Education

CARE for Long COVID Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education for Long COVID Act or the CARE for Long COVID Act This bill requires research, education, and other activities to support individuals who have Long COVID or related conditions that may result directly, or indirectly, from COVID-19 infection. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must support a voluntary patient registry to collect information about individuals with Long COVID and related conditions, such as their symptoms, treatments, and demographic characteristics. HHS must coordinate with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute on the registry. HHS must also conduct or support research along with other agencies on how the U.S. health care system responds to Long COVID and related conditions. This includes research on the effectiveness of treatments and strategies to mitigate disparities in health outcomes. In addition, HHS must (1) educate the public and health care providers about treatments for, conditions associated with, and other aspects of Long COVID and related conditions; and (2) disseminate information and resources on how Long COVID affects rights associated with employment, disability status, and education. Last, the Administration for Community Living must award grants to or enter contracts with states, health care providers, legal services providers, and other eligible entities for expanding access to legal assistance for individuals with Long COVID and related conditions, including assistance with obtaining Social Security and other benefits and accessing medical care and services.

ACTION for National Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

America's Call To Improve Opportunities Now for National Service Act or the ACTION for National Service Act This bill reauthorizes and revises various national and community volunteer service programs. Specifically, it (1) renames the Corporation for National and Community Service as the AmeriCorps Administration, converts it from a government corporation into an executive department, and revises its membership, leadership, and authority; (2) reauthorizes programs carried out by the administration; (3) establishes a National Service Foundation to accept and administer gifts on behalf of the administration; (4) generally increases the living allowance amounts for program participants and excludes the amounts from taxable income; and (5) makes the national service educational award amount equal to twice the national average yearly cost for in-state tuition and fees at public, four-year institutions of higher education. Additionally, the bill creates an interagency Civilian Climate Corps, operated by the administration, to conduct service projects addressing climate change.

Prohibiting Parental Secrecy Policies In Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Prohibiting Parental Secrecy Policies In Schools Act of 2023 This bill requires each state, in order to receive specified federal funds for elementary and secondary education, to implement a state policy prohibiting school employees from certain actions regarding a minor's gender identity without parental consent. In particular, a state policy must prohibit employees from the following activities without the consent of a minor student's custodial parent or legal guardian: using pronouns for a minor that are inconsistent with the minor's biological sex for the purpose of recognizing or promoting a self-professed gender identity that is incongruent with their biological sex; providing, promoting, referring to, or otherwise assisting in the use of medical or other devices that promote changes to the minor's physical appearance so that it aligns with the opposite biological sex for the purpose of recognizing or promoting a self-professed gender identity that is incongruent with their biological sex; and carrying out any other action designed to assist a minor in the promotion or adoption of their self-professed gender identity and denial of their biological sex.

To require the Secretary of Education to accept certain documentation from the Department of Defense as proof of employment for purposes of the public service loan forgiveness program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This bill requires the Department of Education to accept a military discharge certificate or certificate of release (the Department of Defense's Form DD-214) in determining a borrower's eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Recognizing the significance of the 1973 New Mexico Bilingual Multicultural Education Act on its 50th anniversary and the importance of cultivating education in both the mother tongue as well as English for the preservation of culture, identity, and Indigenous knowledge.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This resolution supports efforts to incorporate bilingual multicultural education, increase the number of bilingual teachers and professors in the United States, and help tribes maintain and teach their Indigenous languages.

To amend section 7014 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to advance toward full Federal funding for impact aid, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 certain activities under the Impact Aid Program. The program provides funding to local educational agencies that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases).

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Middle Level Education Month.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Middle Level Education Month.

Success in the Middle Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Success in the Middle Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a grant program and take other specified actions to improve student learning and academic achievement for students in the middle grades (i.e., grades 5-8). Specifically, the bill directs ED to make formula grants to states, based on their proportion of children aged 5 to 17 living below the poverty line, to implement state middle grades need analyses and, on the basis of such analyses, create statewide improvement plans to improve student academic achievement in the middle grades; and award competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or designated LEA partnerships to implement a comprehensive middle school improvement plan for each eligible school (based on graduation rates and specified risk factors). Among other activities, ED must also (1) study and identify promising practices for the improvement of middle grades education, (2) create a national clearinghouse and national middle grades database, (3) establish an educational research and development center, and (4) provide grants to turn around low-performing schools that serve middle grade students.

