Education

Student Records Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Student Records Protection Act This bill revises the requirements for an accrediting agency to be recognized by the Department of Education (ED) as a reliable authority on the quality of education being offered at an institution of higher education (IHE). It also requires an IHE to establish a records management plan for accreditation purposes. Specifically, an accrediting agency must require an IHE to submit for approval a records management plan upon notification by the IHE that it intends to cease its operations. The plan must include a plan for the custody, continued access, and disposition of student records (e.g., student transcripts, billing, and financial aid records). Further, the IHE must submit the plan to ED. Under current law, an IHE must be accredited by an accrediting agency to participate in federal student aid programs.   

MERIT Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

HERO Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

Helping Educators Respond to Overdoses Act or the HERO Act This bill establishes a grant program to provide schools with opioid overdose reversal drugs and requires reporting related to the distribution of such drugs. First, the bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award competitive grants to eligible entities for (1) purchasing approved opioid overdose reversal drugs; and (2) developing and implementing educational programming or resources to promote student and community knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, drug-use prevention and intervention, and emergency responses to drug overdoses. Eligible entities include private elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), charter schools that are LEAs, and consortia of LEAs. Second, the bill requires a covered educational institution (i.e., a private school, LEA, or charter school that is an LEA) that receives federal funds to submit a description of any distribution of an opioid overdose reversal drug by such institution to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System and the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program of the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

To reauthorize the Tsunami Warning and Education Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should receive a living wage, have access to affordable health care and health care benefits, and have access to other specified employment benefits and working conditions. Additionally, in recognition of the importance of collective bargaining in maintaining good working conditions, employers of paraprofessionals and education support staff should engage in good faith negotiations.

See the Board Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

See the Board Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to support nonprofit organizations in furnishing eye-care services free of charge to students in public elementary or secondary schools.

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for law enforcement officers in schools. It also establishes a grant program to replace law enforcement officers in schools with personnel and services that support mental health and trauma-informed services. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to hire, maintain, or train law enforcement officers in elementary or secondary schools. Further, it prohibits the use of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants for law enforcement officers in schools. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to local educational agencies to (1) replace law enforcement officers in elementary and secondary schools with personnel and services that support mental health and trauma-informed services, and (2) reform school safety and disciplinary policies to reflect evidence-based practices that do not rely on the criminal justice system. A recipient must use grants funds to hire, maintain, or train specified staff. The bill prohibits the use of grant funds for (1) establishing or enforcing punitive school discipline policies, (2) purchasing or installing surveillance equipment (e.g., metal detectors), or (3) arming teachers or other school personnel.

Condemning antisemitism at institutions of higher education in the United States and encouraging college and university leaders, administrators, and faculty to speak out against antisemitism.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

This resolution strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States. The resolution also encourages higher education leaders (e.g., presidents, deans, and administrators) to publicly condemn speech that incites or celebrates violence against any people based on religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry; and encourages institutions of higher education to engage with Jewish student organizations and ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and personal aspirations without fear.

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for law enforcement officers in schools. It also establishes a grant program to replace law enforcement officers in schools with personnel and services that support mental health and trauma-informed services. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to hire, maintain, or train law enforcement officers in elementary or secondary schools. Further, it prohibits the use of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants for law enforcement officers in schools. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to local educational agencies to (1) replace law enforcement officers in elementary and secondary schools with personnel and services that support mental health and trauma-informed services, and (2) reform school safety and disciplinary policies to reflect evidence-based practices that do not rely on the criminal justice system. A recipient must use grants funds to hire, maintain, or train specified staff. The bill prohibits the use of grant funds for (1) establishing or enforcing punitive school discipline policies, (2) purchasing or installing surveillance equipment (e.g., metal detectors), or (3) arming teachers or other school personnel.

University Centers for Growth, Development, Prosperity (GDP) Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

University Centers for Growth, Development, Prosperity (GDP) Act This bill requires the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to establish in each state a university center at an institution of higher education that must, to the extent possible, collaborate with economic development districts, provide technical assistance and business development services to area businesses, and conduct research and analysis relating to economic development. In selecting such centers, the EDA must prioritize Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other minority-serving institutions.

Condemning antisemitism on college campuses.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

This resolution calls on campus administrators to do the following: condemn all forms of antisemitism on college campuses; ensure Jewish faculty, students, and guests can exercise the same free speech rights as are guaranteed to all other faculty, students, and guests without intimidation; ensure that no speaker is prevented from speaking on campus because of their Jewish heritage; ensure Jewish students have the same opportunities as all other students on campus; and ensure the security and safety of their Jewish students. The resolution also supports the right of Americans to freely exercise their religious and cultural beliefs while pursuing higher education.

RIFA Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Reporting on Investments in Foreign Adversaries Act or the RIFA Act This bill requires private institutions of higher education (IHEs) with specified assets or investments to file annual investment disclosure reports. The bill applies to a private IHE with (1) assets in excess of $6 billion, or (2) certain investments in excess of $250 million.  Specifically, the bill requires such a private IHE to file a disclosure report with the Department of Education (ED) for a year in which the IHE purchases, sells, or holds one or more investments of concern. Investment of concern means any specified interest (e.g., stock or debt) with respect to a foreign country of concern (e.g., North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran) or a foreign entity of concern (e.g., a foreign entity that is designated as a foreign terrorist organization).  Additionally, the bill requires ED to (1) establish and maintain a publicly available and searchable database with these disclosure reports, and (2) transmit copies of these disclosure reports to certain federal agencies. The bill authorizes ED to investigate possible violations of this bill and outlines the various penalties for each violation.

Stop Sexual Harassment in K–12 Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act This bill outlines the role and duties of Title IX coordinators in elementary and secondary schools, including by requiring local educational agencies to increase the number of full-time employees designated to serve as a Title IX coordinator per specified student population. The bill also creates a grant program to train teachers and staff on how to respond to signs of sex-based harassment and assault of students and requires the Department of Education to develop a sex-based harassment survey.

To amend the National Security Act of 1947 to include school security as an element of the National Security Strategy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

This bill requires certain actions to address school security.  Specifically, the bill requires the President's National Security Strategy to include the strategies and capabilities needed to ensure the safety and security of schools in the United States, including elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs).  The bill also requires the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of threats to elementary and secondary schools and IHEs. ED and DHS must jointly submit a report to Congress on the results of the assessment.

IMPROVE Safety for Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Incentivize Motivated Parents with Responsible Options for Vital Education Safety for Schools Act or the IMPROVE Safety for Schools Act This bill addresses school safety and security, with a particular focus on gun safety. Specifically, the bill directs the U.S. Secret Service to provide guidance to local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive federal funds on preparing a notice to advise parents on purchasing and using a gun safety device. Each LEA that receives federal funds must submit this notice to each parent with a child attending a school served by the LEA. Additionally, the bill allows certain individuals with a qualifying child or dependent a tax credit, up to $300 in a taxable year, for the purchase of any firearm safety device. The bill allows LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants for (1) providing de-escalation training to teachers, administrators, and other staff; and (2) establishing school safety specialist positions. Next, the bill requires LEAs that have expelled a student for bringing a firearm to school to provide the student and the student's parents with confidential mental health services (if the parents do not have the financial means to provide these services). The bill allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to implement a standardized training program for school resource officers. The bill also requires certain federal agencies to conduct outreach to expand the social media presence of SchoolSafety.gov (a website that provides information, resources, and guidance focused on school safety).

Truth in Tuition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Truth in Tuition Act of 2023 This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student-aid programs to provide admitted students with information related to tuition and fees. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to provide to a 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. The Department of Education may waive this requirement under certain circumstances.

Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activity on Campus Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activity on Campus Act This bill requires certain actions related to preventing terrorism and antisemitism on campus. Specifically, the bill requires each institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs to include in its annual security report (1) a statement of current campus policies regarding antisemitism; and (2) a statement of current campus policies regarding procedures to prevent and respond to speech, fighting words, or true threats by students, employees, or other individuals related to foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, each IHE that receives federal funds must (1) carry out procedures to identify applicants for faculty and staff positions or applicants for student enrollment who have engaged in certain terrorist-related activity; and (2) ensure that federal funds are not used for any activity that urges support for, endorses, espouses, encourages, organizes for, or promotes a foreign terrorist organization or its terrorist activities. The bill prohibits a student that has been convicted of a criminal offense involving terrorist activity from receiving federal student aid. The bill requires IHEs that participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to report antisemitic and terrorist-related activity committed by foreign students to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State. Each IHE receiving federal financial assistance must report information to the Department of Education (ED) on its efforts to prevent and respond to discrimination that is based on an individual's Jewish lineage or ethnic characteristics. ED must annually submit a report to Congress containing this information.

Expanding Medical Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Expanding Medical Education Act This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia of such institutions, to establish or expand medical schools. In awarding these grants, HHS must prioritize minority-serving institutions or those that propose to establish or expand schools in medically underserved communities or areas with shortages of health professionals where no such schools exist.

Reducing Obesity in Youth Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2023

Reducing Obesity in Youth Act of 2023 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in coordination with the Administration for Children and Families, to award grants to nonprofits, institutions of higher education, or consortia of these entities to promote healthy eating and physical activity and address food insecurity among children in early care and education settings.

A resolution designating October 2023 as "National Farm to School Month".

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2023

This resolution designates October 2023 as National Farm to School Month and recognizes support for policy improvements to farm to school programs in legislation reauthorizing child nutrition programs. This resolution also (1) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, and local educational agencies to use local farm products in meals; and (2) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, farmers and farm groups, local businesses, nonprofit institutions, churches, cities, state governments, and other local groups to raise awareness of farm to school efforts in their communities.

Condemning antisemitism on college campuses.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

This resolution calls on campus administrators to do the following: condemn all forms of antisemitism on college campuses; ensure Jewish faculty, students, and guests can exercise the same free speech rights as are guaranteed to all other faculty, students, and guests without intimidation; ensure that no speaker is prevented from speaking on campus because of their Jewish heritage; ensure Jewish students have the same opportunities as all other students on campus; and ensure the security and safety of their Jewish students. The resolution also supports the right of Americans to freely exercise their religious and cultural beliefs while pursuing higher education.

Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act This bill requires the Department of Education to establish a pilot program in order to award grants to partnerships between postsecondary educational institutions and employers in critical infrastructure sectors for cybersecurity education programs.  

A resolution designating October 2023 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

This resolution designates October 2023 as National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA's) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA's working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. 

Student Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Student Support Act This bill requires the Department of Education to make matching grants to states for allocation to local educational agencies (LEAs) so that additional school-based mental health and student service providers may be hired, thereby reducing the student-to-provider ratios in elementary and secondary schools to specified minimum levels recommended by the leading counseling, guidance, and mental health organizations. Grants to states and state allocations to LEAs must be made pursuant to specified formulas that take into account a state's and school district's share of children in poverty.  

POST GRAD Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt Act or the POST GRAD Act This bill authorizes graduate and professional students to receive Direct Subsidized Loans. These students have been ineligible to receive Direct Subsidized Loans since July 1, 2012.

Grace Hopper Code for Us Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Grace Hopper Code for Us Act This bill establishes a program through which the Department of Education must award grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop and implement courses of instruction related to critical legacy computer languages (e.g., COBOL, Assembly, and PL/I). In addition, the Government Accountability Office must report on the critical legacy computer languages that (1) are used by the federal government, and (2) are not commonly taught in a course at an IHE.

All Students Count Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

All Students Count Act of 2023 This bill requires the results of student academic assessments to be disaggregated within each state, local educational agency, and school by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups. In particular, the Asian American category must include Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Thai, Taiwanese, Burmese, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese subgroups, and, to the greatest extent practicable, additional subgroups such as the lu Mien and Montagnards. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander category must include Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, iTaukei, and Marshallese, and, to the greatest extent practicable, additional subgroups such as the Chuukese and Palauan. The Department of Education must develop guidance related to whether and when these reporting requirements will yield statistically reliable information. Such guidance shall help to inform the minimum number of students that will maximize data reporting for each major racial and ethnic group.

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA's) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA's working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

A resolution condemning antisemitism at institutions of higher education in the United States and encouraging college and university leaders, administrators, and faculty to speak out against antisemitism.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

This resolution strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States. The resolution also encourages higher education leaders (e.g., presidents, deans, and administrators) to publicly condemn speech that incites or celebrates violence against any people based on religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry; and encourages institutions of higher education to engage with Jewish student organizations and ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and personal aspirations without fear.

All Students Count Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

All Students Count Act of 2023 This bill requires the results of student academic assessments to be disaggregated within each state, local educational agency, and school by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups. In particular, the Asian American category must include Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Thai, Taiwanese, Burmese, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese subgroups, and, to the greatest extent practicable, additional subgroups such as the lu Mien and Montagnards. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander category must include Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, iTaukei, and Marshallese, and, to the greatest extent practicable, additional subgroups such as the Chuukese and Palauan. The Department of Education must develop guidance related to whether and when these reporting requirements will yield statistically reliable information. Such guidance shall help to inform the minimum number of students that will maximize data reporting for each major racial and ethnic group.

Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance for states on ways to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder providers under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), particularly in rural and underserved areas.

A resolution supporting afterschool programs and Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of afterschool programs held on October 26, 2023.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

This resolution expresses support for Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of after-school programs held on October 26, 2023.

THE POWER OF APPRENTICESHIPS: FASTER, BETTER PATHS TO PROSPEROUS JOBS AND LESS WASTE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 October 2023

A resolution calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed, and designating October 2023 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

This resolution designates October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month and calls on Congress, schools, and educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed.

BUILDS Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills or the BUILDS Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to award implementation or renewal grants to eligible industry or sector partnerships to achieve certain job training and employment objectives with respect to targeted infrastructure industries (e.g., transportation, construction, energy, information technology, or utilities industries). Partnerships may include representatives of businesses, labor organizations, and education or training institutions. Eligible grant activities include evaluating workforce needs in a local area, developing work-based learning programs, recruiting individuals with barriers to employment for such programs, and providing employment support services.

