Summary:
Campus Accountability and Safety Act

Amends provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in title IV (Student Assistance) programs to include in their annual campus security reports provided to current and prospective students and employees:

 the memorandum of understanding that this Act requires IHEs to enter into with local law enforcement agencies (and update, as necessary, every two years) to clearly delineate responsibilities and share information about certain serious crimes, including sexual violence, occurring against students or other individuals on campus; and specified information regarding the number of sex offenses reported to the IHE and the IHE's disposition of sex offense cases. Requires IHEs to provide new students and employees with a statement that identifies domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking as crimes which will be reported and with respect to which, based on the victim's wishes, the IHE will cooperate with local law enforcement. Requires an IHE's disciplinary procedures for such offenses to comply with its campus security policy and provide both the accuser and accused written notice of the outcome of such procedures or a change in an outcome within 24 hours after it occurs.

Directs the Secretary to develop and administer through an online portal a standardized, online, and biannual survey of students regarding their experiences with sexual violence and harassment. Omits survey responses from the annual crime statistics IHEs must report, but requires the Secretary to publish survey information that includes campus-level data for each school on the Department of Education's (ED's) website biannually. Requires IHEs to publish the campus-level results of the survey on their websites and in their annual security reports.

Requires ED to make publicly available guidance regarding the intersection of the campus security and crime statistics reporting requirements under title IV and requirements under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Requires each IHE that receives funding under the HEA to establish a campus security policy that includes:

 the designation of one or more confidential advisors at the IHE to whom non-employee victims of sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking can report, including anonymously; provision on the IHE's website of specified information to assist the victims of such crimes, including contact information for the confidential advisor; authorization for the IHE to provide an online reporting system to collect anonymous disclosures of crimes and track patterns of crime on campus; an amnesty policy for any student who, in good faith, reports sexual violence to a higher education responsible employee, with respect to a non-violent student conduct violation revealed in the course of such a report; a training program, developed by the Secretary, for IHE employees who are involved in implementing the school's student grievance procedures or responsible for interviewing alleged sexual assault victims; a uniform process (for each of the IHE's campuses) for student disciplinary proceedings relating to claims of sexual violence against a student attending the IHE; the annual provision of information to ED's Office for Civil Rights and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the IHE's title IX coordinator; the provision of written notice to the accuser and accused student within 24 hours of the IHE's decision to proceed with an institutional disciplinary process regarding an allegation of sexual misconduct; and the provision of written notice to the accuser and accused student within 24 hours of the determination of responsibility made by the disciplinary board and any sanctions. Directs the Secretary to establish a title IX website that includes:

 the name and contact information for the title IX coordinator at each IHE, including a brief description of the coordinator's role and the roles of other officials who may be contacted regarding sexual harassment; and ED's pending investigations and the actions it has taken regarding all title IX complaints and compliance reviews related to sexual harassment. Directs the Secretary to develop online training materials for training higher education responsible employees, title IX coordinators, and individuals involved in implementing an IHE's student conduct grievance procedures.

Authorizes the Secretary to impose civil penalties upon IHEs that fail to: (1) enter into memorandums of understanding with their local law enforcement agencies, (2) carry out campus security and crime statistics reporting requirements, or (3) establish the requisite campus security policy.

Amends the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 to: (1) increase the minimum grant that may be provided to IHEs to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campuses; and (2) authorize the use of such grants to train campus personnel in how to use victim-centered, trauma-informed interview techniques.

Amends the HEA to authorize the Secretary, using amounts collected under this Act's penalty provisions, to award competitive grants to IHEs to enhance their ability to address sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, on campus.

Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to authorize the Secretary or DOJ to impose civil penalties on IHEs that violate or fail to carry out title IX requirements regarding sexual violence. Gives individuals 180 days after their graduation or disaffiliation with an IHE to file a complaint regarding such a violation with ED's Office for Civil Rights.

campus accountability safety act amends provisions higher education act hea known jeanne clery disclosure campus security policy campus crime statistics act require institutions higher education ihes participate title student assistance programs include annual campus security reports provided current prospective students employees memorandum understanding act requires ihes enter local law enforcement agencies update necessary years clearly delineate responsibilities share information certain crimes including sexual violence occurring students individuals campus specified information number sex offenses reported ihe ihe disposition sex offense cases requires ihes provide new students employees statement identifies domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking crimes reported respect based victim wishes ihe cooperate local law enforcement requires ihe disciplinary procedures offenses comply campus security policy provide accused written notice outcome procedures change outcome hours occurs directs secretary develop administer online portal standardized online biannual survey students experiences sexual violence harassment omits survey responses annual crime statistics ihes report requires secretary publish survey information includes campus level data school department_of_education website biannually requires ihes publish campus level results survey websites annual security reports requires publicly available guidance campus security crime statistics reporting requirements title requirements title education_amendments requires ihe receives funding hea establish campus security policy includes designation confidential advisors ihe non employee victims sexual harassment domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking report including anonymously provision ihe website specified information assist victims crimes including contact information confidential advisor authorization ihe provide online reporting system collect anonymous disclosures crimes track patterns crime campus amnesty policy student good faith reports sexual violence higher education responsible employee respect non violent student conduct violation revealed course report training program developed secretary ihe employees involved implementing school student grievance procedures responsible interviewing alleged sexual assault victims uniform process ihe campuses student disciplinary proceedings relating claims sexual violence student attending ihe annual provision information doj ihe title coordinator provision written notice accused student hours ihe decision proceed institutional disciplinary process allegation sexual misconduct provision written notice accused student hours determination responsibility disciplinary board sanctions directs secretary establish title website includes contact information title coordinator ihe including brief description coordinator role roles officials contacted sexual harassment pending investigations actions taken title complaints compliance reviews related sexual harassment directs secretary develop online training materials training higher education responsible employees title coordinators individuals involved implementing ihe student conduct grievance procedures authorizes secretary impose civil penalties ihes fail enter memorandums understanding local law enforcement agencies carry campus security crime statistics reporting requirements establish requisite campus security policy amends violence women department_of_justice reauthorization act increase minimum grant provided ihes combat domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking campuses authorize use grants train campus personnel use victim centered trauma informed interview techniques amends hea authorize secretary amounts collected act penalty provisions award competitive grants ihes enhance ability address sexual harassment sexual assault domestic violence dating violence stalking campus amends education_amendments authorize secretary doj impose civil penalties ihes violate fail carry title requirements sexual violence gives individuals days graduation ihe file complaint violation


