Education

Child CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

Child Care Access to Resources for Early-learning Act or the Child CARE Act This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make appropriations through FY2021 to the Department of Health and Human Services for allotments to states to: expand access to high-quality child care for infants and toddlers from low-income families who do not receive child care funded through the Child Care and Development (CCD) Fund, and increase the quality of such care for infants and toddlers who do receive child care funded through the CCD Fund. The state shall reserve at least 80% of funds for direct services provided through grants, contracts, or certificates, to expand access to high-quality child care for infants and toddlers and to increase parental options for and access to such care. The state shall use the cost of a mandatory triennial high-quality child care study to ensure that for all infant and toddler child care slots: (1) the child care is of sufficient quality, (2) the care providers are supported along a career pathway to achieve higher levels of training and education, and (3) the provider rates are sufficient. The state shall also ensure that all infant and toddler child care providers participating in CCD Fund-supported activities meet certain quality standards by the end of FY2026. The state shall: (1) identify underserved geographic areas and special populations; and (2) develop and implement a plan to increase the availability of high-quality child care in such areas and populations, especially those that are hard-to-serve. The state shall reserve certain funds to carry out specified activities to increase the quality of child care programs for infants and toddlers in eligible families. An Indian tribe or tribal organization that receives a grant through an allotment for Indian and Native Hawaiian Child Care shall use the grant funds to provide, by the end of FY2026, access to high-quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate child care for infants and toddlers for eligible families in the tribal community.

Child CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

Child Care Access to Resources for Early-learning Act or the Child CARE Act This bill amends title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to make appropriations for FY2017-FY2021 to the Department of Health and Human Services for allotments to states to: expand access to high-quality child care for infants and toddlers from low-income families who do not receive child care funded through the Child Care and Development (CCD) Fund, and increase the quality of such care for infants and toddlers who do receive child care funded through the CCD Fund. The state shall reserve at least 80% of funds for direct services provided through grants, contracts, or certificates, to expand access to high-quality child care for infants and toddlers and to increase parental options for and access to such care. The state shall use the cost of a mandatory triennial high-quality child care study to ensure that for all infant and toddler child care slots: (1) the child care is of sufficient quality, (2) the care providers are supported along a career pathway to achieve higher levels of training and education, and (3) the provider rates are sufficient. The state shall also ensure that all infant and toddler child care providers participating in CCD Fund-supported activities meet certain quality standards by the end of FY2026. The state shall: (1) identify underserved geographic areas and special populations; and (2) develop and implement a plan to increase the availability of high-quality child care in such areas and populations, especially those which are hard-to-serve. The state shall reserve certain funds to carry out specified activities to increase the quality of child care programs for infants and toddlers in eligible families. An Indian tribe or tribal organization that receives a grant through an allotment for Indian and Native Hawaiian Child Care shall use the grant funds to provide, by the end of FY2026, access to high-quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate child care for infants and toddlers for eligible families in the tribal community. The Internal Revenue Code is amended to revise rules for the taxation of inverted corporations (i.e., U.S. corporations that acquire foreign companies to reincorporate in a foreign jurisdiction with income tax rates lower than the United States) to provide that a foreign corporation that acquires the properties of a U.S. corporation or partnership after February 10, 2016, shall be treated as an inverted corporation and so subject to U.S. taxation if, after such acquisition, it holds more than 50% of the stock of the new entity (expanded affiliated group).

Justin Smith Morrill Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

Justin Smith Morrill Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Justin Smith Morrill's lasting contributions to higher education opportunity for all Americans.

Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016 This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.

Empowering Patients First Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Empowering Patients First Act of 2015 This bill repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. This bill replaces those provisions with amendments to the Internal Revenue Code, the Public Health Service Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to address health care coverage. The bill provides for refundable tax credits for health insurance coverage and health savings account (HSA) contributions. The bill raises the annual HSA contribution limit, expands eligibility for tax-deductible HSA contributions, and allows HSAs to be used to pay periodic or capitated primary care fees. A limit is placed on the amount of an employer's contribution to health coverage that can be excluded from the employee's taxable income. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide a grant to each state for high-risk pools or reinsurance pools to subsidize health insurance for high-risk populations and individuals. Funds authorized, tax credits, and tax deductions under this Act may not be used to pay for an abortion or health coverage that includes abortion, with exceptions. This bill provides for the establishment and governance of independent health pools, entities that form risk pools to offer health insurance coverage to their members. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2015 This bill provides for the establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans sponsored by business associations that meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Health insurers offering individual coverage may deny coverage to an individual, outside of open enrollment periods. Preexisting conditions may be excluded from coverage under certain conditions. Individual health insurance coverage is governed by the laws of a state designated by the health insurance issuer. HHS must issue clinical practice guidelines. The bill specifies how these guidelines may be used in a health care lawsuit. HHS may not use comparative effectiveness research or patient-centered outcomes research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries to contract with a physician or practitioner for covered health care and submit a claim for payment under Medicare. Health care professionals are exempted from federal and state antitrust laws in connection with negotiations with a health plan to provide health care items or services.