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023 This bill expands access to free and reduced school meals in tribal areas. Specifically, the bill makes a child who is an enrolled member (or who has one or more parents who are enrolled members) of an Indian tribe categorically eligible for free school breakfasts or lunches. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adjust reimbursement rates for breakfasts, lunches, suppers, and supplements served in Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools and elementary and secondary schools on or near an Indian reservation. The bill also directs USDA to establish a pilot program to award grants to 10 tribal entities for operating and implementing the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program in Bureau-funded schools, schools on or near an Indian reservation, and early care and education facilities.

ACTION for National Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

America's Call To Improve Opportunities Now for National Service Act or the ACTION for National Service Act This bill reauthorizes and revises various national and community volunteer service programs. Specifically, it (1) renames the Corporation for National and Community Service as the AmeriCorps Administration, converts it from a government corporation into an executive department, and revises its membership, leadership, and authority; (2) reauthorizes programs carried out by the administration; (3) establishes a National Service Foundation to accept and administer gifts on behalf of the administration; (4) generally increases the living allowance amounts for program participants and excludes the amounts from taxable income; and (5) makes the national service educational award amount equal to twice the national average yearly cost for in-state tuition and fees at public, four-year institutions of higher education. Additionally, the bill creates an interagency Civilian Climate Corps, operated by the administration, to conduct service projects addressing climate change.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of March 6 through March 10, 2023, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to recognize the critical role social and emotional learning plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National Social and Emotional Learning Week.

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools to provide fluid milk substitutes upon request of a student or the parent or guardian of such student, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

This bill requires schools to substitute a nondairy beverage for fluid milk in the National School Lunch Program upon the request of a student or their parent or guardian. Under current law, schools participating in the program may provide a substitute at the request of a medical authority or the student's parent or guardian. The bill also removes current requirements that (1) the substitute request be based on an identified medical or other special dietary need that restricts the student's diet, and (2) the school food authority pay for any additional expenses resulting from providing the substitute that exceed the covered reimbursement amounts.

Expressing support for approximately doubling funding for Federal career and technical education programs.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

This resolution supports the doubling of spending on programs under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 and other innovative career and technical education programs over the next decade.

Expressing support for developing supportive, inclusive, safe, and responsive public schools that provide all students with a well-rounded education and prepare all students for success in life and for the exercise of their social and economic rights, fostering parental involvement in education in a manner that builds partnerships and trust between parents and educators, and protecting the civil rights of students and families.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

This resolution recognizes the importance of sufficiently supporting public elementary and secondary schools to provide all students with a well-rounded education. Additionally, the resolution promotes the implementation of practices that reduce disparities, eliminate discrimination, and make schools safer, inclusive, and supportive for all students.

Paycheck Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

Paycheck Fairness Act This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of sex, which is defined to include pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Specifically, it limits an employer's defense that a pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims, enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, and makes it unlawful to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting the employee from disclosing information about the employee's wages. The bill also increases civil penalties for violations of equal pay provisions. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage discrimination. The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish and carry out a grant program to provide training in negotiation skills related to compensation and equitable working conditions, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, and (3) make available information on wage discrimination to assist the public in understanding and addressing such discrimination. The bill establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. It also establishes the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to address compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations for collecting from employers compensation and other employment data according to the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay discrimination.

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute. A Confucius Institute is a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must ensure that an IHE that has awarded a contract to, entered into an agreement with, or received an in-kind donation or gift from a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute is ineligible to receive any funds from DHS, unless the IHE terminates the relationship. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the relationship.

NACIE Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act or the NACIE Improvement Act This bill revises the membership and duties of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. Specifically, the bill requires the President to ensure that the council includes at least one member who is the president of a tribal college or university. Additionally, the bill requires the council to submit its annual report to the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of the Interior. ED and Interior must consider the council's report when preparing their budget materials.

Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) to disclose information regarding gifts from and contracts with organizations affiliated with China's government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or the People's Liberation Army (PLA) , including certain educational institutes or programs, think tanks, and business entities. Under current law, an IHE must disclose to the Department of Education (ED) a gift or contract from a foreign source that is valued at $250,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with that foreign source. This bill establishes a special disclosure rule relating to organizations affiliated with China's government, the CCP, or the PLA. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to disclose a gift from or contract with such an organization that is valued at $5,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with that organization. Additionally, the bill requires an IHE that receives federal grants to annually file a report with ED that identifies any activities conducted pursuant to a contract or other agreement between the IHE and such an organization, including any joint research or academic exchanges. Such contracts or agreements must be publicly available on the IHE's website.

