Summary:
College Affordability and Innovation Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award 5-year grants to up to 15 institutions of higher education (IHEs) to carry out new or existing high-quality programs designed to graduate students with certificates or degrees at significantly lower student costs and within shorter time periods than traditional programs.

Included among the programs are those that:

 use online instruction; use direct assessments rather than credit hours or clock hours as the measure of student learning; integrate experiential learning and customized curricula to promote completion or alignment with medium- and long-term employment needs; allow students to be dually or concurrently enrolled in the postsecondary program and a secondary school, or a postsecondary program and a graduate program; allow the transfer of credits from secondary to postsecondary to graduate programs to encourage early and on-time completion of a postsecondary degree or certificate; or use any other innovative, evidence-based method of providing students with a cost-effective, high-quality, postsecondary education. ED may waive the application to grantees of specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) that would inhibit their operation of innovative education programs.

ED must establish and annually administer an evaluation and accountability process for the programs, review policies and identify those that impede the development and use of innovative methods, establish measures to assess program quality, and direct a third party to conduct a final evaluation of the effectiveness of each program.

The bill requires the establishment of a Commission on Higher Education Accountability Standards, composed of higher education stakeholders, to make recommendations on a set of minimum accountability standards IHEs' undergraduate programs must meet with respect to affordability, accessibility, and value in order to participate in the programs under title IV (Student Assistance) of the HEA.

After considering those recommendations, ED must establish IHE affordablity, accessibility, and value accountability standards that, at a minimum, take into account each IHE's: (1) average or mean cost of attendance, minus grant aid; (2) percentage of enrolled students who are recipients of a Federal Pell Grant; and (3) student loan repayment rates.

Schools that do not comply with these standards are deemed to be on probation and must work with ED to achieve compliance within five years. They are required to pay to ED a percentage of the title IV funds made available to undergraduate students, determined according to the number of years (from two to four) after that determination. Schools that fail to achieve compliance within five years of being placed on probation become ineligible for title IV funds.

Amounts collected from noncompliant schools will be placed in a fund for the award of competitive grants to IHEs that meet or exceed the accountability standards. The grant funds must be used to provide need-based aid to students who are eligible for Federal Pell Grants.

college affordability innovation act bill directs award year grants institutions higher education ihes carry new existing high quality programs designed graduate students certificates degrees significantly lower student costs shorter time periods traditional programs included programs use online instruction use direct assessments credit hours clock hours measure student learning integrate experiential learning customized curricula promote completion alignment medium- long term employment needs allow students dually concurrently enrolled postsecondary program secondary school postsecondary program graduate program allow transfer credits secondary postsecondary graduate programs encourage early time completion postsecondary degree certificate use innovative evidence based method providing students cost effective high quality postsecondary education waive application grantees specified provisions higher education act hea inhibit operation innovative education programs establish annually administer evaluation accountability process programs review policies identify impede development use innovative methods establish measures assess program quality direct party conduct final evaluation effectiveness program bill requires establishment commission higher education accountability standards composed higher education stakeholders recommendations set minimum accountability standards ihes undergraduate programs meet respect affordability accessibility value order participate programs title student assistance hea considering recommendations establish ihe accessibility value accountability standards minimum account ihe average mean cost attendance minus grant aid percentage enrolled students recipients federal pell grant student loan repayment rates schools comply standards deemed probation work achieve compliance years required pay percentage title funds available undergraduate students determined according number years determination schools fail achieve compliance years placed probation ineligible title funds amounts collected noncompliant schools placed fund award competitive grants ihes meet exceed accountability standards grant funds provide need based aid students eligible federal pell_grants


Summary:
Bereaved Borrowers' Bill of Rights Act of 2015

Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a private educational lender to include in a private education loan for which the cosigner is jointly liable a process for releasing the cosigner from obligations on the loan.

 Requires a lender who receives notification of the death or bankruptcy of a cosigner who is jointly liable for the loan to notify the borrower about the borrower's rights under the loan agreement regarding: (1) release of the cosigner, and (2) identification of a new cosigner or refinancing of the loan.

 Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit: (1) consumer reporting agencies from containing in any consumer report default on a private education loan that results from accelerated repayment terms of the loan after the death or bankruptcy of a jointly liable cosigner, and (2) the lender or servicer of a private educational loan from furnishing loan information to a consumer reporting agency if the consumer defaulted on the loan due to accelerated repayment terms after the death or bankruptcy of such a cosigner.

borrowers bill rights act amends_the_truth_in_lending_act require private educational lender include private education loan cosigner jointly liable process releasing cosigner obligations loan requires lender receives notification death bankruptcy cosigner jointly liable loan notify borrower borrower rights loan agreement release cosigner identification new cosigner refinancing loan amends fair credit reporting act prohibit consumer reporting agencies containing consumer report default private education loan results accelerated repayment terms loan death bankruptcy jointly liable cosigner lender servicer private educational loan furnishing loan information consumer reporting agency consumer defaulted loan accelerated repayment terms death bankruptcy cosigner


Summary:
Young Farmer Success Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include a full-time job as an employee or manager of a qualified farm or ranch within the definition of "public service job" for purposes of the public service employee loan forgiveness program.

A "qualified farm or ranch" earns, from the sale of agricultural products, gross revenue of at least $35,000 in 2015, adjusted annually for inflation in subsequent years.

young farmer success act bill amends title student assistance higher education act include time job employee manager qualified farm ranch definition public service job purposes public service employee loan forgiveness program qualified farm ranch earns sale agricultural products gross revenue adjusted annually inflation subsequent years


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Need-Based Educational Aid Act of 2015

(Sec. 2)This bill amends the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 to extend through FY2022 the antitrust exemption that allows institutions of higher education that admit all students on a need-blind basis to enter or attempt to enter into agreements among themselves regarding the administration of need-based financial aid.

The bill also, however, repeals the permission for these institutions to exchange through an independent third party, before awarding financial aid to any of the students, data submitted by the student, his or her family, or a financial institution on their behalf relating to assets, liabilities, income, expenses, the number of family members, and the number of the student's siblings in college, if each of the institutions is permitted to retrieve the data only once with respect to the student.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sec bill amends schools act extend fy2022 antitrust exemption allows institutions higher education admit students need blind basis enter attempt enter agreements administration need based financial aid bill repeals permission institutions exchange independent party awarding financial aid students data submitted student family financial institution behalf relating assets liabilities income expenses number family members number student siblings college institutions permitted retrieve data respect student


Summary:
Recruit Act

This bill specifies that a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health professional scholarship shall consist of up to the full amount of the tuition and other reasonable educational expenses for a school year.

The period of obligated service may exceed one calendar year for each such school year or part thereof if the VA determines that such period is appropriate based on the scholarship's amount and duration.

An individual who is enrolled in such program as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act may elect to be covered by the amendments made by this Act with respect to a quarter, semester, or term commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

recruit act bill specifies department_of_veterans_affairs health professional scholarship shall consist tuition reasonable educational expenses school year period obligated service exceed calendar year school year thereof determines period appropriate based scholarship duration individual enrolled program day date enactment act elect covered amendments act respect quarter semester term commencing date enactment act


Summary:
Train Act

This bill revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee incentive scholarship program to increase: (1) the scholarship program from one to four years, (2) the required term of a graduate's full-time VA health service to up to four years, and (3) the maximum scholarship for a full-time student to $25,000 per year.

An individual who is enrolled in the program as of the day before the enactment of this Act may elect to be covered by this Act with respect to a quarter, semester, or term commencing on or after enactment.

train act bill revises department_of_veterans_affairs employee incentive scholarship program increase scholarship program years required term graduate time health service years maximum scholarship time student year individual enrolled program day enactment act elect covered act respect quarter semester term commencing enactment


Summary:
Retain Act

This bill expands the eligibility of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to participate in the education debt reduction program.