Schools Want Accountability for Threats Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

21st Century Dyslexia Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

21st Century Dyslexia Act This bill addresses the education of children with disabilities, with a particular focus on children with dyslexia. Currently, dyslexia is listed as one of the disabilities under the definition of specific learning disability in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This bill instead removes dyslexia from the definition of specific learning disability and establishes a stand-alone definition for dyslexia within the IDEA. Specifically, the bill defines dyslexia for purposes of the IDEA as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader, most commonly caused by a difficulty in the phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell. Additionally, the bill requires a local educational agency or other agency, in determining eligibility for or providing an accommodation or service under the IDEA, to provide equal access to (1) children from low-income families, (2) children from families with low socioeconomic status, and (3) children who are limited English proficient.

Expressing support for the recognition of October 2023 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National Dyslexia Awareness Month and calls on Congress, schools, and educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed.

21st Century Dyslexia Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

21st Century Dyslexia Act This bill addresses the education of children with disabilities, with a particular focus on children with dyslexia. Currently, dyslexia is listed as one of the disabilities under the definition of specific learning disability in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This bill instead removes dyslexia from the definition of specific learning disability and establishes a stand-alone definition for dyslexia within the IDEA. Specifically, the bill defines dyslexia for purposes of the IDEA as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader, most commonly caused by a difficulty in the phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell. Additionally, the bill requires a local educational agency or other agency, in determining eligibility for or providing an accommodation or service under the IDEA, to provide equal access to (1) children from low-income families, (2) children from families with low socioeconomic status, and (3) children who are limited English proficient.

A resolution designating October 20, 2023, as "National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

This resolution designates October 20, 2023, as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day.

SPEAK Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge Act of 2023 or the SPEAK Act of 2023 This bill establishes the Improved Access to Health Care Information Technology for non-English Speakers Task Force. The task force must assess any current barriers that limit the ability of non-English speakers to access telehealth services and recommend improvements (e.g., technological enhancements). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must collect information from relevant stakeholders to inform the task force's assessments and recommendations.  HHS must establish a website with best practices for connecting non-English speakers with telehealth services, based on the task force's final report.

PROTECT Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction Act or the PROTECT Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a strategy and carry out a specific initiative to prevent and reduce the use of electronic cigarettes and emerging tobacco products among youth and young adults. As part of the initiative, the CDC must conduct research and surveillance on types of products, patterns of use, health impacts, and other aspects of the use of such products by youth and young adults; evaluate prevention and intervention strategies and develop guidance for intervening and treating youth and young adults who use such products; identify effective messaging and communication efforts and implement a national public education campaign concerning the use of such products; and continue to fund grants for tobacco control programs in health departments, including efforts to prevent and reduce the use of such products by youth and young adults.

No Cost Educational Resources Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

No Cost Educational Resources Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Institute of Museum and Library Services to award grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) for facilitating the adoption, adaption, and creation of open educational reading materials and establishing more open educational reading material courses. Open educational reading material refers to a free digital text that is publicly available to be downloaded and redistributed. Open educational reading material course refers to a science, technology, engineering, or math course offered by an IHE that uses only open educational reading materials as the form of the required readings for the course.

CLASS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Court Legal Access and Student Support Act of 2023 or the CLASS Act of 2023 This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from restricting students' ability to pursue claims against IHEs in court. In addition, the bill makes mandatory arbitration agreements inapplicable to enrollment agreements between students and IHEs.

Safe Schools Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), sex characteristics (including intersex traits), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.

SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 programs and activities relating to mental health and substance use disorder services. Reauthorized programs and activities include  grants for trauma support and mental health services for children in schools, programs that enable access to drugs or devices that temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals, and training and workforce development for providers of mental health and substance use disorder services. The bill also modifies certain requirements relating to the regulation of controlled substances and the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services, including by requiring (1) the issuance of federal guidance to support at-home safe disposal systems for drugs, (2) studies to evaluate the efficacy of opioid treatment through buprenorphine and methadone, and (3) evaluations of the use of certain block grants by states to treat individuals with serious mental illnesses.

PROTECT Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction Act or the PROTECT Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a strategy and carry out a specific initiative to prevent and reduce the use of electronic cigarettes and emerging tobacco products among youth and young adults. As part of the initiative, the CDC must conduct research and surveillance on types of products, patterns of use, health impacts, and other aspects of the use of such products by youth and young adults; evaluate prevention and intervention strategies and develop guidance for intervening and treating youth and young adults who use such products; identify effective messaging and communication efforts and implement a national public education campaign concerning the use of such products; and continue to fund grants for tobacco control programs in health departments, including efforts to prevent and reduce the use of such products by youth and young adults.

Court Legal Access and Student Support Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Court Legal Access and Student Support Act of 2023 or the CLASS Act of 2023 This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from restricting students' ability to pursue claims against IHEs in court. In addition, the bill makes mandatory arbitration agreements inapplicable to enrollment agreements between students and IHEs.

Safe Schools Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.