Pay Teachers Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Pay Teachers Act This bill provides funding to support education programs and addresses teacher shortages, including by establishing a minimum salary for public elementary and secondary school teachers. Specifically, the bill requires states to establish a minimum annual salary of at least $60,000 for full-time teachers that increases with experience. It establishes a pathway for eligible states to extend their time line to comply with these requirements. The bill provides specified funds to the Department of Education (ED) for FY2024 and each succeeding year (indexed for inflation) for federal aid to local educational agencies for the education of disadvantaged children, programs to support rural education, the Impact Aid program, technical assistance to support the equitable distribution of teachers, the Teacher Quality Partnership grant program (and further directs ED to prioritize these grants for programs to address teacher shortages), the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence program, personnel development to improve services and results for children with disabilities, the Supporting Effective Educator Development program, and the Teacher and School Leader Incentive program. Additionally, the bill provides specified funds to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) for FY2024 and each succeeding year (indexed for inflation) for programs and activities operated or funded by the BIE for BIE-funded schools. Entities receiving these funds must ensure that teachers are compensated with at least the minimum annual salary established by the BIE. The bill provides specified funds to ED for FY2024 to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study resource equity requirements.

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act This bill incorporates mental health promotion and education into guidelines for school wellness policies that are used by local educational agencies participating in school meal programs. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must issue further regulations for local educational agencies to (1) incorporate goals for mental health promotion and education, and (2) include reducing eating disorders as part of the nutrition guidelines for foods available on school campuses. The bill also requires that local educational agencies establish multidisciplinary teams of school personnel to lead the development, periodic review, and updating of local school wellness policies. Further, the bill requires the involvement of registered dietitians and school-based mental health services providers (in addition to those already required to be involved) in the periodic review and updating of the local policy. USDA must also provide technical assistance to promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.

A resolution designating March 9, 2023, as "National Slam the Scam Day" to raise awareness about pervasive government imposter scams, and to promote education to prevent government imposter scams.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

This resolution designates March 9, 2023, as National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness about scams involving individuals impersonating government employees, encourage policies to prevent such scams, recognize those who work to prevent such scams, and encourage the public to report and share information about such scams.

American Aviator Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

American Aviator Act This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide grants to certain pilot schools (or provisional pilot schools) to provide pilot training activities and related education to support a pathway for veterans to become commercial aviators.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2024

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 March 2023

Foster Youth and Driving Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Foster Youth and Driving Act This bill expands state foster care and adoption assistance programs to provide driving preparation assistance to foster youth and related training for foster parents. The bill further directs assistance to states and tribal organizations for age-appropriate foster youth to, among other things, obtain automobile insurance, complete driver's education, obtain a driver's license, and purchase a vehicle.

To provide additional funding for scholarships for students at 1890 institutions.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

This bill provides specified funds to the 1890 Scholarships Program for FY2025 and each succeeding year for student scholarships. The bill also permanently reauthorizes the 1890 Scholarships Program. This National Institute of Food and Agriculture program provides grants to 1890 Institutions (i.e., historically Black colleges and universities that belong to the U.S. land-grant university system) for students who intend to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences.

Hospital Adoption Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Hospital Adoption Education Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop resources to promote the understanding of adoption in the health care industry. Specifically, HHS must develop and disseminate digital resources about adoption for the health care industry, including best practices for interacting with prospective birth mothers and adoptive families. In addition, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) must maintain resources on its website for health care workers to improve their awareness and understanding of adoption. The ACF must also provide professional development (and related consultation services) about families pursuing adoption for care providers at hospitals and birthing centers. The ACF may carry out these activities directly or through grants or contracts with education organizations that are health care-based and focused on adoption. However, the ACF may not award grants to or enter contracts with (1) agencies that place newborn children for adoption or in foster care, or (2) organizations that provide abortion services.

Foster Youth and Driving Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Foster Youth and Driving Act This bill expands state foster care and adoption assistance programs to provide driving preparation assistance to foster youth and related training for foster parents. The bill further directs assistance to states and tribal organizations for age-appropriate foster youth to, among other things, obtain automobile insurance, complete driver's education, obtain a driver's license, and purchase a vehicle.