A resolution affirming the importance of student data privacy and recognizing Digital Learning Day.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Recognizes: (1) the benefits of digital learning and the importance of student privacy, and (2) that policies should safeguard student data and encourage innovative educational technologies.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Designates February 2016 as Career and Technical Education Month. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of such month. Recognizes the importance of career and technical education in preparing a well-educated and skilled workforce. Encourages educators, counselors, and administrators to promote career and technical education as an option to students.

Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.

Education for Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016

Education for Jobs Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make an individual eligible to apply for a loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program if that individual: (1) is carrying at least three credit hours or the equivalent coursework for the course of study the individual is pursuing, (2) is enrolled in an educational program leading to a degree or certificate, and (3) was employed on a full-time basis for at least 10 years. It makes those students eligible for interest subsidies. It requires the repayment period for such a loan to begin the day after six months after the student ceases to meet the loan eligibility requirements.

Education for All Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Education for All Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) it is in the U.S. national security interest to promote universal basic education in developing countries; and (2) an educated citizenry contributes to economic growth, strengthened democratic institutions, the empowerment of women and girls, and decreased extremism. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to state that it is U.S. policy to work with foreign countries and international and civil society organizations to achieve sustainable quality universal basic education by: (1) assisting developing countries and nongovernmental and multilateral organizations to provide all children with a quality basic education, and (2) promoting education as the foundation for community development. The President, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), shall develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote quality universal basic education. The President shall give assistance priority to foreign countries in which there is the greatest need and opportunity to expand universal access and to improve learning outcomes, and in which the assistance can produce a substantial, measurable impact on children and educational systems. Priority should also be considered in countries where there are chronically underserved and marginalized populations, or populations affected by conflict or crisis. USAID shall designate a Senior Coordinator of United States Government Actions to Provide Basic Education Assistance, who shall have primary responsibility for the oversight and coordination of all U.S. government resources and international activities to promote quality universal basic education.

Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require public water systems to notify their customers of lead concentration levels in drinking water that exceed lead limits under national primary drinking water regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must notify customers of a violation of a national primary drinking water regulation with significant potential to have serious adverse effects on human health as a result of acute exposure, if the state or the public water system fails to notify the public within 24 hours of receiving notice from the EPA of the exceedance. Community water systems' consumer confidence reports must include a definition of "action level," which is generally a certain contaminant level that triggers a requirement for the public water system to take additional actions to control corrosion. The EPA must establish a strategic plan for conducting targeted outreach, education, technical assistance, and risk communication to populations affected by lead in the public water system. EPA employees must forward to the public water system any data indicating that drinking water contains lead that exceeds limits. The public water system must then disseminate to its customers information on the exceedance of a lead limit, its potential adverse effects on human health, corrective steps underway, and advice on whether customers should seek alternative water supplies. The EPA must disseminate the information if the public water system or the state fails to do so. The EPA must: (1) make information about lead in drinking water available to the public, and (2) carry out targeted outreach strategies that focus on educating groups that are at greater risk than the general population for adverse health effects from exposure to lead in drinking water.

Educator Preparation Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Educator Preparation Reform Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add as purposes of teacher quality partnership grants: (1) recruiting profession ready individuals, including minorities and individuals from other occupations, as teachers, principals, and other educators; and (2) meeting the staffing needs of high-need local education agencies and high-need schools through close partnerships with educator preparation programs within institutions of higher education. An eligible partnership that receives a partnership grant shall use grant funds to carry out a program for the pre-baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate preparation of teachers, a teaching residency program (as in current law) or a principal residency program, or a combination of such programs. An eligible partnership carrying out a principal residency program must perform specified activities for high-need schools. The bill revises requirements for teacher residency programs and prescribes requirements for the establishment of principal residency programs. An eligible partnership that receives a partnership grant may carry out, instead of a leadership development program, effective educator development programs for other educators besides teachers and principals. The bill revises requirements for state reporting on the quality of teacher preparation. As a condition for receiving funds under this Act or under title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, a state must conduct an assessment to identify at-risk (as well as low-performing) teacher preparation programs.