The VA must give participation priority to employees providing direct-patient care services or services incident to direct-patient care services for which recruitment or retention of qualified health-care personnel is difficult.

retain act bill expands eligibility department_of_veterans_affairs employees participate education debt reduction program participation priority employees providing direct patient care services services incident direct patient care services recruitment retention qualified health care personnel difficult


Summary:
Flexibility and Oversight Act

Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transfer funds from one covered program to another covered program if: (1) such transfer will improve the quality of service provided by the VA to veterans, (2) the VA notifies Congress of the justification for such transfer, and (3) a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date of such notification. Defines "covered program" to mean the VA's Health Professional Scholarship Program, Employee Incentive Scholarship Program, and education debt reduction programs.

Requires the VA's annual report on its educational assistance programs to include, during the 10-year period beginning on March 1, 2016, an evaluation of the efficacy of the programs in increasing the quality of health care provided to veterans and opportunities for improvement.

flexibility oversight act authorizes department veterans affairs transfer funds covered program covered program transfer improve quality service provided veterans notifies congress justification transfer period days elapsed following date notification defines covered program mean employee education debt reduction programs requires annual report educational assistance programs include year period beginning march evaluation efficacy programs increasing quality health care provided veterans opportunities improvement


Summary:
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to eligibility for consolidation loans, to require verification of a borrower's status by the Department of Education in the following cases:

 for obtaining income-contingent or -based repayment, and only if the loan has been submitted to the guaranty agency for default aversion or where the loan is already in default; for the purposes of using the public service loan forgiveness program; or for the purpose of using the no accrual of interest benefit for active duty service members.

bill amends higher education act respect eligibility consolidation loans require verification borrower status department_of_education following cases obtaining income contingent repayment loan submitted guaranty agency default aversion loan default purposes public service loan forgiveness program purpose accrual interest benefit active duty service members


Summary:
Hold Accountable and Lend Transparency on Campus Sexual Violence Act or the HALT Campus Sexual Violence Act

This bill amends the Department of Education Organization Act to require the Department of Education (ED) to make publicly available on its website:

 a list of the institutions of higher education (IHEs) under investigation, sanctions or investigation findings, and a copy of program reviews and resolution agreements entered into with ED or the Department of Justice (DOJ), under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) or title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the letter terminating the ED's monitoring of such agreements; and a list of the IHEs under investigation, and a copy of the program reviews, sanctions or investigation findings, and resolution agreements entered into with ED or DOJ, under the provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). ED may impose a civil penalty on an IHE that has violated a law under the jurisdiction of its Office for Civil Rights.

The bill amends the Clery Act to direct ED to develop a biennial sexual violence climate survey and include statistics from such survey in the annual campus security report provided to current and prospective students and employees.

An individual may allege a violation of the Clery Act in a judicial proceeding.

The maximum penalty for substantially misrepresenting the number, location, or nature of the crimes required to be reported under the Clery Act is increased.

The IHE's annual statement of its policy regarding domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking must:

 use simple and understandable language and clear formatting; be made available and posted on its public website and in conspicuous places in and around student housing and other campus buildings; be provided to each student group, team, or organization that has a specified connection to the IHE or is known by the IHE to act on an unaffiliated basis; and ensure that each of those groups distributes a copy of such policy to each of its members or applicants for membership. ED and DOJ are directed to create a joint interagency Campus Sexual Violence Task Force.

hold accountable lend transparency campus sexual violence act bill amends department_of_education_organization_act require publicly available website list institutions higher education ihes investigation sanctions investigation findings copy program reviews resolution agreements entered department_of_justice doj title education_amendments title title civil rights act letter terminating monitoring agreements list ihes investigation copy program reviews sanctions investigation findings resolution agreements entered doj provisions higher education act known jeanne clery disclosure campus security policy campus crime statistics act clery act impose civil penalty ihe violated law jurisdiction bill amends clery act direct develop biennial sexual violence climate survey include statistics survey annual campus security report provided current prospective students employees individual allege violation clery act judicial proceeding maximum penalty substantially misrepresenting number location nature crimes required reported clery act increased ihe annual statement policy domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking use simple understandable language clear formatting available posted public website conspicuous places student housing campus buildings provided student group team organization specified connection ihe known ihe act unaffiliated basis ensure groups distributes copy policy members applicants membership doj directed create joint interagency campus sexual violence task force


Summary:
Sunshine in Academic Admissions Act

This bill requires each institution of higher education that participates in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to submit an annual report to the Department of Education that states whether the institution gives weight to race, color, or national origin in the admissions process and, if yes, provides certain additional disclosures. The institution must make the report publicly available.

sunshine academic admissions act bill requires institution higher education participates program title higher education act submit annual report department_of_education states institution gives weight race color national origin admissions process provides certain additional disclosures institution report publicly available


Summary:
National Collegiate Athletics Accountability Act or the NCAA Act

This bill amends title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require program participation agreements to prohibit an institution with an intercollegiate athletic program from membership in a nonprofit athletic association unless the association:

 requires annual baseline concussion testing prior to a student athlete's participation in contact sports; requires certain due process procedures for students and institutions prior to enforcing a remedy for any infraction; requires athletically related student aid to be guaranteed for the duration of the student's attendance, up to four years, and irrevocable due to skill or injury; and permits member institutions to pay stipends to student athletes. The legislation also establishes the Presidential Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics to review, analyze, and report to the President and Congress on certain issues related to intercollegiate athletics, including the interaction of athletics and academics, the financing of intercollegiate athletics, the recruitment and retention of student athletes, oversight and governance practices, health and safety protections for student athletes, and due process and equal enforcement of student athlete rules and regulations.

ncaa act bill amends title higher education act require program participation agreements prohibit institution intercollegiate athletic program membership nonprofit athletic association association requires annual baseline concussion testing prior student athlete participation contact sports requires certain process procedures students institutions prior enforcing remedy requires related student aid guaranteed duration student attendance years irrevocable skill injury permits member institutions pay stipends student athletes legislation establishes review analyze report president congress certain issues related intercollegiate athletics including interaction athletics academics financing intercollegiate athletics recruitment retention student athletes oversight governance practices health safety protections student athletes process equal enforcement student athlete rules regulations


Summary:
Assuring Quality Outcomes in Higher Education Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to conduct and publish an impact analysis prior to implementing any final rule or enforcing any existing regulation or framework that utilizes income- or employment-based metrics. The Government Accountability Office must review the impact analysis for accuracy and completeness.

ED's impact analysis must include the effect of income- or employment-based metrics on all postsecondary education programs and students at all categories of institutions of higher education that participate in a title IV program under the Higher Education Act of 1965, the correlation between variables other than quality of education that could affect income and debt-to-income ratios or employment outcome, and the comparison of various income sources and debt data utilized under the regulation or performance framework.

The requirement established by this Act terminates when a law is enacted that reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965 for at least two fiscal years.

assuring quality outcomes higher education act bill requires conduct publish impact analysis prior implementing final rule enforcing existing regulation framework utilizes employment based metrics government_accountability_office review impact analysis accuracy completeness impact analysis include effect employment based metrics postsecondary education programs students categories institutions higher education participate title program higher education act correlation variables quality education affect income debt income ratios employment outcome comparison income sources debt data utilized regulation performance framework requirement established act terminates law enacted reauthorizes higher education act fiscal years


Summary:
Veterans Education Flexibility Act

Declares that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of entitlement (ten years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter or semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis.

Repeals the delimiting period for the use of assistance under the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program (generally 10 years after the veteran's last discharge or release from active duty).

Applies the assistance extension provided under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program to the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.

veterans education flexibility act declares individual eligible educational assistance volunteer force educational assistance program department_of_veterans_affairs enrolled educational institution period entitlement years discharge release active duty expire quarter semester enrollment period shall extended end quarter semester allows extension earlier end course weeks case educational institution regularly operated quarter semester basis repeals period use assistance post vietnam era veterans educational assistance program generally years veteran discharge release active duty applies assistance extension provided volunteer force educational assistance program veterans educational assistance program


Summary: This bill amends title V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand grant activities under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions program to include support programs and services that facilitate student advancement to allopathic or osteopathic medical schools.

bill amends title developing institutions higher education act expand grant activities program include support programs services facilitate student advancement allopathic osteopathic medical schools


Summary:
America's College Promise Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and Indian tribes to waive tuition and fees at community colleges. To receive a grant, states and Indian tribes must agree to waive tuition and fees at all their community colleges and for all eligible students.