Physicians for Underserved Areas Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Physicians for Underserved Areas Act This bill modifies how a hospital's residency positions are redistributed after it closes for purposes of graduate medical education payments under Medicare. Under current law, if a hospital with an approved medical residency program closes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must redistribute the hospital's residency positions to other hospitals in the following order: (1) hospitals in the same core-based statistical area as the closed hospital, (2) hospitals in the same state as the closed hospital, (3) hospitals in the same region of the country as the closed hospital, and (4) other remaining hospitals. In order to receive the additional positions, hospitals must demonstrate a likelihood of filling the positions within three years. The bill removes the requirement that the CMS prioritize hospitals in the same region of the country as the closed hospital. It also requires hospitals to demonstrate a likelihood of (1) starting to use the positions within two years, and (2) filling the positions within five years.

REDI Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Resident Education Deferred Interest Act or the REDI Act This bill allows borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments until the completion of their programs.

Protect Children’s Innocence Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Protect Children's Innocence Act This bill places restrictions on the provision of gender affirming care. Gender affirming care includes performing surgery, administering medication, or performing other procedures for the purpose of changing the body of an individual to correspond to a sex that differs from the individual's biological sex. Specifically, the bill makes it a felony to perform any gender affirming care on a minor and it permits a minor on whom such care is performed to bring a civil action against each individual who provided the care. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for gender affirming care or for health insurance that covers such care. Such care may not be provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee. The bill also prohibits qualified health plans from including coverage for gender affirming care. Further, plans that include coverage for such care are not eligible for federal subsidies. Finally, the bill prohibits institutions of higher education from offering instruction in gender affirming care. It also makes any non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who performs gender affirming care on a minor deportable and inadmissible to the United States. The restrictions under this bill do not apply to the provision of care under certain circumstances such as when an individual does not have normal sex chromosome structure, sex steroid hormone production, or sex steroid hormone action.

Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

This resolution sets forth the levels of payment for 118th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) the Budget; (4) Education & the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Ethics; (7) Financial Services; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) Homeland Security; (10) House Administration; (11) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (12) the Judiciary; (13) Natural Resources; (14) Oversight and Accountability; (15) Rules; (16) Science, Space, and Technology; (17) Small Business; (18) Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; (19) Transportation and Infrastructure; (20) Veterans' Affairs; and (21) Ways and Means. The resolution also addresses other aspects of committee funding, including (1) prescribing limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 118th Congress, and (2) establishing a reserve fund for unanticipated committee expenses for the 118th Congress.

Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning March 5, 2023, as "School Social Work Week".

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

This resolution supports the designation of School Social Work Week.

School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act This bill provides certain resources to increase the number of social workers in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to high-need local educational agencies to retain or hire school social workers. The bill also establishes a national technical assistance center for school social work to, among other duties, develop strategies for improving the effectiveness of the school social work workforce.

TRUE EQUITY Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Transformational Reforms and Updates to Ensure Educational Quality and Urgent Investments in Today's Youth Act of 2023 or the TRUE EQUITY Act of 2023 This bill establishes various grant programs to address educational inequities in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill creates grant programs related to (1) early childhood education, (2) high-quality and diverse teachers and leaders, (3) college and career readiness pathways, and (4) additional resources for at-risk students. For each grant program, the Department of Education (ED) must award a single grant to an eligible state. To be eligible for a grant, a state must establish an independent state oversight board. The oversight board must, among other duties (1) determine whether the state and its local educational agencies (LEAs) have met state educational equity goals, and (2) hold them accountable for failing to meet those goals. ED may renew a grant if the oversight board determines the state has met its goals. In addition, for each grant program, the bill outlines the activities authorized under the program, maintenance-of-effort requirements, and matching fund requirements. Finally, the bill permits ED to enter into a local flexibility demonstration agreement, through which a state educational agency may use funds to develop and implement a school funding system based on weighted per-pupil allocations for low-income and disadvantaged students. (Currently, ED may enter into these agreements with LEAs.)