Truth in Tuition Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Truth in Tuition Act of 2016 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify eligibility requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) to participate in federal student aid programs. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to provide to an admitted graduate or undergraduate student: (1) a multi-year tuition and fee schedule; or (2) a single-year tuition and fee schedule, and a nonbinding, multi-year estimate of net costs after financial aid is awarded. An IHE that provides a single-year tuition and fee schedule must include, in its multi-year estimate of net costs, the average difference between previous year estimates and actual net costs.

Families of Flint Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Families of Flint Act This bill provides support for Flint, Michigan in addressing lead in the city's drinking water and related issues. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by establishing a 10-year grant program to ensure that Flint's drinking water does not contain: (1) lead levels that threaten public health or the environment, or (2) other drinking water contaminants and pathogens that threaten public health. The bill also establishes specified grant programs for assisting Flint that are established within the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, by allowing states to use more than 20% of funds from Drinking Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grants for addressing a threat to public health from heightened exposure to lead in a municipal drinking water supply if a federal or state emergency declaration has been issued for that threat. HHS must establish in Flint a Center of Excellence on Lead Exposure. The bill amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase the allowable participation period in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for children residing in areas that are in a state of emergency. A state may elect to allow those children to participate in the program for a period that ends on the earlier of: (1) the child's tenth birthday (currently fifth), or (2) five years after the emergency (currently children may participate for a one-year period).

Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to support the access of marginalized youth to sexual health services such as sexual health education and contraception. Marginalized youth are disadvantaged individuals under the age of 26. Grants may be awarded to state or local health or education agencies, public schools, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. Grants may be used to: (1) provide sexual health information to marginalized youth, (2) promote effective communication regarding sexual health among marginalized youth, (3) promote and support opportunities for school-age parents, and (3) train individuals who work with marginalized youth to promote sexual health and the development of safe and supportive environments. Grants may not be used to provide access to health services that: (1) are medically unsound; (2) withhold sexual health-promoting or lifesaving information; (3) promote gender stereotypes; or (4) are insensitive or unresponsive to the needs of homosexual, bisexual, or transgender youth, sexually active youth, school-age parents, or survivors of sexual abuse or assault. Unobligated FY2017 appropriations for abstinence education are made available for these grants.

SAVERS Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Strengthening Access to Valuable Education and Retirement Support Act of 2016 or the SAVERS Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the tax on prohibited transactions: (1) the provision of investment advice by a fiduciary to a pension plan, plan participant, or beneficiary which is a best interest recommendation; and (2) any transaction, including a contract for service, between an investment provider and the advice recipient if no more than reasonable compensation is paid for such investment advice and certain disclosures are made with respect to the cost of such advice. For purposes of this bill, "investment advice" is a recommendation that relates to: (1) the advisability of acquiring, holding, disposing, or exchanging any moneys or other property of a pension plan (or Individual Retirement Account) by the plan, plan participants, or plan beneficiaries, including any recommendation regarding whether to take a distribution of benefits from the plan or any recommendation relating to a rollover or distribution from such plan; (2) the management of moneys or other property of the plan, including recommendations relating to the management of plan assets to be rolled over or otherwise distributed from the plan; or (3) the advisability of retaining or ceasing to retain a person who would receive a fee or other compensation for providing investment advice. Investment advice must be rendered pursuant to either: (1) a written acknowledgment that the person is a fiduciary with respect to the provision of the recommendation; or (2) a mutual agreement, arrangement, or understanding that may include limitations on scope, timing, and responsibility to provide ongoing monitoring or advice services. The bill defines "best interest recommendation" as a recommendation: (1) for which no more than reasonable compensation is paid; (2) that is provided by a person acting with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the prevailing circumstances that a prudent person would exercise based on information obtained from an advice recipient; and (3) where the person giving such advice places the interests of the plan or advice recipient above the person's interests. A best interest recommendation may include a recommendation that is based on a limited range of investment options or may result in variable compensation to the person providing the recommendation. The bill prohibits the Department of Labor from amending any rules or administrative positions regarding investment advice promulgated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the prohibited transaction provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, or other Labor regulations, and no such rules or administrative positions promulgated prior to the enactment date of this Act, but not effective on January 1, 2015, may become effective unless a bill or joint resolution specifically approving such rules or positions is enacted not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.