An eligible student is a first-time student who: (1) qualifies for resident tuition; (2) enrolls at least half-time; (3) maintains satisfactory academic progress; and (4) enrolls in an academic program with credits that are fully transferable to any public institution of higher education in the state or enrolls in a training program that leads to credentials in an in-demand industry.

The bill appropriates $1.4 billion in FY2016 and $79.7 billion over FY2016-FY2025 to make grants under this community college program.

This bill also authorizes ED to award grants to four-year historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to waive or reduce tuition and fees for up to 60 credits for low-income students.

HBCUs and MSIs that participate must: (1) enroll a student body that contains at least 35% low-income students; (2) maintain or adopt reforms and practices to improve completion rates and student outcomes; (3) set performance goals; and (4) execute an articulation agreement with community colleges, if accepting transfer students.

It appropriates $55 million for FY2016 and $10.1 billion over FY2016-FY2025 to make grants under this HBCU/MSI program.

america college promise act bill authorizes award grants states indian tribes waive tuition fees community colleges receive grant states indian tribes agree waive tuition fees community colleges eligible students eligible student time student qualifies resident tuition enrolls half time maintains satisfactory academic progress enrolls academic program credits fully transferable public institution higher education state enrolls training program leads credentials demand industry bill appropriates billion fy2016 billion fy2016 fy2025 grants community college program bill authorizes award grants year historically black colleges universities minority serving institutions msis waive reduce tuition fees credits low income students msis participate enroll student body contains low income students maintain adopt reforms practices improve completion rates student outcomes set performance goals execute articulation agreement community colleges accepting transfer students appropriates million fy2016 billion fy2016 fy2025 grants program


Summary:
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credit, to require: (1) an individual claiming qualified tuition and related expenses under such credit to provide on the individual's tax return a social security number and the employer identification number of the educational institution to which such expenses were paid, (2) an individual claiming such credit to be a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully present in the United States, and (3) paid tax return preparers to receive information on the immigration status of a taxpayer claiming such credit.

The bill also requires the Social Security Administration to maintain a record of each social security account number issued to any individual who receives deferred action on removal by the Department of Homeland Security.

bill amends internal_revenue_code respect hope scholarship lifetime_learning tax credit require individual claiming qualified tuition related expenses credit provide individual tax return social security number employer identification number educational institution expenses paid individual claiming credit citizen national united_states alien lawfully present united_states paid tax return preparers receive information immigration status taxpayer claiming credit bill requires social_security_administration maintain record social security account number issued individual receives deferred action removal


Summary: This bill designates Grambling State University in Louisiana as an 1890 land grant institution. The university becomes eligible for federal formula funds in FY2017.

bill designates louisiana land grant institution university eligible federal formula funds fy2017


Summary:
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments under the federal veterinary medicine loan repayment program or any other state loan repayment or forgiveness program that is intended to provide for increased access to veterinary services in such state.

veterinary_medicine_loan_repayment_program enhancement act amends internal revenue code exclude gross income payments federal veterinary medicine loan repayment program state loan repayment forgiveness program intended provide increased access veterinary services state


Summary:
Student Debt Repayment Fairness Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free distributions from qualified tuition programs (i.e., 529 plans) to pay student loan indebtedness.

student debt repayment fairness act amends internal revenue code allow penalty free distributions qualified tuition programs plans pay student loan indebtedness


Summary:
Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to provide for the use of tax information from the second preceding tax year (the "prior, prior year") to determine a student's financial aid eligibility. It requires data sharing between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, pursuant to taxpayer consent.

simplifying bill amends title student assistance higher education act require department_of_education provide use tax information second preceding tax year prior prior year determine student financial aid eligibility requires data sharing internal_revenue_service department_of_education pursuant taxpayer consent


Summary:
Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title I (General Provisions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify consumer information disclosure requirements related to college costs and student characteristics.

Specifically, it eliminates the existing restriction that limits calculations of cost of attendance, net price, and tuition and fees to first time students only.

Additionally, it eliminates provisions that require the Department of Education (ED) to make publicly available the following: (1) college affordability and transparency lists, (2) annual summaries of institutional reports, (3) state higher education spending charts; and (4) a multi-year tuition and fees calculator.

(Sec. 3) The bill directs ED to develop, annually update, and make publicly available a College Dashboard website to replace the College Navigator website.

It revises the consumer information ED must make publicly available regarding an institution that participates in federal student aid programs under title IV (Student Assistance). ED must also publish and link to the College Dashboard website additional information regarding student enrollment, completion rates, costs, use of financial aid, and faculty.

The bill establishes certain minimum requirements for an institution's net price calculator, including website location and information provided. Sale or distribution of personally identifiable information collected by a net price calculator is prohibited.

(Sec. 4) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill.

strengthening transparency higher education act sec bill amends title general provisions higher education act modify consumer information disclosure requirements related college costs student characteristics specifically eliminates existing restriction limits calculations cost attendance net price tuition fees time students additionally eliminates provisions require publicly available following college affordability transparency lists annual summaries institutional reports state higher education spending charts multi year tuition fees calculator sec bill directs develop annually update publicly available college dashboard website replace college navigator website revises consumer information publicly available institution participates federal student aid programs title student assistance publish link website additional information student enrollment completion rates costs use financial aid faculty bill establishes certain minimum requirements institution net price calculator including website location information provided sale distribution personally identifiable information collected net price calculator prohibited sec additional funds authorized carry requirements bill


Summary:
Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify loan counseling requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs.

Currently, an IHE must provide entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower. This bill replaces required entrance counseling with required annual counseling. Also, it expands the required recipients of such annual counseling to include, in addition to student borrowers, Federal Pell Grant recipients and parent PLUS Loan borrowers.

Each annual counseling recipient must receive comprehensive information on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities with respect to a grant or loan and general information on a typical student budget, the right to request an annual credit report, average income and employment data, and financial management resources. Additionally, the bill revises, expands, or establishes specific annual counseling information requirements for student borrowers, Pell Grant recipients, or parent PLUS Loan borrowers.

(Sec. 3) The legislation revises and expands exit counseling information requirements to include an outstanding loan balance summary, the anticipated monthly payments under standard and income-based repayment plans, an explanation of the grace period preceding repayment, the option to pay accrued interest before it capitalizes, the right to request an annual credit report, and loan servicer contact information.

(Sec. 4) It directs ED to maintain a consumer-tested online counseling tool that provides annual and exit counseling.

 (Sec. 5) The Institute of Education Sciences must study the impact and effectiveness of exit counseling, annual counseling, and the online counseling tool.

(Sec. 6) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill.

empowering students enhanced financial counseling act sec bill amends title student assistance higher education act modify loan counseling requirements institution higher education ihe participates federal student aid programs currently ihe provide entrance counseling student time federal student loan borrower bill replaces required entrance counseling required annual counseling expands required recipients annual counseling include addition student borrowers federal pell grant recipients parent plus loan borrowers annual counseling recipient receive comprehensive information terms conditions responsibilities respect grant loan general information typical student budget right request annual credit report average income employment data financial management resources additionally bill revises expands establishes specific annual counseling information requirements student borrowers pell_grant recipients parent plus loan borrowers sec legislation revises expands exit counseling information requirements include outstanding loan balance summary anticipated monthly payments standard income based repayment plans explanation grace period preceding repayment option pay accrued interest right request annual credit report loan servicer contact information sec directs maintain consumer tested online counseling tool provides annual exit counseling sec institute_of_education_sciences study impact effectiveness exit counseling annual counseling online counseling tool sec additional funds authorized carry requirements bill


Summary:
Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow an eligible student to receive more than one Federal Pell Grant award in a single award year.

An eligible student is a student who: (1) has already received a Pell Grant during an award year and is enrolled in an eligible program for one or more additional payment periods (e.g., a summer term) during the same award year, (2) continues to meet Pell Grant program eligibility requirements, and (3) is accelerating progress toward a degree or certificate.

An eligible student's total Pell Grant amount must not exceed 150% of the annual maximum Pell Grant for that award year.

An institution must notify a student that any period of additional Pell Grant receipt counts toward that student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period (currently 12 full-time semesters). If an additional Pell Grant spans two award years, then an institution must determine the award year to which such Pell Grant applies.

The Department of Education must provide to each Pell Grant recipient an annual status report that includes certain information related to such student's remaining lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period.

flexible pell grant 21st century students act bill amends title student assistance higher education act allow eligible student receive federal pell grant award single award year eligible student student received pell_grant award year enrolled eligible program additional payment periods summer term award year continues meet pell_grant program eligibility requirements accelerating progress degree certificate eligible student total pell_grant exceed annual maximum pell_grant award year institution notify student period additional pell_grant receipt counts student lifetime pell_grant eligibility period currently time semesters additional pell_grant spans award years institution determine award year pell_grant applies department_of_education provide pell_grant recipient annual status report includes certain information related student remaining lifetime pell_grant eligibility period


Summary:
Student Tax Relief Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of a student, for income tax purposes, imputed income due to a discharge of student loan indebtedness under provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or in connection with the closure of an educational institution.

bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude gross income student income tax purposes imputed income discharge student loan indebtedness provisions higher education act connection closure educational institution


Summary:
Student Financial Aid Simplification Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to determine a student's financial need and federal financial aid eligibility by using tax return information, unless such student qualifies for the simplified needs test or a zero expected family contribution.

It amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to disclose certain tax return information to the Department of Education (ED). Students must submit to ED certain supplemental information not available from the IRS.

The bill requires ED to provide such tax return information to states and institutions of higher education, without charge, for use processing loan applications and determining institutional and state financial aid awards.

bill amends title student assistance higher education act determine student financial need federal financial aid eligibility tax return information student qualifies simplified needs test zero expected family contribution amends internal revenue code authorize internal_revenue_service irs disclose certain tax return information students submit certain supplemental information available irs bill requires provide tax return information states institutions higher education charge use processing loan applications determining institutional state financial aid awards


Summary:
Kids Before Cons Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit waiver authority of the Department of Education (ED) under the Experimental Sites Initiative.

Specifically, it prohibits ED from waiving statutory provisions that ban Pell Grant eligibility and federal financial aid for incarcerated students (e.g., as part of an experimental initiative to allow incarcerated students to receive Pell Grants for postsecondary education opportunities). The legislation also prohibits ED from awarding funds to an institution of higher education for providing such postsecondary education to incarcerated individuals.

ED must conduct and make publicly available a study that compares incarceration rates of: (1) private or charter school students who receive vouchers, and (2) traditional public school students.

kids act bill amends title student assistance higher education act limit waiver authority experimental sites initiative specifically prohibits waiving statutory provisions ban pell_grant eligibility federal financial aid incarcerated students experimental initiative allow incarcerated students receive pell_grants postsecondary education opportunities legislation prohibits awarding funds institution higher education providing postsecondary education incarcerated individuals conduct publicly available study compares incarceration rates private charter school students receive vouchers traditional public school students


Summary:
Teach Our Teachers Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify provisions of the teacher loan forgiveness program.

Specifically, the legislation reduces from five to three years the period of service a full-time teacher must complete consecutively to be eligible for forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan program. It also increases from $5,000 to $17,500 the amount of available loan forgiveness for an elementary or secondary school teacher in any subject. (Currently, forgiveness up to $17,500 is only available for a full-time secondary school math or science teacher or for a special education teacher.)

The bill eliminates the prohibition on counting the same qualifying service for both the teacher and the public service loan forgiveness programs.

teach teachers act bill amends title student assistance higher education act modify provisions teacher loan forgiveness program specifically legislation reduces years period service time teacher complete eligible forgiveness federal_family_education_loan direct_loan program increases available loan forgiveness elementary secondary school teacher subject currently forgiveness available time secondary school math science teacher special education teacher bill eliminates prohibition counting qualifying service teacher public service loan forgiveness programs


Summary:
Flexibility to Innovate for College Affordability Act

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Task Force to review, report on, and make recommendations to reduce, federal regulatory requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs).

ED must publish the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Report; the President must submit a legislative proposal to implement its recommendations; and Congress must consider legislation to enact such recommendations under expedited procedures.

Additionally, this bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand ED's waiver authority under the Experimental Sites Initiative.

Specifically, it authorizes ED to waive title IV statutory and regulatory requirements to allow participating IHEs to award federal student aid: (1) above the annual maximum amount to students whose academic workload exceeds a full-time academic workload; and (2) to students enrolled in remedial or competency-based programs, students or potential students who incur costs (e.g., test fees) for prior learning assessments, and high school students enrolled in a postsecondary education program. A participating IHE must demonstrate that a waiver reduces the total cost of attendance for such students.

flexibility innovate college affordability act bill directs establish review report recommendations reduce federal regulatory requirements institutions higher education ihes publish president submit legislative proposal implement recommendations congress consider legislation enact recommendations expedited procedures additionally bill amends title student assistance higher education act expand waiver authority experimental sites initiative specifically authorizes waive title statutory regulatory requirements allow participating ihes award federal student aid annual maximum students academic workload exceeds time academic workload students enrolled remedial competency based programs students potential students incur costs test fees prior learning assessments high school students enrolled postsecondary education program participating ihe demonstrate waiver reduces total cost attendance students


Summary:
Safe Campus Act of 2015

This bill amends title I (General Provisions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish requirements with respect to sexual violence allegations at institutions of higher education (IHEs).

An IHE that receives HEA funds, except a foreign institution, must provide support services to affected students and annual training to relevant personnel.

If an IHE receives a sexual violence allegation and written consent to proceed from the alleged victim, then the IHE must report and refer the allegation to local law enforcement. An IHE may not initiate an institutional disciplinary proceeding during a law enforcement investigation, except to impose certain interim sanctions (e.g., a class schedule adjustment).

The requirement to report and refer a sexual violence allegation does not apply if an alleged victim provides written notification to an IHE declining law enforcement involvement. In such case, an IHE may not initiate a disciplinary proceeding, including to impose interim sanctions.

This bill prohibits an IHE from imposing a sanction on a person, including a student organization (e.g., a fraternity or sorority), with respect to alleged sexual violence, except pursuant to a formal hearing in accordance with institutional disciplinary proceedings. It specifies due process requirements for such proceedings, permits an IHE to select the applicable standard of proof, and directs an IHE to publish applicable procedures in its student handbook.

It also prohibits an IHE from requiring a sorority or fraternity to: (1) admit members who do not meet membership requirements, or (2) waive its coverage exemption under title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (title IX prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities) as a disciplinary or punitive measure.

safe campus act bill amends title general provisions higher education act hea establish requirements respect sexual violence allegations institutions higher education ihes ihe receives hea funds foreign institution provide support services affected students annual training relevant personnel ihe receives sexual violence allegation written consent proceed alleged victim ihe report refer allegation local law enforcement ihe initiate institutional disciplinary proceeding law enforcement investigation impose certain interim sanctions class schedule adjustment requirement report refer sexual violence allegation apply alleged victim provides written notification ihe declining law enforcement involvement case ihe initiate disciplinary proceeding including impose interim sanctions bill prohibits ihe imposing sanction person including student organization respect alleged sexual violence pursuant formal hearing accordance institutional disciplinary proceedings specifies process requirements proceedings permits ihe select applicable standard proof directs ihe publish applicable procedures student handbook prohibits ihe requiring admit members meet membership requirements waive coverage exemption title title prohibits sex discrimination federally funded education programs activities disciplinary punitive measure


Summary:
Fair Campus Act of 2015

This bill amends title I (General Provisions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish requirements with respect to sexual violence allegations at institutions of higher education (IHEs).

An IHE that receives HEA funds, except a foreign institution, must provide support services to affected students and annual training to relevant personnel.

This bill prohibits an IHE from imposing sanctions on a person, including a student organization (e.g., a fraternity or sorority), with respect to alleged sexual violence, except pursuant to a formal hearing in accordance with institutional disciplinary proceedings. It specifies due process requirements for such proceedings, permits an IHE to select the applicable standard of proof, and directs an IHE to publish applicable procedures in its student handbook.

 An IHE may initiate an institutional disciplinary proceeding to impose certain interim sanctions (e.g., a class schedule adjustment).

It also prohibits an IHE from requiring a sorority or fraternity to: (1) admit members who do not meet membership requirements, or (2) waive its coverage exemption under title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (title IX prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities) as a disciplinary or punitive measure.

fair campus act bill amends title general provisions higher education act hea establish requirements respect sexual violence allegations institutions higher education ihes ihe receives hea funds foreign institution provide support services affected students annual training relevant personnel bill prohibits ihe imposing sanctions person including student organization respect alleged sexual violence pursuant formal hearing accordance institutional disciplinary proceedings specifies process requirements proceedings permits ihe select applicable standard proof directs ihe publish applicable procedures student handbook ihe initiate institutional disciplinary proceeding impose certain interim sanctions class schedule adjustment prohibits ihe requiring admit members meet membership requirements waive coverage exemption title title prohibits sex discrimination federally funded education programs activities disciplinary punitive measure


Summary:
Support for Student Veterans with Families Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to make up to 50 grants in FY2016 to eligible educational institutions to provide child care services on campus for student veterans.

support student veterans families act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs grants fy2016 eligible educational institutions provide child care services campus student veterans


Summary:
Investing in Student Success Act of 2015

This bill authorizes an individual (i.e., a student) and another person (i.e., an investor) to enter an income-share agreement (ISA) in which the student agrees to pay a percentage of future income, for a specified period of time, in exchange for funds to pay for postsecondary educational expenses.

An ISA that complies with specified terms and conditions and meets certain disclosure requirements is a valid, binding, and enforceable contract and is not subject to state laws that limit interest rates or regulate assignments of future income.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include an ISA as a qualified education loan (a qualified education loan is not dischargeable in bankruptcy), but it prohibits a tax deduction for interest paid on an ISA (interest paid on a qualified education loan is tax deductible).

Payments to a student under an ISA are not includible as: (1) gross income for tax purposes, or (2) income or assets for federal financial aid eligibility purposes under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

The bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exclude as an investment company any person whose business substantially consists of making ISAs.

investing student success act bill authorizes individual student person investor enter income share agreement isa student agrees pay percentage future income specified period time exchange funds pay postsecondary educational expenses isa complies specified terms conditions meets certain disclosure requirements valid binding enforceable contract subject state laws limit interest rates regulate assignments future income bill amends internal_revenue_code include isa qualified education loan qualified education loan dischargeable bankruptcy prohibits tax deduction interest paid isa interest paid qualified education loan tax deductible payments student isa includible gross income tax purposes income assets federal financial aid eligibility purposes higher education act bill amends investment company act exclude investment company person business substantially consists making


Summary:
Simplifying Financial Aid for Students Act of 2015

 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education (ED) to provide for the use of tax information from the second preceding tax year (the "prior, prior year") to determine a student's financial aid eligibility. It requires data sharing between the Internal Revenue Service and ED, pursuant to taxpayer consent.

 The bill also increases from $23,000 to $30,000 the adjusted gross income threshold used to determine whether a student qualifies for an automatic zero expected family contribution (EFC) in the calculation of such student's financial need. A dependent student is eligible for an automatic zero EFC if the student's parents have adjusted gross income up to $30,000. An independent student with non-spouse dependents is eligible for a zero EFC if the student and spouse have adjusted gross income up to $30,000.

simplifying financial aid students act bill amends title student assistance higher education act require provide use tax information second preceding tax year prior prior year determine student financial aid eligibility requires data sharing internal_revenue_service pursuant taxpayer consent bill increases adjusted gross income threshold determine student qualifies automatic zero expected family contribution calculation student financial need dependent student eligible automatic zero student parents adjusted gross income independent student non spouse dependents eligible zero student spouse adjusted gross income


Summary:
Student Debt Repayment Fairness Act of 2015

Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from accelerating the repayment terms of the outstanding obligation of a borrower in good standing with respect to a particular private education loan if a cosigner jointly liable on the loan is unable to fulfill any obligations with respect to it by reason of death or disability.

student debt repayment fairness act amends truth lending act prohibit private educational lender accelerating repayment terms outstanding obligation borrower good standing respect particular private education loan cosigner jointly liable loan unable fulfill obligations respect reason death disability


Summary:
Student Loan Bankruptcy Parity Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal bankruptcy code to eliminate the provision that makes certain education debts non-dischargeable in bankruptcy unless repayment imposes an undue hardship.

Specifically it permits a borrower to discharge in bankruptcy a nonprofit, government, or private student loan, or an obligation to repay an educational benefit, scholarship, or stipend.

bill amends federal bankruptcy code eliminate provision makes certain education debts non dischargeable bankruptcy repayment imposes undue hardship specifically permits borrower discharge bankruptcy nonprofit government private student loan obligation repay educational benefit scholarship stipend


Summary:
Scholarship Tax Relief for Students Act of 2015

The Internal Revenue Code allows an exclusion from gross income for amounts received as a scholarship if such amounts are used to pay for qualified tuition and related expenses. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in the definition of "qualified tuition and related expenses" the room and board expenses of a full-time student and expenses payable under a Federal Pell Grant.

scholarship tax relief students act internal revenue code allows exclusion gross income amounts received scholarship amounts pay qualified tuition related expenses bill amends internal_revenue_code include definition qualified tuition related expenses room board expenses time student expenses payable federal pell grant


Summary:
Christopher Bryski Student Loan Protection Act or Christopher's Law

This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a private student loan lender to disclose clearly and conspicuously in writing a cosigner's obligations regarding a private student loan. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) must publish a model form for such disclosure.

 The bill prohibits a private student loan lender from taking an adverse action against a borrower (e.g., placing a loan in default or accelerating a loan balance) upon a cosigner's death, disability, or bankruptcy. It also prohibits adverse actions against a cosigner for a borrower's death, disability, or bankruptcy.

 The CFPB must establish and a private student loan lender must disclose criteria for releasing a cosigner from a private student loan obligation.

A private student loan lender must also:

 provide prompt notice of a cosigner's release; allow a borrower to designate a legal representative to make decisions upon the death or disability of such borrower; and ensure a borrower and cosigner receive comprehensive counseling on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of a private student loan. Additionally, this bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the required elements of entrance counseling for a federal student loan borrower to include:

 conditions for loan discharge upon the death or disability of a borrower, options for loan repayment and forgiveness upon the death or disability of a borrower or cosigner, and obligations of a borrower or cosigner upon the death or disability of a borrower. It requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of a student's option to designate a legal representative to make decisions about a federal student loan upon such student's death or disability.

christopher_bryski_student_loan_protection_act christopher law bill amends truth lending act require private student loan lender disclose clearly conspicuously writing cosigner obligations private student loan consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb publish model form disclosure bill prohibits private student loan lender taking adverse action borrower placing loan default accelerating loan balance cosigner death disability bankruptcy prohibits adverse actions cosigner borrower death disability bankruptcy cfpb establish private student loan lender disclose criteria releasing cosigner private student loan obligation private student loan lender provide prompt notice cosigner release allow borrower designate legal representative decisions death disability borrower ensure borrower cosigner receive comprehensive counseling terms conditions responsibilities private student loan additionally bill amends title student assistance higher education act expand required elements entrance counseling federal student loan borrower include conditions loan discharge death disability borrower options loan repayment forgiveness death disability borrower cosigner obligations borrower cosigner death disability borrower requires clear conspicuous disclosure student option designate legal representative decisions federal student loan student death disability


Summary:
Pell Grant Restoration Act of 2015

 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to restore a student's Pell Grant eligibility for any period of time during which the student qualified for, or would have qualified for, federal student loan forgiveness due to school closure, assertion of a defense against repayment, or institutional fraud or misconduct.

Specifically, this bill provides that Pell Grants received by a student during that period of time do not count toward the student's lifetime limit on Pell Grant eligibility (currently 12 full-time semesters).

pell grant restoration act bill amends title student assistance higher education act restore student pell_grant eligibility period time student qualified qualified federal student loan forgiveness school closure assertion defense repayment institutional fraud misconduct specifically bill provides pell_grants received student period time count student lifetime limit pell_grant eligibility currently time semesters


Summary:
Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study Abroad Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify campus security reporting requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs.

Currently, an IHE must annually report data to the Department of Education on certain criminal offenses that occur in the following geographic categories: on campus, on campus in a residential facility, on noncampus property, and on public property. This bill expands the geographic categories of reportable offenses to also include crimes that occur while a student is participating in an approved study abroad program.

Additionally, it requires an IHE to develop and distribute, as part of its annual security report provided to students and employees, a statement that it has adopted and implemented a program to protect students participating in an approved study abroad program from crime and harm.

safe students study abroad act bill amends title student assistance higher education act modify campus security reporting requirements institution higher education ihe participates federal student aid programs currently ihe annually report data department_of_education certain criminal offenses occur following geographic categories campus campus residential facility property public property bill expands geographic categories reportable offenses include crimes occur student participating approved study abroad program additionally requires ihe develop distribute annual security report provided students employees statement adopted implemented program protect students participating approved study abroad program crime harm


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 16, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the authority of institutions of higher education (IHEs) to disburse Federal Perkins Loans to new undergraduate borrowers through September 30, 2017. A student must first exhaust Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility.

IHEs may continue to disburse Perkins Loans to current undergraduate borrowers through September 30, 2017. A student must first exhaust all Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan eligibility.

IHEs may continue to disburse Perkins Loans to certain graduate borrowers through September 30, 2016, to enable students to continue or complete an academic program. A student must have received a Perkins loan prior to October 1, 2015.

The bill prohibits Perkins Loan disbursement beyond September 30, 2017.

It also prohibits authorization of additional appropriations for the Federal Perkins Loan program beyond September 30, 2016.

Beginning October 1, 2017, each participating IHE must pay to the Department of Education: (1) a portion of the federal share of the balance of its Perkins Loan funds; (2) a portion of the Perkins student loan payments, including principal and interest, received by the institution; and (3) a capital distribution from its Perkins Loan fund.

(Sec. 3) The bill also expands disclosure requirements for IHEs that participate in the Federal Perkins Loan program.

Specifically, prior to Perkins Loan disbursement, an IHE must provide notice and explanation to all borrowers regarding unavailability of future Perkins loans, limited Perkins loan repayment and forgiveness options, and Direct Loan consolidation options. Also, an IHE must provide notice and explanation to new and current undergraduate borrowers regarding a comparison of Perkins and Direct loan interest rates.

measure amended passed senate december summary version repeated act sec bill amends title student assistance higher education act extend authority institutions higher education ihes disburse federal_perkins_loans new undergraduate borrowers september student exhaust eligibility ihes continue disburse perkins_loans current undergraduate borrowers september student exhaust federal direct subsidized stafford loan eligibility ihes continue disburse perkins_loans certain graduate borrowers september enable students continue complete academic program student received perkins loan prior october bill prohibits perkins_loan disbursement september prohibits authorization additional appropriations federal_perkins_loan program september beginning october participating ihe pay department_of_education portion federal share balance perkins_loan funds portion perkins student loan payments including principal interest received institution capital distribution perkins_loan fund sec bill expands disclosure requirements ihes participate federal_perkins_loan program specifically prior perkins_loan disbursement ihe provide notice explanation borrowers future perkins loans limited perkins loan repayment forgiveness options direct_loan consolidation options ihe provide notice explanation new current undergraduate borrowers comparison perkins direct loan interest rates


Summary:
Fairness and Opportunities for Married Households With Student Loans Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $5,000 the tax deduction for interest on education loans for married couples filing a joint tax return.

fairness opportunities married households student loans act bill amends internal_revenue_code increase tax deduction interest education loans married couples filing joint tax return


Summary:
Student Loan Debt Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal bankruptcy code to permit a borrower to discharge in bankruptcy a nonprofit, government, or private student loan, or an obligation to repay an educational benefit, scholarship, or stipend.

It amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reinstate the six-year statute of limitations on actions to recover on defaulted student loans.

The bill prohibits collecting the amount owed on a defaulted federal student loan through: (1) offsets of social security, railroad retirement, or black lung benefits; (2) offsets of tax refunds; or (3) wage garnishment. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income: (1) discharged student loan debt, and (2) income distributions from qualified tuition plans that are used to pay the interest or principal on student loans.

The bill makes parent PLUS loans eligible for income-contingent repayment plans, including the Pay As You Earn repayment plan. Additionally, it makes parent PLUS loans and consolidation loans that repay parent PLUS loans eligible for income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness for service in areas of national need.

It prohibits: (1) evidence of an individual's default on a federal student loan from being used in a federal or state proceeding involving the individual's professional or vocational license, and (2) an institution of higher education from blocking access to a student's records due to federal student loan default.

Finally, the bill modifies the public service loan forgiveness program to require the Department of Education to forgive 50% of the Direct loan balance for an eligible borrower who is employed in a public service job and makes 60 monthly payments after October 1, 2015.

bill amends federal bankruptcy code permit borrower discharge bankruptcy nonprofit government private student loan obligation repay educational benefit scholarship stipend amends title student assistance higher education act reinstate year statute limitations actions recover defaulted student loans bill prohibits collecting owed defaulted federal student loan offsets social security railroad retirement black lung benefits offsets tax refunds wage garnishment amends internal revenue code exclude individual gross income discharged student loan debt income distributions qualified tuition plans pay interest principal student loans bill makes parent plus loans eligible income contingent repayment plans including pay earn repayment plan additionally makes parent plus loans consolidation loans repay parent plus loans eligible income based repayment plans loan forgiveness service areas national need prohibits evidence individual default federal student loan federal state proceeding involving individual professional vocational license institution higher education blocking access student records federal student loan default finally bill modifies public service loan forgiveness program require department_of_education forgive direct loan balance eligible borrower employed public service job makes monthly payments october


Summary:
Student Borrower Fairness Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit student loan borrowers to refinance their loans at interest rates offered on loans to banks by the Federal Reserve System. The cost of this bill is offset by an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code that increases the corporate income rate on companies that pay their chief executive officers or highest paid employees more than 100 times the median compensation of all their employees.

student borrower fairness act bill amends higher education act permit student loan borrowers refinance loans interest rates offered loans banks federal_reserve_system cost bill offset amendment internal_revenue_code increases corporate income rate companies pay chief executive officers highest paid employees times median compensation employees


Summary:
Preserving Teacher Loan Forgiveness for Military Spouses Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the qualifying service requirement of the teacher loan forgiveness program for certain military spouses.

Under current law, an otherwise qualified full-time teacher must complete five consecutive years of service to be eligible for the teacher loan forgiveness program. This bill permits a teacher who completes five full-time years of non-consecutive service to be eligible for loan forgiveness if the teacher was a qualified military spouse during any break in teaching service.

A qualified military spouse is an individual who: (1) is a highly-qualified teacher at a high-need school, (2) is the spouse of a servicemember, (3) experienced a break in teaching service to relocate with servicemember spouse pursuant to military orders, and (4) resumed teaching the next academic year.

The Department of Education must report to Congress on the number of individuals impacted by this modification.

preserving teacher loan forgiveness military spouses act bill amends title student assistance higher education act modify qualifying service requirement teacher loan forgiveness program certain military spouses current law qualified time teacher complete consecutive years service eligible teacher loan forgiveness program bill permits teacher completes time years non consecutive service eligible loan forgiveness teacher qualified military spouse break teaching service qualified military spouse individual highly qualified teacher high need school spouse servicemember experienced break teaching service relocate servicemember spouse pursuant military orders resumed teaching academic year department_of_education report congress number individuals impacted modification


Summary:
Earnings Contingent Education Loans Act of 2015 or the ExCEL Act of 2015

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace several existing federal student loan programs with a single repayment plan that caps annual debt repayments based on the borrower's income.

The bill terminates the authority of the Department of Education (ED) to make federal Direct Stafford Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Direct PLUS loans, subject to exceptions for existing student borrowers, PLUS loans made to parents of undergraduates, and Direct Consolidation Loans.

To replace the programs, the bill establishes the Income Dependent Education Assistance (IDEA) Loan Program and the IDEA Loan Repayment Program, which limit annual repayments based on the borrower's income and prohibit the accrual of interest on loans for active duty service members. Loans under the program are not eligible for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.

ED must provide through the Internet a tool to enable borrowers to make payments and access specified details regarding loans.

The bill amends the Social Security Act (SSAct) to provide ED with access to information in the National Directory of New Hires to determine when borrowers are hired and remind them of their repayment status and obligation to provide accurate employment information.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require: (1) reporting on W-2 forms the total amount deducted and withheld under the IDEA Loan Repayment Program, and (2) the Department of the Treasury to disclose to ED tax return information necessary to carry out the IDEA Loan Repayment Program.

earnings contingent education loans act excel act bill amends higher education act replace existing federal student loan programs single repayment plan caps annual debt repayments based borrower income bill terminates authority federal direct stafford_loans direct unsubsidized stafford loans direct plus loans subject exceptions existing student borrowers plus loans parents undergraduates direct_consolidation_loans replace programs bill establishes income dependent education assistance idea loan program idea_loan_repayment_program limit annual repayments based borrower income prohibit accrual interest loans active duty service members loans program eligible federal public service loan forgiveness program provide internet tool enable borrowers payments access specified details loans bill amends social_security_act ssact provide access information national_directory_of_new_hires determine borrowers hired repayment status obligation provide accurate employment information bill amends internal_revenue_code require reporting w-2 forms total deducted withheld idea loan repayment program department_of_the_treasury disclose tax return information necessary carry idea_loan_repayment_program


Summary:
Affordable College Textbook Act

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to make competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to support pilot programs that expand the use of open textbooks in order to achieve savings for students.

 It requires the full and complete digital content of the educational resources created or adopted using grant funds to be made available free of charge to the public: (1) on an easily accessible and interoperable website; and (2) in a machine readable, digital format that anyone can directly download, edit with attribution, and redistribute.

 ED must give special consideration to grant applicants that demonstrate the greatest potential to:

 achieve the highest level of savings for students; expand the use of open textbooks at other IHEs; and produce open textbooks that are of the highest quality, that can be most easily utilized and adapted by faculty members, that correspond to the highest enrollment courses, and that are created or adopted in partnership with entities that will assist in their marketing and distribution. The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include any educational material developed to accompany a college textbook as supplemental material that is subject to college textbook information disclosure requirements.

affordable college textbook act bill directs competitive grants institutions higher education ihes support pilot programs expand use open textbooks order achieve savings students requires complete digital content educational resources created adopted grant funds available free charge public easily accessible interoperable website machine readable digital format directly download attribution redistribute special consideration grant applicants demonstrate greatest potential achieve highest level savings students expand use open textbooks ihes produce open textbooks highest quality easily utilized adapted faculty members correspond highest enrollment courses created adopted partnership entities assist marketing distribution bill amends higher education act include educational material developed accompany college textbook supplemental material subject college textbook information disclosure requirements


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Mining Schools Enhancement Act

(Sec. 2)This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to require the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Department of the Interior to ensure that at least 70% of specified research fundsare expended to enhance and support programs at mining and mineral engineering schools in the United States.

In addition, OSMRE shall ensure that research activities relate to conventional fuel resource development and production.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure mining schools enhancement act sec bill amends surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act require office_of_surface_mining_reclamation_and_enforcement osmre department_of_the_interior ensure specified research expended enhance support programs mining mineral engineering schools united_states addition osmre shall ensure research activities relate conventional fuel resource development production


Summary:
Social Security Garnishment Modernization Act of 2015

This bill limits the amount offset (i.e., withheld) from an individual's Social Security benefit payments to repay a defaulted federal student loan to the amount by which such Social Security benefit payments exceed $9,000 annually (i.e., $750 monthly), adjusted for inflation.

Currently, the federal government may offset certain Social Security, railroad retirement, or black lung benefit payments to repay an individual's nontax federal debts, but the amount offset is limited to the amount of federal benefit payments that exceeds $9,000 annually, unadjusted for inflation.

bill limits offset withheld individual social_security benefit payments repay defaulted federal student loan social_security benefit payments exceed annually monthly adjusted inflation currently federal government offset certain social_security railroad retirement black lung benefit payments repay individual federal debts offset limited federal benefit payments exceeds annually inflation


Summary:
Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow borrowers that received loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (DL) or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program on or after July 1, 2006, to consolidate those loans as Federal Direct Consolidation Loans.

It directs the Department of Education (ED) to consolidate DLs, and send a completed loan consolidation application to FFEL borrowers, within 90 days of this bill's enactment. It gives FFEL borrowers six months after their receipt of such application to endorse it and submit it to ED if they wish to consolidate their loans.

The bill sets the interest rate on Federal Direct Consolidation Loans at 4% or, if the weighted average of the interest rates of the loans being consolidated is less than 4%, the lesser of: (1) that weighted average, or (2) an interest rate equal to 0.4% of the principal balance of the consolidation loan at the time of consolidation.

It adds an origination fee equal to 0.4% of the principal balance of the consolidation loan at the time of consolidation if an FFEL is being consolidated.

It reduces the interest rate on a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan by 0.25% if one or more of the loans being consolidated is an FFEL held by an eligible lender.

The bill prohibits any benefit a borrower is receiving or earning when issued a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan from being affected by the consolidation.

bill amends title student assistance higher education act allow borrowers received loans federal direct loan federal_family_education_loan ffel program july consolidate loans federal_direct_consolidation_loans directs consolidate dls send completed loan consolidation application ffel borrowers days bill enactment gives ffel borrowers months receipt application endorse submit wish consolidate loans bill sets interest rate federal_direct_consolidation_loans weighted average interest rates loans consolidated lesser weighted average interest rate equal principal balance consolidation loan time consolidation adds origination fee equal principal balance consolidation loan time consolidation ffel consolidated reduces interest rate loans consolidated ffel held eligible lender bill prohibits benefit borrower receiving earning issued affected consolidation


Summary:
Earnings Contingent Education Loans Act of 2015 or the ExCEL Act of 2015

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace several existing federal student loan programs with a single repayment plan that caps annual debt repayments based on the borrower's income.

The bill terminates the authority of the Department of Education (ED) to make federal Direct Stafford Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Direct PLUS loans, subject to exceptions for existing student borrowers, PLUS loans made to parents of undergraduates, and Direct Consolidation Loans.

To replace the programs, the bill establishes the Income Dependent Education Assistance (IDEA) Loan Program and the IDEA Loan Repayment Program, which limit annual repayments based on the borrower's income and prohibit the accrual of interest on loans for active duty service members. Loans under the program are not eligible for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.

The bill amends the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require ED and the Department of Health and Human Services to exchange information necessary to use the National Directory of New Hires to assist in the collection of student loans.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Department of the Treasury to disclose to ED tax return information necessary to carry out the IDEA Loan Repayment Program.

earnings contingent education loans act excel act bill amends higher education act replace existing federal student loan programs single repayment plan caps annual debt repayments based borrower income bill terminates authority federal direct stafford_loans direct unsubsidized stafford loans direct plus loans subject exceptions existing student borrowers plus loans parents undergraduates direct_consolidation_loans replace programs bill establishes income dependent education assistance idea loan program idea_loan_repayment_program limit annual repayments based borrower income prohibit accrual interest loans active duty service members loans program eligible federal public service loan forgiveness program bill amends social_security_act ssact require department_of_health_and_human_services exchange information necessary use national_directory_of_new_hires assist collection student loans bill amends internal_revenue_code require department_of_the_treasury disclose tax return information necessary carry idea_loan_repayment_program


Summary:
Student Loan Fair Prepayment Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require a student loan borrower's prepayment amount on a Federal Family Education Loan, Federal Direct Loan, or Federal Perkins Loan to be applied first toward outstanding fees and then, unless a borrower requests otherwise, in the following order: (1) toward the principle due on the loan with the highest interest rate, if multiple loans have different interest rates; and (2) toward the principle due on the loan with the highest balance, if multiple loans have the same interest rate.

Additionally, it amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a borrower's prepayment amount on a private education loan to be applied first toward outstanding fees and then, unless a borrower requests otherwise, in the following order: (1) toward the principle due on the loan with the highest interest rate, if multiple loans have different interest rates; and (2) toward the principle due on the loan with the highest balance, if multiple loans have the same interest rate.

prepayment act bill amends title student assistance higher education act require student loan borrower prepayment federal_family_education_loan federal_direct_loan federal_perkins_loan applied outstanding fees borrower requests following order principle loan highest interest rate multiple loans different interest rates principle loan highest balance multiple loans interest rate additionally amends truth lending act require borrower prepayment private education loan applied outstanding fees borrower requests following order principle loan highest interest rate multiple loans different interest rates principle loan highest balance multiple loans interest rate


Summary:
Student Loan Opportunity Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt private activity bond financing, to: (1) eliminate the restriction on nonprofit corporations that acquire student loan notes to notes incurred under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (thus allowing such corporations to access tax-exempt financing for other types of student loans), and (2) expand the operations of such corporations to include performing student assistance related activities.

bill amends internal_revenue_code respect tax exempt private activity bond financing eliminate restriction nonprofit corporations acquire student loan notes notes incurred higher education act allowing corporations access tax exempt financing types student loans expand operations corporations include performing student assistance related activities


Summary:
Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act

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

employer participation student loan assistance act bill amends internal_revenue_code extend tax exclusion employer provided educational assistance include payments qualified education loans paid employee lender


Summary:
Veterans Collaboration Act

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program in states with the highest veteran populations to promote collaboration between the VA and nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher learning.

The VA shall emphasize collaboration with: (1) veterans service organizations that provide personnel with appropriate credentials to assist veterans in filing disability compensation claims and appeals with the VA, and (2) educational institutions that provide veterans with pro bono legal assistance.

veterans collaboration act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs carry year pilot program states highest veteran populations promote collaboration nonprofit organizations institutions higher learning shall emphasize collaboration veterans service organizations provide personnel appropriate credentials assist veterans filing disability compensation claims appeals educational institutions provide veterans pro bono legal assistance


Summary:
Recruiting and Retaining Effective School Leaders Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to establish a student loan forgiveness program for school principals employed in schools where at least 30% of students meet federal poverty guidelines. Loans are forgiven over a seven-year period.

recruiting retaining effective school leaders act bill amends title student assistance higher education act direct department_of_education establish student loan forgiveness program school principals employed schools students meet federal poverty guidelines loans forgiven seven year period


Summary:
Student Loan Payment Optimization Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Truth in Lending Act to establish rules that lenders must follow regarding the overpayment and underpayment of student loan payments for borrowers with one or more loans that are grouped together. These rules are applicable to the Federal Family Education Loan and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan programs, except for income-based repayment plans, and federal Perkins Loans.

The bill requires lenders to apply payments that are more than the monthly payment amount towards any outstanding fees owed and then towards the principal due on the loan that bears the highest interest rate. In addition, lenders must apply payments that are less than the monthly payment amount towards any outstanding fees owed and then towards the loan with the smallest balance of principal and interest combined unless the borrower requests otherwise.

bill amends title student assistance higher education act truth lending act establish rules lenders follow overpayment underpayment student loan payments borrowers loans rules applicable federal_family_education_loan federal direct loan programs income based repayment plans federal perkins_loans bill requires lenders apply payments monthly payment outstanding fees owed principal loan bears highest interest rate addition lenders apply payments monthly payment outstanding fees owed loan smallest balance principal interest combined borrower requests


Summary:
Student Loan Transfers Disclosure Act of 2015

This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish requirements related to the transfer of servicing of postsecondary education loans. "Transfer of servicing" refers to the assignment, sale, or transfer of student loan servicing from one servicer to another.

A postsecondary education lender must disclose to each loan applicant, at the time of application, whether there may be a transfer of servicing of the loan.

Both the transferor servicer and the transferee servicer must provide specified notice of a transfer to the borrower within a certain timeframe.

Loan payments improperly received by the transferor servicer instead of the transferee servicer (or vice versa) during the transfer period may not be treated as late.

A transferee servicer shall make available a simple, online process through which the borrower may transfer any electronic fund transfer authority that the borrower had provided to the transferor servicer.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is authorized to establish regulations and grant reasonable exceptions in accordance with the bill. A lender shall not be liable to a borrower for failure to comply with the bill's disclosure and notice requirements with respect to events that occur before such regulations take effect.

As a condition of eligibility for certain federal funding, an institution of higher education must ensure compliance with the bill's requirements.

disclosure act bill amends truth lending act higher education act establish requirements related transfer servicing postsecondary education loans transfer servicing refers assignment sale transfer student loan servicing servicer postsecondary education lender disclose loan applicant time application transfer servicing loan transferor servicer transferee servicer provide specified notice transfer borrower certain timeframe loan payments improperly received transferor servicer instead transferee servicer vice versa transfer period treated late transferee servicer shall available simple online process borrower transfer electronic fund transfer authority borrower provided transferor servicer consumer_financial_protection_bureau authorized establish regulations grant reasonable exceptions accordance bill lender shall liable borrower failure comply bill disclosure notice requirements respect events occur regulations effect condition eligibility certain federal funding institution higher education ensure compliance bill requirements


Summary:
Veterans' STEM Education Program

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay an additional appropriate amount, beyond other educational assistance, to each individual entitled to post-9/11 educational assistance who is pursuing a program of education with a STEM focus (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Information on such additional payments must be included in a currently required annual VA educational assistance report.

veterans bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs pay additional appropriate educational assistance individual entitled educational assistance pursuing program education stem focus science technology engineering math information additional payments included currently required annual educational assistance report


Summary:
Career and Technical Education Opportunity Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the programs eligible to participate in federal student aid.

Specifically, it makes eligible for Direct Loan program and Federal Perkins Loan program participation an educational program that provides at least 250 hours of instruction over a minimum of 5 weeks that leads to an industry-recognized credential.

An industry-recognized credential: (1) is high quality, as demonstrated by the institution offering the program; (2) meets local or regional workforce needs; and (3) is endorsed by a national industry trade association.

bill amends title student assistance higher education act expand programs eligible participate federal student aid specifically makes eligible direct_loan program federal_perkins_loan program participation educational program provides hours instruction minimum weeks leads industry recognized credential industry recognized credential high quality demonstrated institution offering program meets local regional workforce needs endorsed national industry trade association


Summary:
Stop Social Security Garnishment for Student Debt Act of 2015

This bill prohibits offsetting an individual's Social Security, railroad retirement, or black lung benefits to pay a federal student loan debt.

bill prohibits offsetting individual social_security railroad retirement black lung benefits pay federal student loan debt


Summary: Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students Act of 2015 or the JOBS Act of 2015 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish the Job Training Federal Pell Grant Program. The Department of Education must award job training Federal Pell Grants to eligible students. An eligible student is one who does not have a degree, attends an institution of higher education (IHE), is enrolled in a job training program at such IHE, and meets all other eligibility requirements for a Federal Pell Grant. The maximum job training Federal Pell Grant award is 50% of the discretionary base maximum award specified in annual appropriations law. Any period during which a student receives a job training Federal Pell Grant counts toward that student's Federal Pell Grant eligibility period.

jumpstart businesses supporting students act jobs act bill amends title student assistance higher education act establish job training federal pell grant program department_of_education award job training federal pell_grants eligible students eligible student degree attends institution higher education ihe enrolled job training program ihe meets eligibility requirements federal pell grant maximum job training federal pell grant award discretionary base maximum award specified annual appropriations law period student receives job training federal pell grant counts student federal pell grant eligibility period