Civics Learning Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Civics Learning Act of 2023 This bill expands the use of American History and Civics Education—National Activities grants to prioritize innovative civics learning and teaching. Specifically, the bill expands the allowable uses of these grants to include activities related to women's suffrage and the civil rights movement; before-, during-, and after-school activities and extracurricular activities; activities that include service learning and community service projects that are linked to school curriculum; activities that encourage and support student participation in school governance; and online and video game-based learning. Further, the Department of Education must ensure that specified percentages of grant funds are awarded on a diverse basis to eligible entities (e.g., institutions of higher education) that serve students and teachers at elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023 This bill extends temporary additional reimbursements for certain school-based nutrition programs and requires the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to implement or recommend changes to the administration of the programs. Specifically, for the school year beginning in July 2023, the bill extends for one year temporary additional reimbursements for the cost of certain meals: 40 cents per lunch served in the National School Lunch Program, 15 cents per breakfast served in the School Breakfast Program, and 10 cents per meal and supplement served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Further, FNS must research or implement recommendations contained in the FNS-commissioned Child Nutrition Reporting Burden Analysis Study . In addition, FNS must post all FNS guidance and policy materials provided to states and school food authorities on the FNS website in a user-friendly system; create a plan to simplify the school breakfast and lunch program eligibility process, which includes research and recommendations on using a standardized meal application form and verifying program eligibility using census tract data on poverty levels; and recommend legislative changes to allow school food authorities serving under 100 students and residential child care institutions to receive food (or cash in lieu of food) from the Department of Agriculture's Food in Schools program without having to participate in the National School Lunch Program.

TRUE EQUITY Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Transformational Reforms and Updates to Ensure Educational Quality and Urgent Investments in Today's Youth Act of 2023 or the TRUE EQUITY Act of 2023 This bill establishes various grant programs to address educational inequities in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill creates grant programs related to (1) early childhood education, (2) high-quality and diverse teachers and leaders, (3) college and career readiness pathways, and (4) additional resources for at-risk students. For each grant program, the Department of Education (ED) must award a single grant to an eligible state. To be eligible for a grant, a state must establish an independent state oversight board. The oversight board must, among other duties (1) determine whether the state and its local educational agencies (LEAs) have met state educational equity goals, and (2) hold them accountable for failing to meet those goals. ED may renew a grant if the oversight board determines the state has met its goals. In addition, for each grant program, the bill outlines the activities authorized under the program, maintenance-of-effort requirements, and matching fund requirements. Finally, the bill permits ED to enter into a local flexibility demonstration agreement, through which a state educational agency may use funds to develop and implement a school funding system based on weighted per-pupil allocations for low-income and disadvantaged students. (Currently, ED may enter into these agreements with LEAs.)

Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2023

Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 This bill authorizes approval of certain commercial driver education programs for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance if the programs meet specified requirements. Under current law, the VA may not approve enrollment of a veteran in courses for programs that do not lead to a standard degree that are offered at a new branch (i.e., a branch that has been operating for less than 2 years) of an educational institution. Under the bill, a commercial driver education program offered at a new branch of an educational institution may be approved if it is appropriately licensed and uses the same curriculum as a commercial driver education program offered by the educational institution at another location that is already approved for purposes of VA educational assistance. The educational institution must submit a report demonstrating the curriculum at the new branch is the same as the curriculum at the primary location in order to be exempt from the current prohibition against course approval at new branches.

Ending COVID Vaccine Mandates for Colleges and Universities Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Ending COVID Vaccine Mandates for Colleges and Universities Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds or participating in federal higher education programs if the IHE imposes a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. COVID-19 vaccine mandate means any requirement that an individual receive an immunization that is intended to prevent or mitigate COVID-19 as a condition of that individual's admission to, enrollment in, attendance at, or employment at an IHE.

Student Loan Disclosure Transparency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Student Loan Disclosure Transparency Act of 2023 This bill requires lenders disbursing federal student loans to disclose additional information to borrowers and increase the frequency of such disclosures. Specifically, prior to disbursement, the lender making a loan must disclose (1) the principal amount, interest rate, and number of required monthly payments to be made on the loan; (2) the estimated balance owed by the borrower; and (3) the estimated aggregate amount the borrower will pay. Prior to repayment, the lender must disclose the projected total of interest charges that the borrower will pay on the loan, as well as projections of the borrower's monthly repayment amount. The bill also requires certain disclosures for the life of the loan. In particular, lenders must disclose information about loans on a monthly, rather than periodic, basis. Lenders must also provide borrowers who are not in a repayment status (e.g., a borrower who is in school or in a deferment period) with a monthly statement. The Department of Education must obtain feedback from borrowers and report on the usefulness and effectiveness of such disclosures.

Alaska Offshore Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Alaska Offshore Parity Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to share more revenues derived from energy and mineral development in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) region with Alaska and its coastal political subdivisions. Currently, only revenue generated by certain nearshore areas of the OCS is shared with Alaska. The bill requires Treasury to share a specified portion of revenue derived from all areas in the Alaska OCS region. Alaska may use the funding from such revenue for coastal protection, coastal infrastructure, systems to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, programs at institutions of higher education, and other related purposes.