Summary:
Student Loan Borrowers' Bill of Rights Act of 2015

Removes educational loans from the list of debts that are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to reinstate the six-year statute of limitations on the recovery by:

 institutions of higher education (IHEs) of refund amounts owed by students on grants made, or work assistance awarded, under title IV; guaranty agencies of amounts owed on loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program; IHEs that have program participation agreements with the Secretary of Education of amounts owed under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program or Federal Perkins Loans program; and the federal government of amounts owed by students on grants made under title IV or amounts owed by borrowers on loans made under title IV that have been assigned to the Secretary. Prohibits the collection of amounts individuals owe the Department of Education under title IV of the HEA through: (1) offsets of social security, railroad retirement, or black lung benefits; (2) offsets of tax refunds; or (3) wage garnishment.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude discharged student loan debt from an individual's gross income.

Excludes from gross income distributions from qualified tuition plans that are use to pay the interest or principal on student loans.

Amends the HEA to make borrowers of PLUS loans made on behalf of dependent students under:

 the Direct Loan program eligible for income-contingent repayment plans, including plans based on the President's Pay As You Earn repayment initiative; the Direct Loan or FFEL programs eligible for income-based repayment plans that enable borrowers who have a partial financial hardship to make lower monthly payments; and the Direct Loan or FFEL programs eligible for loan forgiveness for service in areas of national need. Specifies the regulation to be used in determining whether individuals have an adverse credit history that disqualifies them from borrowing a Direct Plus loan (provided to graduate or professional students or the parents of dependent students).

Prohibits evidence of an individual's default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the HEA from being used in a federal or state proceeding involving the individual's professional or vocational license.

Prohibits an IHE from blocking students' access to their student records at the IHE due to such students being in default on such loans.

Directs the Secretary to cancel 50% of the balance of the interest and principal due on Direct loans that are not in default for borrowers who are employed in a public service job and make 60 monthly payments on such loans after October 1, 2015.

bill rights act removes educational loans list debts non dischargeable bankruptcy amends title student assistance higher education act hea reinstate year statute limitations recovery institutions higher education ihes refund amounts owed students grants work assistance awarded title guaranty agencies amounts owed loans federal_family_education_loan ffel program ihes program participation agreements secretary education amounts owed federal_direct_loan program federal_perkins_loans program federal government amounts owed students grants title amounts owed borrowers loans title assigned secretary prohibits collection amounts individuals owe department_of_education title hea offsets social security railroad retirement black lung benefits offsets tax refunds wage garnishment amends internal revenue code exclude discharged student loan debt individual gross income excludes gross income distributions qualified tuition plans use pay interest principal student loans amends hea borrowers plus loans behalf dependent students direct_loan program eligible income contingent repayment plans including plans based president pay earn repayment initiative direct loan ffel programs eligible income based repayment plans enable borrowers partial financial hardship lower monthly payments direct_loan ffel programs eligible loan forgiveness service areas national need specifies regulation determining individuals adverse credit history disqualifies borrowing direct plus loan provided graduate professional students parents dependent students prohibits evidence individual default loan insured guaranteed title hea federal state proceeding involving individual professional vocational license prohibits ihe blocking students access student records ihe students default loans directs secretary cancel balance interest principal direct loans default borrowers employed public service job monthly payments loans october


Summary:
American Dream Accounts Act

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible entities so each can establish and administer American Dream Accounts for a group of at least 30 low-income public school students who, at the time the entities apply for a grant, are attending a grade no higher than ninth grade.

Lists as eligible entities: (1) state educational agencies; (2) local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that operate as their own LEA; (3) charter management organizations or charter school authorizers; (4) institutions of higher education (IHEs) or Tribal Colleges or Universities; (5) nonprofit organizations; (6) entities experienced in educational savings or assisting low-income students attain higher education; (7) consortia of two or more of these entities; and (8) consortia of one or more of these entities and a public, charter, or Indian school.

Describes an American Dream Account as a personal online account for low-income students that monitors their progress toward higher education and includes a college savings account.

Requires American Dream Accounts to provide students with opportunities, either online or in person, to: (1) attain financial literacy; (2) learn about preparing for enrollment in an IHE; and (3) identify their skills or interests, including career interests.

Requires grantees, subject to federal privacy laws and regulations, to allow vested stakeholders to have secure Internet access to an American Dream Account, but not the college savings account portion of that Account.

Prohibits grantees from using their grant to provide the initial deposit into the college savings account portion of a student's American Dream Account.

Prohibits the funds in those college savings accounts from being considered in making federal student financial aid determinations.

american_dream_accounts_act authorizes secretary education award competitive grants eligible entities establish administer american_dream_accounts group low income public school students time entities apply grant attending grade higher ninth grade lists eligible entities state educational agencies local educational agencies leas including charter schools operate lea charter management organizations charter school authorizers institutions higher education ihes tribal_colleges universities nonprofit organizations entities experienced educational savings assisting low income students attain higher education consortia entities consortia entities public charter indian school describes american dream account personal online account low income students monitors progress higher education includes college savings account requires american dream accounts provide students opportunities online person attain financial literacy learn preparing enrollment ihe identify skills interests including career interests requires grantees subject federal privacy laws regulations allow vested stakeholders secure internet access american dream account college savings account portion account prohibits grantees grant provide initial deposit college savings account portion student american_dream_account prohibits funds college savings accounts considered making federal student financial aid determinations


Summary:
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2015

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV program (except a foreign school) to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment that includes: (1) a prohibition of harassment of students by other students, faculty, and staff; (2) a description of its programs to prevent harassment; (3) a description of the procedures that students should follow if harassment occurs; and (4) a description of the procedures it will follow once an incident of harassment has been reported.