Chris Kotch VA Education Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

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

Children's Head Start Intervention for Life and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Children's Head Start Intervention for Life and Development Act This bill amends the Head Start Act to establish five-year, nonrenewable grants for eligible entities to carry out Head Start programs in communities affected by the pollution of water by lead or a toxic pollutant in an event declared by the President to be an emergency. In awarding these grants, the Department of Education shall give priority to eligible entities in partnerships with child care providers that are providing child care services at the time of the enactment of this bill.

A resolution designating February 1 through 5, 2016, as "National School Counseling Week".

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Designates February 1-February 5, 2016, as National School Counseling Week.

A resolution recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week and honoring the valuable contributions of Catholic schools in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Expresses support for the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the contributions of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Commends Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for ongoing contributions to education and for the vital role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the nation.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: INVESTIGATION OF THE CIO

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 February 2016

Working Student Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Working Student Act of 2015 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the income protection allowance levels used to calculate a student's expected family contribution and need for financial assistance. (An income protection allowance is an amount for basic living expenses that is protected from being considered income available for postsecondary educational expenses.) Specifically, the bill increases, in academic year 2016-2017, income protection allowance levels for students who are dependent, independent without non-spouse dependents (e.g., children), and independent with non-spouse dependents to reduce such students' income available (and increase need for financial assistance) to cover postsecondary educational expenses. The Department of Education must, in subsequent years, adjust the income protection allowance levels for inflation.

Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) authorities, oversight, and programs, including to establish various grant programs. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Education must: (1) organize a national awareness campaign regarding serious mental illness, and (2) support a public health approach to mental health services. This bill amends the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to require HHS to carry out activities regarding disclosure of the protected health information of individuals with mental or substance use disorders. This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require state Medicaid plans to cover specified services, including same day primary care and mental health care services. Title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSAct is revised, including to eliminate the lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services. HHS must award grants for programs and services, including telehealth services provided by psychiatrists or psychologists. The bill provides liability protection to certain health professional volunteers. HHS must maintain a Minority Fellowship Program for mental and substance use disorder treatment professionals to improve services for racial and ethnic minority populations. The bill makes occupational therapists eligible for the National Health Service Corps. The bill revises provisions regarding parity between mental health and substance use disorder benefits and medical and surgical benefits. This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act, including to require practitioners to complete training before dispensing opioids, which are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must provide support to entities to improve drug overdose surveillance and reporting. HHS must establish a loan repayment program for substance use disorder health professionals.

A resolution recognizing January 2016 as National Mentoring Month.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Recognizes: (1) National Mentoring Month, and (2) the staff and volunteers at quality mentoring programs who help young people reach their full potential. Acknowledges that mentoring is beneficial in that it encourages educational achievement, reduces juvenile delinquency, improves life outcomes, and strengthens communities. Expresses support for: (1) the creation and expansion of quality mentoring programs across the United States, and (2) initiatives to increase the percentage of young people who have a mentor.

A resolution designating the week beginning February 7, 2016, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Designates the week beginning on February 7, 2016, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.

Educational Freedom Accounts Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Educational Freedom Accounts Act This bill requires the District of Columbia to provide education savings accounts for children who are eligible to receive a free public education in the District, but whose parents choose not to enroll them in a public school or home schooling. To receive an account, a child must be either entering kindergarten or prekindergarten or have been enrolled in a public school in the District during the previous year. The Chief Financial Officer of the District must award a contract to a tax-exempt entity based in the District to administer the program. The District must fund the accounts with amounts that are adjusted based on the family's income and range from 80% to 90% of the funds that the District of Columbia Public School System would otherwise spend on the child. Upon the direction of a parent, the administering entity must distribute the funds for educational expenses, including: tuition at a nonpublic school or for distance education, tutoring, curricula or online courses, special education, individual courses or extracurricular activities at a public school within the District, dual credit courses that qualify for both secondary and postsecondary education credit, examinations, transportation to and from a provider, contributions to qualified tuition programs (529 plans) or Coverdell education savings accounts, or other educational expenses approved by the administering entity. At the end of the contract period, any remaining balances must be returned to the District.