Crucial Communism Teaching Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Crucial Communism Teaching Act This bill directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and oral history resources for high school students to promote understanding of certain political ideologies (e.g., communism and totalitarianism) that conflict with principles of U.S. democracy.

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act This bill provides for coverage of certain cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of microarray analysis, DNA and RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and other next-generation sequencing for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must establish an education and awareness program for physicians and the public about genomic testing and the role of genetic counselors.

PC–CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Prostate Cancer Community Assistance, Research and Education Act of 2023 or the PC-CARE Act This bill establishes a committee to develop, implement, and periodically revise a plan to coordinate federal activities and programs concerning prostate cancer, including those related to research, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Committee members must include representatives from specified federal agencies, as well as researchers, clinicians, individuals living with prostate cancer (or their caregivers), and other stakeholders. In addition, at least half of the members must be physicians.

Early Voting Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Early Voting Act This bill expands early in-person voting. The bill generally requires each state to allow individuals to vote in federal elections during an early voting period of at least 15 days. This requirement does not apply to jurisdictions that send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter. Further, states and jurisdictions must ensure that polling places are accessible by public transportation, located in rural areas, and located on each branch campus of an institution of higher education. The Election Assistance Commission must issue certain voluntary standards for early voting, including the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places. Finally, states and jurisdictions must begin processing and scanning ballots cast during the early voting period at least 14 days prior to election day. However, states and jurisdictions cannot tabulate ballots before the polls close on election day unless the tabulation is necessary and performed in accordance with existing state law.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to parental rights.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment stating that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right; the parental right to direct education includes the right to choose, as an alternative to public education, private, religious, or home schools, and the right to make reasonable choices within public schools for one's child; neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon these rights without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served; and the parental rights guaranteed by this amendment shall not be denied or abridged on account of disability.

College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act This bill outlines requirements for financial aid offers that must be provided to prospective and enrolled students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to publish requirements for financial aid offers that each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in federal student aid programs must provide to students. These requirements include standardized terms and definitions, certain formatting requirements, and components regarding costs. In particular, a financial aid offer must first include a component related to direct costs (i.e., tuition, fees, and other expenses required for the student to enroll in the IHE). If the student completes the component related to direct costs and confirms that the student is seeking financial assistance for indirect costs (e.g., housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation), then the offer must include components related to those indirect costs. IHEs may not refer to these offers as award letters. The bill requires ED to ensure that information published on the website of each IHE or the College Scorecard includes information on costs, earnings, and loan payments in a manner consistent with financial aid offers. The College Scorecard is a comparison tool for information on school sizes, settings, graduation rates, average costs, and salary ranges per field of study.

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women or girls. Specifically, the bill provides that it is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded education programs or activities to operate, sponsor, or facilitate athletic programs or activities that allow individuals of the male sex to participate in programs or activities that are designated for women or girls. (Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities, including in public elementary and secondary schools and in colleges and universities.) Under the bill, sex is based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

Parents Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Parents Bill of Rights Act This bill establishes various rights of parents and guardians regarding the elementary or secondary school education of their children. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools must comply with the requirements of the bill in order to receive federal education funds. Specifically, the bill requires schools to notify parents and guardians of their rights regarding the education of their children. These rights include the right to review the curriculum of their child's school; know if the state alters its challenging academic standards; meet with each teacher of their child at least twice each school year; review the budget, including all revenues and expenditures, of their child's school; review a list of the books and other reading materials in the library of their child's school; address the school board of the LEA; receive information about violent activity in their child's school; and receive information about any plans to eliminate gifted and talented programs in the child's school. Additionally, the bill directs each LEA to post on a publicly accessible website (or otherwise widely disseminate to the public) the curriculum for each elementary and secondary school grade level. The LEA must also include in its annual report card the overall budget of the LEA and the budget for each elementary and secondary school. The bill also provides for additional family educational and privacy rights, including by prohibiting schools from selling student information for commercial or financial gain.

Recruit and Retain Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Recruit and Retain Act This bill expands the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program to support recruitment efforts by law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the bill expands the COPS program by allowing funds to be used for reducing application-related fees (e.g., fees for background checks, psychological evaluations, and testing); and directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award competitive grants to partnerships between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions (e.g., elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education) for recruiting activities, such as for career and job fairs. The bill requires DOJ to establish guidance for understaffed law enforcement agencies applying for COPS grants. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on the effects of recruitment and attrition rates on federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies.