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Bill > HR4478


US HR4478

Simple FAFSA Act of 2019


summary

Introduced
09/24/2019
In Committee
09/24/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove barriers for students seeking Federal financial aid by reducing the complexity and length of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and increasing support for working students and vulnerable populations. This bill revises the application process, eligibility requirements, and certain calculations related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Specifically, the bill establishes three pathways for FAFSA applicants to submit income or asset information; establishes a certification process whereby a student who submits an initial FAFSA, and who certifies in the subsequent year that their dependency status has not changed, shall not be required to submit another FAFSA to maintain aid eligibility; requires the Department of Education (ED) to make the FAFSA form available in multiple languages and in formats that are accessible to individual with disabilities; repeals provisions that make ineligible for federal student aid any individual who fails to register with selective service or has committed drug-related offenses; prohibits ED from asking questions relating to whether an applicant for federal student aid has committed any drug-related offenses; expands eligibility for federal student aid to certain students who entered the United States prior to age 16; increases support for working students; requires ED to assign an applicant an expected family contribution of zero in certain situations (e.g., if the student received a federal means-tested benefit such as Medicaid during the previous twenty-four months); and requires ED to use data from the second preceding tax year to simplify the application process and determination of financial aid eligibility.

AI Summary

This bill, the Simple FAFSA Act of 2019, seeks to remove barriers for students seeking federal financial aid by reducing the complexity and length of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and increasing support for working students and vulnerable populations. The key provisions of this bill include: 1. Establishing three pathways for FAFSA applicants to submit income or asset information, including a "pathway one" for those who received a means-tested federal benefit in the previous 24 months. 2. Creating a certification process allowing students to maintain aid eligibility without submitting a new FAFSA each year if their dependency status has not changed. 3. Requiring the Department of Education to make the FAFSA available in multiple languages and accessible formats for individuals with disabilities. 4. Repealing provisions that make individuals ineligible for federal student aid for failing to register with Selective Service or committing drug-related offenses. 5. Expanding eligibility for federal student aid to certain students who entered the U.S. prior to age 16 ("Dreamer students"). 6. Increasing support for working students by adjusting the income protection allowance. 7. Simplifying the application process by requiring the Department of Education to use data from the second preceding tax year.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. (on 09/24/2019)

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