Defines "harassment" to include certain conduct undertaken through technological means that limits a student's ability to benefit from the IHE's programs, or creates a hostile or abusive educational environment at the school.

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to: (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; and (3) train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.

Directs the Secretary to publish a report of best practices for combating harassment at IHEs.

tyler clementi higher education anti harassment act amends title student assistance higher education act require institution higher education ihe participating title program foreign school include annual security report statement policy harassment includes prohibition harassment students students faculty staff description programs prevent harassment description procedures students follow harassment occurs description procedures follow incident harassment reported defines harassment include certain conduct undertaken technological means limits student ability benefit ihe programs creates hostile abusive educational environment school authorizes secretary education award competitive grants ihes initiate expand improve programs prevent harassment students provide counseling redress services students harassed accused subjecting students harassment train students faculty staff prevent harassment address harassment occurs directs secretary publish report best practices combating harassment ihes


Summary:
Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to refinance the unpaid principal, accrued unpaid interest, and late charges on: (1) the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans (DLs) of qualified borrowers if the DLs were first disbursed or, in the case of Direct Consolidation Loans, applied for, before July 1, 2015; and (2) the Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) of qualified borrowers as DLs. (FFELs were not disbursed after June 30, 2010.)

Refinances the FFELs as Federal Direct Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, or Consolidated Loans depending on the categorization of the FFEL as a Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, or Consolidated Loan.

Sets the interest rate on the refinanced loans, other than the Federal Direct Consolidation Loans, at the rate for the 12 months beginning on July 1, 2013, based on: (1) the DL's categorization; and (2) in the case of Stafford Loans, whether the loan was issued to an undergraduate or graduate student.

Determines a refinanced Consolidation Loan's interest rate by: (1) weighing the proportion of the unpaid balance of the Consolidation Loan that each component loan represents, (2) setting the interest rate on each component loan at the lesser of the rate on the component loan for the 12 months beginning on July 1, 2013, or its original rate, and (3) applying the weighted average of the interest rates on those loans as the interest rate on the Consolidation Loan.

Fixes the interest rate on the refinanced loans for the period of such loans.

Directs the Secretary to establish eligibility requirements that are based on a borrower's income or debt-to-income ratio and that take into consideration providing access to refinancing for borrowers who have the greatest financial need.

Requires the Secretary to establish a program to refinance the unpaid principal, accrued unpaid interest, and late charges on private education loans as Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loans if the private education loans were first disbursed to qualified borrowers before July 1, 2015, and were for their postsecondary educational expenses.

Sets the interest rate on Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loans at the rate applicable for the 12 months beginning on July 1, 2013, to: (1) Direct Stafford and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans issued to undergraduates if the private education loan was issued for undergraduate expenses, (2) Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans issued to graduate or professional students if the private education loan was issued for graduate or professional studies, or (3) Direct PLUS Loans if the private education loan was issued for undergraduate and graduate or professional studies.

Fixes the interest rate on such loans for the period of such loans.

Directs the Secretary to establish eligibility requirements that: (1) are based on a borrower's income or debt-to-income ratio and take into consideration providing access to refinancing for borrowers who have the greatest financial need, (2) ensure eligibility only for borrowers in good standing, (3) minimize inequities between Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loans and other federal student loans, and (4) preclude windfall profits for private educational lenders.

Requires qualified borrowers of such loans to undergo loan counseling before their private education loan is refinanced.

Requires private educational lenders to report specified loan information to the Secretary, Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in order to allow for an assessment of the private education loan market.

Directs the Secretary to undertake a campaign to alert borrowers that they may be eligible for refinancing under this Act.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an individual taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $1 million to pay a minimum tax rate of 30% of the excess of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income over the taxpayer's modified charitable contribution deduction for the taxable year (tentative fair share tax). Establishes the amount of such tax as the excess (if any) of the tentative fair share tax over the excess of: (1) the sum of the taxpayer's regular tax liability, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) amount, and the payroll tax for the taxable year; over (2) certain tax credits. Provides for a phase-in of such tax. Requires an inflation adjustment to the $1 million income threshold for taxable years beginning after 2016.

Requires the Secretary to terminate this Act's refinancing programs on the earlier of the date: (1) when the net cost of carrying out the programs is equal to the Secretary's estimate of the amount of additional revenue generated during the 10-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment due to the fair share tax, or (2) that is two years after this Act's enactment.

amends title student assistance higher education act direct secretary education establish program refinance unpaid principal accrued unpaid interest late charges federal direct loans dls qualified borrowers dls disbursed case direct_consolidation_loans applied july federal_family_education_loans ffels qualified borrowers dls ffels disbursed june refinances ffels federal_direct_stafford unsubsidized stafford plus depending categorization ffel consolidated_loan sets interest rate refinanced loans federal_direct_consolidation_loans rate months beginning july based categorization case stafford_loans loan issued undergraduate graduate student determines refinanced consolidation_loan interest rate weighing proportion unpaid balance consolidation_loan component loan represents setting interest rate component loan lesser rate component loan months beginning july original rate applying weighted average interest rates loans interest rate consolidation_loan fixes interest rate refinanced loans period loans directs secretary establish eligibility requirements based borrower income debt income ratio consideration providing access refinancing borrowers greatest financial need requires secretary establish program refinance unpaid principal accrued unpaid interest late charges private education loans federal_direct_refinanced_private_loans private education loans disbursed qualified borrowers july postsecondary educational expenses sets interest rate federal_direct_refinanced_private_loans rate applicable months beginning july direct stafford unsubsidized stafford loans issued undergraduates private education loan issued undergraduate expenses direct unsubsidized stafford loans issued graduate professional students private education loan issued graduate professional studies direct plus loans private education loan issued undergraduate graduate professional studies fixes interest rate loans period loans directs secretary establish eligibility requirements based borrower income debt income ratio consideration providing access refinancing borrowers greatest financial need ensure eligibility borrowers good standing minimize inequities federal_direct_refinanced_private_loans federal student loans preclude windfall profits private educational lenders requires qualified borrowers loans undergo loan counseling private education loan refinanced requires private educational lenders report specified loan information secretary congress secretary treasury director consumer_financial_protection_bureau order allow assessment private education loan market directs secretary undertake campaign alert borrowers eligible refinancing act amends internal revenue code require individual taxpayer adjusted gross income exceeds million pay minimum tax rate excess taxpayer adjusted gross income taxpayer modified charitable contribution deduction taxable year tentative fair share tax establishes tax excess tentative fair share tax excess sum taxpayer regular tax liability alternative minimum tax amt payroll tax taxable year certain tax credits provides phase tax requires inflation adjustment million income threshold taxable years beginning requires secretary terminate act refinancing programs earlier date net cost carrying programs equal secretary estimate additional revenue generated year period beginning date act enactment fair share tax years act enactment