Recognizing January 2016 as "National Mentoring Month", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Recognizes: (1) National Mentoring Month, and (2) the staff and volunteers at quality mentoring programs who help young people reach their full potential. Acknowledges that mentoring is beneficial in that it encourages educational achievement, reduces juvenile delinquency, improves life outcomes, and strengthens communities. Expresses support for: (1) the creation and expansion of quality mentoring programs across the United States, and (2) initiatives to increase the percentage of young people who have a mentor.

Early Pell Promise Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

Early Pell Promise Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education to carry out a program of grants to state educational agencies under which a student who is in eighth grade and is eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act may be provided a commitment to receive a Federal Pell Grant early in the student's academic career. Pursuant to such a commitment, the student shall receive a Pell Grant during the first two years of attendance at an institution of higher education (IHE) as an undergraduate if the student: files the FAFSA form during the senior year of secondary school and the succeeding year, and enrolls at the IHE not later than three years after receiving a secondary school diploma or after release from the Armed Forces. A student may not receive the early Pell Grant for a succeeding year if the expected family contribution for either year is more than twice the threshold amount for Pell Grant eligibility for that year.

Kerry Rose Fire Sprinkler Notification Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

Kerry Rose Fire Sprinkler Notification Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify fire safety reporting requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs. Specifically, it requires an IHE that maintains on-campus student housing facilities to notify students about whether a housing facility is equipped with a fire safety system, including an automatic fire sprinkler system in each bedroom. Additionally, the bill expands the information an IHE must submit in its annual fire safety report to include, with respect to student housing facilities, the number and percentage of beds protected and not protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system in the bedroom. Finally, the Department of Education must publish the number and percentage, in the aggregate and by state, of: student housing facilities with less than 100% of beds protected by an automatic sprinkler system, student housing facilities with less than 50% of beds protected, beds at student housing facilities that are protected, and beds at student housing facilities that are not protected.

Expressing support for designation of the week of February 1, 2016, through February 5, 2016, as "National School Counseling Week".

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

Honors the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in elementary and secondary schools. Encourages the observation of National School Counseling Week with ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.

Fairness to United States Distant Water Fishermen Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

Fairness to United States Distant Water Fishermen Act of 2016 This bill prohibits certain economic support funds from being used to provide assistance to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency under the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. Certain military education/training funds may not be used to provide assistance to any foreign country that is a party to the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency Convention, signed at Honiara (Solomon Islands) on July 10, 1979.

Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016

Expresses support for: (1) the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the contributions of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and (2) the continued dedication of Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers toward academic excellence and the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the nation.

401(Kids) Education Savings Account Modernization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016

401(Kids) Education Savings Account Modernization Act of 201 6 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) limit the requirement for an income-based reduction in allowable contributions to a Coverdell education savings account to an individual who is the custodial parent of an account beneficiary (thus exempting non-custodians of the beneficiary from such reduction), (2) increase the annual contribution limit for such accounts, (3) allow the use of such an account to pay home school expenses, and (4) allow tax-free rollovers of amounts in a Coverdell education savings account to a Roth individual retirement account. The Department of Education shall establish a website (to be known as 401Kids.gov) to provide free information on tax-favored education savings accounts.

A resolution designating the week of January 24 through January 30, 2016, as "National School Choice Week".

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016

Designates the week of January 24-January 30, 2016, as National School Choice Week. Encourages all parents to learn more about the educational options available.

SAFETY Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2016

Safe Academic Facilities and Environments for Tribal Youth Act or the SAFETY Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to carry out a Tribal School Construction Demonstration Program to award grants to Indian tribes for the construction of replacement tribal schools. The program provides additional funding and opportunities for tribes to construct schools. Tribes on the Interior priority list for construction of tribal schools receive the highest priority for a grant under this program. This bill amends the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 to revise the grant program for construction at tribal colleges and universities. The bill eliminates the requirements for Interior to identify the need for construction and tribal colleges and universities to provide matching funds. Restrictions on grant amounts and the use of constructed facilities are removed. This bill amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Department of Agriculture to award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal housing entities for the construction or renovation of housing in rural areas for educators at Indian schools and schools where at least 25% of the students are Indian. The Bureau of Indian Education and the Office of Management and Budget must develop a 10-year plan to bring up to good condition certain Bureau of Indian Education school facilities. The Government Accountability Office must report on Impact Aid for construction provided to local education agencies impacted by military dependent children and children who reside on Indian lands.

