Issue · Education

Education across the country

Every education bill from all 50 state legislatures and Congress, introduced in the last 12 weeks and automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
193
last 12 weeks
Active states
13
jurisdictions with bills
Most active
112 bills
Stance split
177 for 16 against
National trend

Bills introduced per week

12-week window
Jun 29 Sep 14
Showing 21–29 of 29 bills

All education bills

in committee · United States · House Jul 22, 2026

HR 9881: Higher Education Accreditation Accountability Act

The Higher Education Accreditation Accountability Act strengthens oversight of college accreditation agencies and institutions by requiring new accrediting bodies to prove they have successfully accredited at least one school for two years before receiving federal recognition. Under the bill, initial recognition for these agencies would be limited to three years, with subsequent renewals capped at five years, and agencies must submit detailed documentation for every new program they accredit. The legislation also introduces stricter rules for colleges switching their primary accrediting agency, mandating that institutions provide written justification and supporting evidence to the Department of Education, which must then publicly review the application and deny changes if the school is trying to avoid sanctions or if the new agency has recent disciplinary actions. These measures aim to ensure that accreditation standards remain consistent and that institutions cannot easily switch agencies to evade oversight or maintain lower quality standards.
Sub-Topics Higher Education
Mark Takano (D)
in committee · United States · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9960: Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2026

The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2026 expands federal protections and support services for homeless and foster care students in higher education. It requires colleges to designate trained staff liaisons to assist these students with accessing resources like housing, food, and financial aid, while also mandating that institutions provide priority access to on-campus housing for this population. The bill further updates various federal student aid programs to explicitly include homeless and foster youth, ensuring they are treated as independent students for financial aid purposes and are actively recruited and retained through targeted outreach. Additionally, the legislation establishes new reporting requirements for colleges to track the number of these students served and mandates that states offer in-state tuition rates to homeless and foster youth attending public institutions.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D) · 1 co-sponsor
signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 21, 2026

CER 26-0193: Dr. Bessie Ann Stockard Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dr. Bessie Ann Stockard on the occasion of her retirement from the University of the District of Columbia. It formally acknowledges her extensive career as a coach, athlete, and educator, highlighting her achievements such as founding the Pantherettes women's basketball team and winning multiple national tennis titles. The resolution salutes her contributions to athletics and academia and thanks her for mentoring students, particularly young women, during her tenure at UDC.
Phil Mendelson (D)
in committee · Michigan · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 6206: Higher education: other; name, image, and likeness contract regulations; provide for. Amends 2020 PA 366 (MCL 390.1731 - 390.1741) by adding sec. 6a.

This bill regulates contracts involving college athletes in Michigan by prohibiting agreements that extend beyond the time a student is eligible to play sports. It specifically bans contracts that require athletes to give up future earnings or rights after their playing career ends, prevents agents from representing athletes on such long-term deals, and mandates that any legal disputes over these contracts be resolved in Michigan courts. Additionally, the law applies to athletes transferring into Michigan schools and declares any contract violating these rules to be invalid.
Sub-Topics Higher Education
Joe Tate (D)
passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 4, 2026

H 5632: An Act relative to school choice

This bill allows municipal school districts to exempt incoming elementary school choice students from participating in tuition agreements for middle and high school education. The change specifically applies to districts operating under tuition agreements rather than regional agreements, giving them flexibility in how they handle student enrollment across grade levels. By adding a new subsection to existing state law, the legislation clarifies that these districts are not required to include elementary students in the same financial arrangements used for older students. This adjustment aims to provide local control over school choice programs without mandating a uniform tuition structure for all grade levels.
in committee · United States · House Jul 16, 2026

HR 9741: To name the District of Columbia tuition assistance grant program the "Eleanor Holmes Norton District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program".

This bill changes the official name of the District of Columbia tuition assistance grant program to the "Eleanor Holmes Norton District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program." The change directly affects the program established by the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999, which provides financial aid to eligible students. By renaming the program, the legislation honors Eleanor Holmes Norton, a former representative from the District of Columbia, without altering the program's funding rules or eligibility requirements. All future legal documents and records referring to the program will use this new name to reflect the tribute.
Robert Garcia (D)
in committee · United States · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 5021: Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act

The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act restricts federal funding for college programs that fail to meet specific standards regarding licensure preparation and student earnings. To qualify for federal aid, programs designed to prepare students for licensed professions must ensure graduates can take required exams and obtain certification in the state where they live, while also providing necessary internships or clinical placements. Additionally, the bill introduces a debt-to-earnings test that bars funding for programs where the average student's annual loan payments exceed 8% of their median earnings or where payments exceed 20% of their discretionary income. Institutions offering distance learning courses must also be legally authorized in every state where their students reside, unless participating in a mutual agreement between states.
Sub-Topics Higher Education
Jeff Merkley (D) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · House Jul 6, 2026

HR 9596: Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026

The Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026 aims to increase hiring opportunities for individuals in the federal workforce who have gained skills through alternative routes like military service, apprenticeships, or community colleges rather than traditional four-year degrees. It requires the Office of Personnel Management to restrict agencies from mandating bachelor's degrees unless absolutely necessary and to create a specific section on federal job websites dedicated to these candidates. Additionally, the bill mandates a study to explore funding options, such as scholarships and tuition assistance, to help current federal employees with these backgrounds pursue further education.
Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) · 10 co-sponsors
in committee · United States · House Jun 30, 2026

HR 9568: HUSTLE Act

The HUSTLE Act creates a new type of tax-advantaged savings account specifically for college athletes to manage money earned from their name, image, and likeness. Eligible students at participating colleges can deposit this income into the account without paying taxes on it immediately, provided the funds are used for qualified expenses like education or career transition costs. The bill includes strict rules on how the money can be invested, limits on contribution amounts, and requirements for financial education to help athletes plan for life after their sports careers. Additionally, the account allows athletes to transfer funds to traditional retirement accounts once they are no longer eligible athletes, with a lifetime limit on such conversions.
Sub-Topics Higher Education
W. Gregory Steube (R) · 1 co-sponsor
Showing 21 to 29 of 29 bills