Summary:
Perkins Modernization Act of 2015

This bill amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to revise its purposes, which are to develop more fully the academic and career and technical skills of secondary education students and postsecondary students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs (as under current law), by:

 preparing those students for employment in current or emerging in-demand industry sectors or occupations; aligning the skills, certifications, and credentials of the students with those needed by employers in the labor markets served by educational institutions; and ensuring that the selection of skills, certifications, and credentials acquired by such students is guided by timely labor market information. An "in-demand industry sector or occupation" is:

 an industry sector that has a substantial current or potential impact on the state, regional, or local economy, and that contributes to the growth or stability of other supporting businesses, or the growth of other industry sectors; or an occupation that currently has or is projected to have a number of positions in an industry sector so as to have a significant impact on the state, regional, or local economy.

perkins modernization act bill amends revise purposes develop fully academic career technical skills secondary education students postsecondary students elect enroll career technical education programs current law preparing students employment current emerging demand industry sectors occupations aligning skills certifications credentials students needed employers labor markets served educational institutions ensuring selection skills certifications credentials acquired students guided timely labor market information demand industry sector occupation industry sector substantial current potential impact state regional local economy contributes growth stability supporting businesses growth industry sectors occupation currently projected number positions industry sector significant impact state regional local economy


Summary:
Survivor Outreach and Support Campus Act or the SOS Campus Act

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to designate an independent advocate for campus sexual assault prevention and response (Advocate) with experience in providing sexual assault victim services.

Requires each Advocate to: (1) report to an individual outside the body responsible for investigating and adjudicating sexual assault complaints at the IHE, (2) submit to such individual an annual report summarizing how the resources supplied to the Advocate were used, (3) represent the interests of each student victim without regard to whether they conflict with the IHE's interests, and (4) be appointed in such manner as the Secretary of Education deems appropriate.

Directs each Advocate to:

 ensure that sexual assault victims at the IHE are able to receive, at their election, specified information and services; guide sexual assault victims who request assistance through the reporting, counseling, administrative, medical and health, academic accommodations, or legal processes of the IHE or local law enforcement; attend, at the request of a sexual assault victim, any administrative or IHE-based adjudication proceeding related to such assault as an advocate for the victim; maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the victim and any witness to such sexual assault and to not notify the IHE or any other person of the identity of the victim or of any such witness or the alleged circumstances surrounding the reported sexual assault except as otherwise required by state law or, with respect to the identity of the victim or witness, with the consent of such victim or witness; and conduct a public information campaign to inform the students enrolled at the IHE of the existence of, contact information for, and services provided by the Advocate. Prohibits IHEs from retaliating against: (1) Advocates for representing the interests of a student victims, or (2) student victims for reporting sexual assaults to Advocates.

survivor outreach sos campus act amends higher education act require institution higher education ihe participates program title student assistance designate independent advocate campus sexual assault prevention response advocate experience providing sexual assault victim services requires advocate report individual outside body responsible investigating adjudicating sexual assault complaints ihe submit individual annual report summarizing resources supplied advocate represent interests student victim regard conflict ihe interests appointed manner secretary education deems appropriate directs advocate ensure sexual assault victims ihe able receive election specified information services guide sexual assault victims request assistance reporting counseling administrative medical health academic accommodations legal processes ihe local law enforcement attend request sexual assault victim administrative ihe based adjudication proceeding related assault advocate victim maintain privacy confidentiality victim witness sexual assault notify ihe person identity victim witness alleged circumstances surrounding reported sexual assault required state law respect identity victim witness consent victim witness conduct public information campaign inform students enrolled ihe existence contact information services provided advocate prohibits ihes retaliating advocates representing interests student victims student victims reporting sexual assaults advocates


Summary:
Investing in States to Achieve Tuition Equality for Dreamers Act of 2015 or the IN STATE Act of 2015

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to allot grants to states to offer Dreamer students in-state tuition and expand their access to in-state financial aid.

Defines a "Dreamer student" as an individual who:

 was under age 16 upon entering this country, has provided a list of each secondary school the individual attended in this country, and has earned a high school diploma or certain similar credentials or is scheduled to complete the requirements for such a credential before the next academic year begins, has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has successfully completed at least 2 years of a program for a bachelor's or higher degree in this country, has served honorably in the uniformed services for at least 4 years, or is a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Directs the Secretary to provide for a hardship exception to either or both of the first two of such requirements.

Requires grant applicants to assure the Secretary that they: (1) have made significant progress in establishing a preschool through postsecondary education (P-16) longitudinal data system; and (2) will not discriminate against Dreamer students in awarding student aid or determining who is eligible for in-state tuition, if the student would otherwise be eligible for in-state financial aid as a state resident.

Allots grants to each state based on its proportion of resident Dreamer students who are enrolled at least half-time in postsecondary education.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to collect a specified fee from recipients of F-1 visas, provided to nonimmigrant full-time students.