OCEAN Research Partnerships Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2016

Opportunities in Cooperative Education And New Research Partnerships Act or the OCEAN Research Partnerships Act This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to revise and reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. These fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. In placing marine policy fellows in the legislative branch, NOAA must give priority to positions in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. The bill authorizes through FY2021 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2021 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.

Strengthening Forgiveness for Public Servants Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2016

Strengthening Forgiveness for Public Servants Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education (ED) to cancel 15%, 15%, 20%, 20%, and 30% of the amount a borrower owes after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years of public service employment, respectively, on a William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan made after this bill's enactment. (Currently, the balance of a borrower's Direct Loan is canceled if the borrower is not in default and has made 120 monthly payments on such loan while employed as a public service employee.) The bill: (1) requires borrowers availing themselves of such loan cancellation to submit an employment certification form that includes self-certification of employment and employer certification of employment dates, and (2) places the borrower's loan in deferment during the period in which the borrower is employed in an eligible public service job if the borrower submits such form to ED. If a portion of a loan is canceled for any year, the interest on such loan for such year shall be canceled.

Make Student Grants Truly Tax-Free Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2016

Make Student Grants Truly Tax-Free Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax exclusion for scholarships to include amounts received: (1) through a scholarship or fellowship grant program administered by the Secretary of Education that is based on financial need, including a Federal Pell Grant; (2) as an Iraq and Afghanistan Service grant under the Higher Education Act of 1965; or (3) as a TEACH Grant under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

A resolution honoring the memory and legacy of Anita Ashok Datar and condemning the terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali, on November 20, 2015.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2016

Condemns the terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali, on November 20, 2015. Honors the memory of Anita Ashok Datar, the U.S. citizen who was killed in the attack. Recognizes Anita Ashok Datar's commitment to international development and public health, including her work to connect low-income women to quality health services. Extends heartfelt condolences and prayers to: (1) Anita Ashok Datar's family, friends, and colleagues, and particularly to her son, Rohan; and (2) the individuals touched by her life or affected by her death, including the dedicated development professionals and volunteers that continue to engage in humanitarian and development efforts. Pledges to continue to work to counter violent extremism, including through education and health care, in the United States and abroad.

Employer Participation in Repayment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2016

Employer Participation in Repayment Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance to include payments of qualified education loans paid to either an employee or a lender.

Dynamic Repayment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2016

Dynamic Repayment Act of 2016 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace several existing federal student loan programs with a single repayment plan that caps annual debt repayments based on income and forgives remaining balances after 20 or 30 years of payments. The bill terminates the authority of the Department of Education (ED) to make federal Direct Stafford Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Direct PLUS loans, subject to exceptions for existing student borrowers, PLUS loans made to parents of undergraduates, and Direct Consolidation Loans. To replace the programs, the bill establishes the Income Dependent Education Assistance (IDEA) Loan Program and the IDEA Loan Repayment Program, which: limit annual repayments based on the borrower's income; forgive remaining balances after either 20 or 30 years of payments, depending on the amount of the loan; and prohibit the accrual of interest on loans for active duty service members. The bill amends the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require ED and the Department of Health and Human Services to exchange information necessary to use the National Directory of New Hires to assist in the collection of student loans. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require the Department of the Treasury to disclose to ED tax return information necessary to carry out the IDEA Loan Repayment Program, and (2) to exclude loan forgiveness under the program from gross income.

Educational Freedom Accounts Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2016

Educational Freedom Accounts Act This bill requires the District of Columbia to provide education savings accounts for children who are eligible to receive a free public education in the District, but whose parents choose not to enroll them in a public school or home schooling. To receive an account, a child must be either entering kindergarten or prekindergarten or have been enrolled in a public school in the District during the previous year. The Chief Financial Officer of the District must award a contract to a tax-exempt entity based in the District to administer the program. The District must fund the accounts with amounts that are adjusted based on the family's income and range from 80% to 90% of the funds that the District of Columbia Public School System would otherwise spend on the child. Upon the direction of a parent, the administering entity must distribute the funds for educational expenses, including: tuition at a nonpublic school or for distance education, tutoring, curricula or online courses, special education, individual courses or extracurricular activities at a public school within the District, dual credit courses that qualify for both secondary and postsecondary education credit, examinations, transportation to and from a provider, contributions to qualified tuition programs (529 plans) or Coverdell education savings accounts, or other educational expenses approved by the administering entity. At the end of the contract period, any remaining balances must be returned to the District.

A bill to improve the effectiveness and coordination of nutrition education.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2016

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study and report to Congress on state administrative expense funds, including: the use of the funds by state agencies; policies, practices, and training methods being implemented using the funds; factors that interfere with the ability of a state agency to use the funds effectively; and ways the funds are being used to encourage the implementation of effective and consistent school nutrition workforce training and technical assistance. USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion must study and report to Congress on the effectiveness and level of coordination between nutrition education in the child nutrition programs and other federal programs that include nutrition education.

Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016

Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act This bill amends the Johnson-O'Malley Act to establish a program through which the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) shall contract with eligible entities for the purpose of providing educational benefits to Indian students. An eligible entity is an entity that educates or serves Indian students and is either a tribal organization, an Indian corporation, a school district, a state, or a consortium of tribal organizations. An eligible entity shall use the funds to establish or expand programs to: (1) provide remedial instruction, counseling, cultural programs, school supplies, and specified courses and activities; (2) establish targeted, culturally sensitive, dropout prevention activities; and (3) purchase equipment to facilitate training in trade skills and college preparation. In general, BIA shall base the amount of a contract on the number of eligible Indian students educated or served by an eligible entity. With respect to these contracts, BIA must ensure full geographic coverage and the full participation of eligible entities.

Pathways to an Affordable Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016

Pathways to an Affordable Education Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify provisions related to the Federal Pell Grant program. Among other things, it: increases the maximum Pell Grant award for academic year 2017-2018 and adjusts it in subsequent award years to account for inflation, converts the Pell Grant program into a mandatory spending program, increases from 12 to 15 semesters a student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period, and restores year-round grants. Additionally, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include, as a qualified scholarship excludible from gross income, any amount received as a Pell Grant.

College for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016

College for All Act This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states to eliminate tuition and required fees at public institutions of higher education (IHEs). It also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: modify provisions related to interest rates on federal student loans to revise rates applicable to new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2016; allow student loan borrowers to modify interest rates on outstanding federal student loans to current rates; reauthorize the Federal Work Study program for FY2017-FY2021; eliminate existing base guarantees of Federal Work Study funds to IHEs and require funds to be allocated based solely on the aggregate need of the institution’s students; authorize ED to establish a pilot program to streamline the federal financial assistance application process and reduce the need for students to apply for financial assistance each year; and require ED to use tax information from the second preceding tax year (the “prior, prior year”) to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility.

Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2016

Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to award grants to institutions of higher education to provide and improve mental and behavioral health services, conduct research regarding improving the mental health of students, and expand outreach and training on college and university campuses. SAMHSA must give special consideration to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need, (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services, (3) target underserved and at-risk populations, (4) coordinate with a community mental health center or other community mental health resources, (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies, (6) propose innovative practices to improve care or prevention programs, and (7) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination. SAMHSA must convene an interagency, public-private sector working group to plan, establish, and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental and behavioral health on college and university campuses. The Department of Health and Human Services must establish the College Campus Task Force to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses.

Compact Impact Relief Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2016

Compact Impact Relief Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to make quarterly increases in the federal medical assistance percentage, under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, to cover expenditures for medical assistance provided to qualified nonimmigrants under the Compact of Free Association by American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the State of Hawaii. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to make local educational agencies eligible for impact aid (aid to jurisdictions that lose property tax revenue due to federal activities or location within tax-exempt federal areas) for educating alien children admitted to the United States as citizens of one of the Freely Associated States. The bill amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to grant a preference to citizens and nationals of the United States within Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the receipt of housing assistance over any non-resident alien. The bill directs the Department of State to contract with an eligible organization to conduct an independent assessment of the strategic importance of the relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2016

Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act of 2016 This bill amends the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and the Immigration and Nationality Act to make Cuban nationals who enter the United States on or after the enactment of this Act ineligible for refugee/parolee assistance. The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration shall report to Congress on methods for enforcing the loss of eligibility under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act by persons who are absent from the United States for at least one month.

Student Tax Affordability and Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2016

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