families, students from rural communities, or students who are the first in their family to receive postsecondary education. Institutions shall use grant funds to: provide teachers, principals, and other school leaders with professional development activities that enhance or enable the provision of the appropriate coursework through such programs; and support activities including curriculum design, establishment of a course articulation process, outreach programs to provide elementary school and secondary school students information about and academic preparation for the transition programs, helping students meet eligibility criteria for the postsecondary courses, and coordinating secondary and postsecondary support services and academic calendars. Institutions may use grant funds for costs associated with carrying out such transition programs, including the costs of: (1) tuition and fees, books, and required instructional materials; and (2) transportation to and from such programs.

Reducing Unexpected Deaths in Infants and Children Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

Reducing Unexpected Deaths in Infants and Children Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants for: (1) improving state comprehensive death scene investigations for sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) and sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), (2) death scene investigation training specific to such deaths, (3) increasing the rate of comprehensive and standardized autopsies for such deaths, and (4) surveillance efforts on stillbirths. The CDC must: (1) develop guidelines for a standard autopsy protocol for SUID and SUDC, (2) conduct a needs assessment for investigations and determinations of such deaths, and (3) support public education and prevention programs to reduce stillbirths and address the racial and ethnic disparities in occurrence. The Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants for: (1) infant and child death review programs and prevention strategies; and (2) support services for families who have experienced SUID, SUDC, or stillbirth. The Department of Health and Human Services must establish a task force to develop a national research plan to determine the causes of, and how to prevent, stillbirths.

ZIPP Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

Zika Is Preventable Plan Act or the ZIPP Act This bill authorizes funds made available under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for Ebola response and preparedness to also be used for Zika virus response and preparedness.

John B. King, of New York, to be Secretary of Education, vice Arne Duncan.

United States · United States Senate · 11 February 2016

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 11 February 2016

Net Price Calculator Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Net Price Calculator Improvement Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish the minimum requirements for the net price calculator that each institution of higher education (IHE) receiving federal funds under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act must include on its website. (An IHE's "net price" is the average yearly price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at the school after deducting such aid.) It requires the link for the calculator to be clearly labeled and conspicuously posted on an IHE's website. It requires each calculator's results page to include: the net price of attending the IHE; the cost of attending the IHE; the estimated total need- and merit-based grant aid, from federal, state, and institutional sources, that may be available to first-time, full-time undergraduate students enrolled at the IHE; the percentage of such students enrolled at the school who receive any of that grant aid; and a notice that an estimate of an individual's net price is non-binding and subject to change. It requires calculators that estimate a user's eligibility for veterans' education benefits or educational benefits for active duty service members to clearly distinguish those benefits from other grant-aid. Requires calculators that do not make such estimates to provide users with notice of, and a link to information concerning, those benefits. The bill directs IHEs to populate their calculators with data from not later than two academic years prior to the most recent academic year. Calculators must: (1) clearly indicate which questions need to be completed for a net price estimate, (2) clearly mark requests for contact information as optional, and (3) prohibit personally identifiable information from being sold or made available to third parties. It authorizes the Department of Education to develop a universal net price calculator that enables users to answer one set of questions and receive net prices for any IHE that is required to have a net price calculator.

SUCCESS Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Stopping Unfair Collateral Consequences from Ending Student Success Act or the SUCCESS Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify federal student aid eligibility criteria. Specifically, the legislation repeals a provision that suspends a student's federal student aid eligibility for a one-year, two-year, or indefinite period following that student's first, second, or third drug offense. Additionally, it prohibits the Department of Education from including on any federal financial aid form (e.g., the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) a question about an applicant's prior drug offense convictions.

STAPLER Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Save Teachers of Adults from Paying out of Their Livelihood for Education Resources Act of 2016 or the STAPLER Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include individuals who provide adult education for at least 250 hours in a taxable year in the definition of  "eligible educator" for purposes of the $250 tax deduction allowed to such educators for their education-related costs.

Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2016 as "National No One Eats Alone Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Expresses support for the designation of "National No One Eats Alone Day" to acknowledge the positive impact of ending social isolation. Encourages middle schools to participate in related events.

NEXT STEPS FOR K-12 EDUCATION: IMPLEMENTING THE PROMISE. TO RESTORE STATE AND LOCAL CONTROL

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 February 2016