Eliminates the prohibition on states offering unlawful aliens postsecondary benefits on the basis of their residence in the state that are more generous than those offered citizens or naturals of this country, without regard to their state residence.

Allows individuals who have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces to be naturalized without having been lawfully admitted to this country for permanent residence.

investing states achieve tuition equality dreamers act state act amends title student assistance higher education act direct secretary education allot grants states offer dreamer students state tuition expand access state financial aid defines dreamer student individual age entering country provided list secondary school individual attended country earned high school diploma certain similar credentials scheduled complete requirements credential academic year begins acquired degree institution higher education successfully completed years program bachelor higher degree country served honorably uniformed services years beneficiary deferred_action_for_childhood_arrivals program directs secretary provide hardship exception requirements requires grant applicants assure secretary significant progress establishing preschool postsecondary education p-16 longitudinal data system discriminate dreamer students awarding student aid determining eligible state tuition student eligible state financial aid state resident allots grants state based proportion resident dreamer students enrolled half time postsecondary education amends immigration nationality act direct secretary homeland_security collect specified fee recipients f-1 visas provided nonimmigrant time students eliminates prohibition states offering unlawful aliens postsecondary benefits basis residence state generous offered citizens naturals country regard state residence allows individuals served honorably naturalized having lawfully admitted country permanent residence


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 30, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Preservation Research at Institutions Serving Minorities Act or the PRISM Act

(Sec. 2) This bill makes Hispanic-serving institutions and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions of higher education eligible for technical and financial assistance from the Department of the Interior to establish preservation training and degree programs.

measure amended reported house september summary version repeated preservation research institutions serving minorities act act sec bill makes hispanic serving institutions asian american native american pacific islander serving institutions higher education eligible technical financial assistance department_of_the_interior establish preservation training degree programs


Summary:
Higher Education and Employment Transparency Act

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make publicly available on the College Navigator website the employment information that schools who are participating in that Act's title IV (Student Assistance) programs are required to provide to prospective and enrolled students.

Requires those schools to supplement that employment information by indicating whether or not the jobs their graduates obtain are paid jobs or require any postsecondary education.

Requires those schools to include on their websites, and the Secretary to include on the College Navigator website, a link to the appropriate section of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website that provides information from the Occupational Employment Statistics program and the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the BLS.

higher education employment transparency act amends higher education act direct secretary education publicly available college navigator website employment information schools participating act title student assistance programs required provide prospective enrolled students requires schools supplement employment information indicating jobs graduates obtain paid jobs require postsecondary education requires schools include websites secretary include college navigator website link appropriate section bureau_of_labor_statistics bls website provides information program bls


Summary:
Students Helping Young Students Act of 2015

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants for federal work-study programs to use a portion of such funding to compensate students employed in the educational after-school, before-school, or out-of-school community service activities of public elementary or secondary schools.

Requires the IHEs operating such work-study programs to give priority to public elementary or secondary schools serving low-income communities.

Allows the federal share of the compensation provided to work-study students performing such community service to exceed 75%.

students helping young students act amends higher education act require institutions higher education ihes receive grants federal work study programs use portion funding compensate students employed educational school school school community service activities public elementary secondary schools requires ihes operating work study programs priority public elementary secondary schools serving low income communities allows federal share compensation provided work study students performing community service exceed


Summary:
Veterans Education Tax Security Act of 2015 or the VETS Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as total, or from the gross income of a parent or cosigner of a deceased veteran, income imputed from the discharge of student loan amounts under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

vets act bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude gross income veteran service connected disability rated total gross income parent cosigner deceased veteran income imputed discharge student loan amounts higher education act


Summary: Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2015 Amends the federal bankruptcy code to limit the non-dischargeability, except in cases of undue hardship, of educational loans to those made, insured, or guaranteed by a governmental unit, or made under any program funded by a governmental unit or any program for which substantially all of the funds are provided by a nonprofit institution (thus allowing the discharge of private educational loan indebtedness without the need to show an undue hardship).

private student loan bankruptcy fairness act amends federal bankruptcy code limit non cases undue hardship educational loans insured guaranteed governmental unit program funded governmental unit program substantially funds provided nonprofit institution allowing discharge private educational loan indebtedness need undue hardship


Summary:
No Federal Funds Without the American Flag Act

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution of higher education that is located in the United States from participating in title IV's student assistance programs if it bans the display of the American flag on its campus.

federal funds american flag act amends higher education act prohibit institution higher education located united_states participating title student assistance programs bans display american flag campus


Summary:
Student Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts paid by an employer under a student loan payment assistance program. Requires participating employees to pay at least $50 per month on their student loans (in addition to the amount excluded from their gross income under such program). Limits the amount of such exclusion to $6,000 in a taxable year.

Requires an employer student loan payment assistance program to be a separate written plan of an employer to provide employees with student loan payment assistance. Defines "student loan payment assistance" as the payment of principal or interest on any indebtedness incurred by an employee solely to pay qualified higher education expenses that are paid or incurred within a reasonable time before or after such indebtedness was incurred and that are attributable to education furnished during a period in which such employee was a student eligible for federal financial assistance.

Allows an employee to take an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the employee's student loan payments that are matched by excludible employer contributions under a student loan payment assistance program. Limits the amount of such deduction to $6,000 in a taxable year and $50,000 over a lifetime.

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income employee amounts paid employer student loan payment assistance program requires participating employees pay month student loans addition excluded gross income program limits exclusion taxable year requires employer student loan payment assistance program separate written plan employer provide employees student loan payment assistance defines student loan payment assistance payment principal interest indebtedness incurred employee solely pay qualified higher education expenses paid incurred reasonable time indebtedness incurred attributable education furnished period employee student eligible federal financial assistance allows employee income tax deduction equal employee student loan payments matched excludible employer contributions student loan payment assistance program limits deduction taxable year lifetime


Summary:
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) which apply such grants to their collegiate housing property.

collegiate housing infrastructure act amends internal revenue code allow tax exempt charitable educational organizations collegiate housing infrastructure improvement grants certain tax exempt social clubs college fraternities sororities apply grants collegiate housing property


Summary:
FAFSA for All Act

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to include on the same website that is used to provide students with the electronic version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) questions to determine, for title IV eligibility purposes, whether:

 a dependent student is a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States or is here for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; and the parents of a dependent student have a valid social security number. Requires that website to also include:

 detailed guidance on how dependent students who satisfy those immigration requirements but whose parents do not have a valid social security number may obtain student assistance under title IV, and an online tool that allows those students to upload the documents they need to receive such assistance.

fafsa act amends title student assistance higher education act direct secretary education include website provide students electronic version questions determine title eligibility purposes dependent student citizen national permanent resident united_states temporary purpose intention citizen permanent resident parents dependent student valid social security number requires website include detailed guidance dependent students satisfy immigration requirements parents valid social security number obtain student assistance title online tool allows students documents need receive assistance


Summary:
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015

 This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program.

The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA may give fellowships. Those fellowships support graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.

 NOAA must give priority placement of those fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA must attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties.

NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant College Program.

The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant College Program's strategic plan.

bill amends reauthorize fy2021 bill requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa award marine currently noaa fellowships fellowships support graduate students fields related ocean coastal great_lakes resources positions executive legislative branches noaa priority placement fellows placed legislative branch offices committees congress jurisdiction noaa offices members congress demonstrated interest ocean coastal great_lakes resources noaa attempt ensure placements equitably distributed political parties noaa establish priorities use donations given bill authorizes fy2020 grants university research biology prevention control aquatic nonnative species oyster diseases oyster restoration oyster related human health risks biology prevention forecasting harmful algal blooms sustainable aquaculture techniques technologies bill authorizes fy2020 grants fishery extension activities conducted sea grant colleges sea grant institutes enhance existing core program funding priority issues identified strategic plan


Summary:
Hispanic Opportunity Program in Education and Science Act

Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a program awarding competitive grants to Hispanic-serving institutions to: (1) enhance the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education (STEM) at those institutions; and (2) increase the retention and graduation rates of students of such institutions who pursue associate's or baccalaureate degrees in STEM.

requires director national_science_foundation establish program awarding competitive grants hispanic serving institutions enhance quality undergraduate science technology engineering mathematics education stem institutions increase retention graduation rates students institutions pursue associate baccalaureate degrees stem


Summary:
Empowering Parents to Invest in Choice Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the payment of qualified elementary and secondary education expenses from a tax-exempt qualified tuition program (known as a 529 plan). (Currently, such plans only pay qualified higher education expenses.) Included as qualified elementary and secondary education expenses are expenses for tuition, fees, academic tutoring, special needs services, books, supplies, and computer technology or equipment.

The bill also increases from $2,000 to $15,000 the limit on the amount that may be contributed to a tax-exempt Coverdell education savings account. The new contribution limit is adjusted for inflation in each taxable year beginning after 2015.

empowering parents invest choice act bill amends internal_revenue_code allow payment qualified elementary secondary education expenses tax exempt qualified tuition program known plan currently plans pay qualified higher education expenses included qualified elementary secondary education expenses expenses tuition fees academic tutoring special needs services books supplies computer technology equipment bill increases limit contributed tax exempt coverdell education savings account new contribution limit adjusted inflation taxable year beginning


Summary:
Pell Grant Protection Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to appropriate for each fiscal year beginning with FY2016 the funding necessary to provide each eligible student with the maximum Pell Grant amount, minus the student's expected family contribution. (Currently, funds for the Pell Grant program come from a combination of mandatory and discretionary spending. This bill converts the Pell Grant program into a mandatory spending program.)

pell grant protection act bill amends title student assistance higher education act appropriate fiscal year beginning fy2016 funding necessary provide eligible student maximum pell_grant minus student expected family contribution currently funds pell grant program come combination mandatory discretionary spending bill converts pell_grant program mandatory spending program


Summary:
Pell Grant Cost of Tuition Adjustment Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set the maximum Pell Grant at a specified amount, increased for inflation each year, plus any additional amount specified in the last enacted appropriation Act.

tuition adjustment act bill amends title student assistance higher education act set maximum pell_grant specified increased inflation year plus additional specified enacted appropriation act


Summary:
Year-Round Pell Grant Restoration Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to award an additional Pell Grant to a student who has received a Pell Grant for an award year and is enrolled in a program of study for payment periods during the same award year that are not covered by the Pell Grant. The total amount of the Pell Grants awarded to such a student for the award year may exceed the total maximum Pell Grant.

year round pell grant restoration act bill amends title student assistance higher education act require department_of_education award additional pell_grant student received pell_grant award year enrolled program study payment periods award year covered pell_grant total pell_grants awarded student award year exceed total maximum pell_grant


Summary:
College Options for DREAMers Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow Dreamer students to receive federal financial aid for higher education.

A "Dreamer student" is an individual who was under age 16 upon entering this country, has provided a list of secondary schools the individual attended in this country, and, in this country:

 has earned a high school diploma or the equivalent, is scheduled to complete the requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent before the next academic year begins, has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education, has successfully completed at least two years of a program for a baccalaureate or higher degree, is a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or has served honorably in the uniformed services for at least four years. The Department of Education must provide for a hardship exception to the age and secondary school list requirements.

States are allowed to offer unlawful aliens postsecondary benefits on the basis of their residence in the state (e.g., in-state tuition).

college options dreamers act bill amends title student assistance higher education act allow dreamer students receive federal financial aid higher education dreamer student individual age entering country provided list secondary schools individual attended country country earned high school diploma equivalent scheduled complete requirements high school diploma equivalent academic year begins acquired degree institution higher education successfully completed years program baccalaureate higher degree beneficiary deferred_action_for_childhood_arrivals program served honorably uniformed services years department_of_education provide hardship exception age secondary school list requirements states allowed offer unlawful aliens postsecondary benefits basis residence state state tuition


Summary:
Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2015

 Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into cooperative agreements with states to establish state and multistate infrastructure banks that make loans to local educational agencies, public libraries, and charter schools or their developers to construct or renovate public elementary or secondary schools and public libraries. Requires loans also to community learning centers to connect and improve broadband services, and to educational service agencies for building or repairing elementary schools, secondary schools, or other school facilities that provide free public education.

Grants congressional consent to states for interstate compacts to establish multistate infrastructure banks.

Directs the Secretary to make grants to such banks to provide initial capital for such loans.

Requires states to contribute from nonfederal sources at least 25% of the amount of each federal capitalization grant made to the state and contributed to the bank.

Lists types of projects eligible for such bank loans.

Requires borrowers to use, to the maximum extent practicable, green construction or renovation practices that are consistent with: (1) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating standards, (2) Energy Star standards, (3) Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, (4) Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating standards (Green Globes), or (5) equivalent standards adopted by the entities that have jurisdiction over them.

investing tomorrow schools act authorizes secretary treasury enter cooperative agreements states establish state multistate infrastructure banks loans local educational agencies public libraries charter schools developers construct renovate public elementary secondary schools public libraries requires loans community learning centers connect improve broadband services educational service agencies building repairing elementary schools secondary schools school facilities provide free public education grants congressional consent states interstate compacts establish multistate infrastructure banks directs secretary grants banks provide initial capital loans requires states contribute nonfederal sources federal capitalization grant state contributed bank lists types projects eligible bank loans requires borrowers use maximum extent practicable green construction renovation practices consistent leadership energy environmental design leed green building rating standards energy star standards collaborative high performance schools chps criteria green building initiative environmental design rating standards green_globes equivalent standards adopted entities jurisdiction


Summary:
Online Education Verification Act

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require recognized accrediting agencies or associations that evaluate the quality of distance or correspondence education programs to require those programs to have a secure login and passcode for Internet coursework.

online education verification act amends title student assistance higher education act require recognized accrediting agencies associations evaluate quality distance correspondence education programs require programs secure internet coursework


Summary:
GI Education Benefit Fairness Act

Expands the definition of "children," for purposes of provisions allowing members or former members of the uniformed services who served on active duty for specified periods beginning on or after September 11, 2001, to transfer their entitlement to educational assistance, to mean an unmarried person who: (1) is placed in the legal custody of a member or former member by court order for at least 12 consecutive months, (2) has not attained the age of 21, (3) has not attained the age of 23 and is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning, (4) is incapable of self support due to a mental or physical incapacity that occurred while such person was a dependent of the member or former member, (5) is dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of his or her support, (6) resides with the member or former member unless separated due to military service or institutionalization for a disability or incapacitation, and (7) is not a dependent of a member or former member under any other provision defining dependent.

education benefit fairness act expands definition children purposes provisions allowing members members uniformed services served active duty specified periods beginning september transfer entitlement educational assistance mean unmarried person placed legal custody member member court order consecutive months attained age attained age enrolled time course study institution higher learning incapable self support mental physical incapacity occurred person dependent member member dependent member member half support resides member member separated military service institutionalization disability dependent member member provision defining dependent


Summary:
Computer Science Career Education Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants to consortia composed of at least one local educational agency, at least one institution of higher education (IHE), and community representatives for the development and operation of four- or six-year computer science career education programs.

Each such career education program must include the development of a computer science program for both secondary and postsecondary education that:

 is aligned with rigorous computer science standards for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education; links secondary schools and IHEs through non-duplicative sequences of courses in computer science career fields; uses, if appropriate and available, experiential or work-based learning in collaboration with local or regional employers; uses educational technology and distance learning to involve all members of the consortium more fully in the development and operation of the programs; aligns with industry needs in the state or region; and creates innovative opportunities for students that lead to attainment of industry-recognized credentials. A program must also provide: (1) professional development for teachers, (2) career and academic counseling for students, and (3) equal access to the full range of career education programs to members of underrepresented groups and special populations.

education act bill directs department_of_education award competitive grants consortia composed local educational agency institution higher education ihe community representatives development operation year computer science career education programs career education program include development computer science program secondary postsecondary education aligned rigorous computer science standards kindergarten grade computer science education links secondary schools ihes non duplicative courses computer science career fields uses appropriate available experiential work based learning collaboration local regional employers uses educational technology distance learning involve members consortium fully development operation programs industry needs state region creates innovative opportunities students lead attainment industry recognized credentials program provide professional development teachers career academic counseling students equal access range career education programs members underrepresented groups special populations


Summary:
Go to High School, Go to College Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to carry out (from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2022) a program awarding Early College Federal Pell Grants to students to support their enrollment in, and completion of, postsecondary courses offered through early college high schools.

Students who would be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if not for their enrollment in secondary school are deemed eligible for an Early College Federal Pell Grant upon their completion of a full-time postsecondary semester or its equivalent.

Students may receive Early College Federal Pell Grants in an amount equal to the cost of not more than four full-time postsecondary semesters or the equivalent while enrolled in postsecondary courses offered by an early college high school.

Early College Federal Pell Grants shall count toward the 12-semester, or equivalent, limit on a student's receipt of Federal Pell Grants.

high school college act bill amends title student assistance higher education act direct department_of_education carry july june program awarding federal pell_grants students support enrollment completion postsecondary courses offered early college high schools students eligible federal pell grant enrollment secondary school deemed eligible early college federal pell grant completion time postsecondary semester equivalent students receive early college federal pell_grants equal cost time postsecondary semesters equivalent enrolled postsecondary courses offered early college high school early college federal pell_grants shall count semester equivalent limit student receipt federal pell_grants


Summary:
Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2015

This bill makes procedures for the enforcement of arbitration agreements inapplicable to an enrollment agreement between a student and an institution of higher education (IHE). The bill also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to forbid an IHE that participates in federal student aid programs, including work-study programs, from requiring a student to agree to any restriction on the student's ability to pursue a claim, individually or with others, against it in court.

class act bill makes procedures enforcement arbitration agreements inapplicable enrollment agreement student institution higher education ihe bill amends higher education act forbid ihe participates federal student aid programs including work study programs requiring student agree restriction student ability pursue claim individually court


Summary:
Electronic Books Opening Opportunity for Knowledge Act of 2015 or the E-BOOK Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to up to 10 institutions of higher education (IHEs) to conduct pilot programs to reduce the cost of attendance for undergraduate students by expanding their access to digital course materials.

A preference is given to applications that demonstrate a commitment to serving disadvantaged students.

Grantees must make digital course materials available to undergraduate students in at least two different academic departments.

Grant funds may be used to:

 purchase and maintain the electronic equipment or software their pilot programs need; purchase and maintain the digital and online content that instructors or students will use; hire staff to administer their pilot programs, with priority given to hiring enrolled undergraduate students; build or acquire extra storage space for pilot program equipment; support professional development; and revise and adapt curricula as needed to implement the IHEs' pilot programs.

electronic books opening opportunity knowledge act book act bill amends higher education act authorize award competitive grants institutions higher education ihes conduct pilot programs reduce cost attendance undergraduate students expanding access digital course materials preference given applications demonstrate commitment serving disadvantaged students grantees digital course materials available undergraduate students different academic departments grant funds purchase maintain electronic equipment software pilot programs need purchase maintain digital online content instructors students use hire staff administer pilot programs priority given hiring enrolled undergraduate students build acquire extra storage space pilot program equipment support professional development revise adapt curricula needed implement ihes pilot programs


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015 the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

amends internal revenue code extend tax deduction qualified tuition related expenses


Summary:
Protections and Regulation for Our Students Act or the PRO Students Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require proprietary institutions of higher education (IHEs) to derive at least 15% of their revenue from non-federal sources or risk becoming ineligible for title IV funding.

The legislation establishes a Proprietary Education Oversight Coordination Committee.

IHEs and other postsecondary educational institutions must meet certain requirements regarding entrance counseling for first-time borrowers, disclosure of clinical training agreement terms, disclosure of a mandatory program review, and preparation of students upon successful program completion.

 IHEs and other post-secondary educational institutions must not use revenues derived from federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities.

It amends title IV program participation requirements to broaden the incentive compensation ban, to prohibit predispute arbitration agreements in student contracts, to establish certain institutional requirements related to student default risk, and to prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers who disclose institutional violations.

The Department of Education (ED) must establish a complaint tracking system, conduct mandatory program reviews of institutions that pose a significant risk of failing to comply with title IV requirements, and recalculate the cohort default rate and redetermine title IV eligibility for institutions that engage in default manipulation.

The legislation permits a federal student loan borrower or ED, on behalf of multiple borrowers, to assert an IHE's unlawful acts or omissions as an affirmative claim or defense against student loan repayment. It also permits ED to impose civil penalties on IHEs that engage in substantial misrepresentation or other serious violations.

Accrediting agencies or associations must not require institutions to enter predispute arbitration agreements with students.

pro students act bill amends title student assistance higher education act require proprietary institutions higher education ihes derive revenue non federal sources risk ineligible title funding legislation establishes proprietary education oversight coordination committee ihes postsecondary educational institutions meet certain requirements entrance counseling time borrowers disclosure clinical training agreement terms disclosure mandatory program review preparation students successful program completion ihes post secondary educational institutions use revenues derived federal educational assistance funds recruiting marketing activities amends title program participation requirements broaden incentive compensation ban prohibit predispute arbitration agreements student contracts establish certain institutional requirements related student default risk prohibit retaliation whistleblowers disclose institutional violations establish complaint tracking system conduct mandatory program reviews institutions pose significant risk failing comply title requirements cohort default rate redetermine title eligibility institutions engage default manipulation legislation permits federal student loan borrower behalf multiple borrowers assert ihe unlawful acts omissions affirmative claim defense student loan repayment permits impose civil penalties ihes engage substantial misrepresentation violations accrediting agencies associations require institutions enter predispute arbitration agreements students


Summary:
Veterans Education Priority Enrollment Act

Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or a state approving agency from approving a program of education offered by an educational institution for purposes of an educational assistance program for veterans or members of the Selected Reserve or the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces unless any such institution that administers a priority enrollment system allows an eligible veteran, member, or dependent to enroll in courses at the earliest possible time.

enrollment act prohibits secretary veterans_affairs state approving agency approving program education offered educational institution purposes educational assistance program veterans members selected_reserve ready_reserve_of_the_armed_forces institution administers priority enrollment system allows eligible veteran member dependent enroll courses earliest possible time


Summary:
Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution (EFC) used to determine financial need in the case of a Pell Grant-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty as a police officer, firefighter, or other public safety officer. Such student is eligible to receive an automatic zero EFC and qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award if the student was less than 24 years old or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of the parent or guardian's death.

scholarship act bill amends higher education act eliminate expected family contribution determine financial need case student parent guardian died line duty police officer firefighter public safety officer student eligible receive automatic zero qualify maximum pell_grant award student years old enrolled institution higher education time parent guardian death


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 16, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Career-Ready Student Veterans Act

(Sec. 2) This bill adds the following new criteria for state approval, with respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance, of applications of educational institutions providing veterans with non-accredited courses:

 a program designed to prepare an individual for state licensure or certification must meet any state instructional curriculum licensure or certification requirements; or a program designed to prepare an individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a state board or agency in an occupation requiring approval or licensure must be approved or licensed by that state board or agency. The VA may waive either of these two requirements if:

 the educational institution is accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Department of Education; the program did not meet the requirements at any time during the two-year period preceding the waiver date; the waiver furthers the purposes of the educational assistance programs or would further the education interests of individuals eligible for assistance under such programs; and the educational institution does not provide any incentive payment based on securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance, except for recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are ineligible for federal student assistance. The VA shall submit to Congress notice of, and justification for, a waiver within 30 days of issuance.

The VA shall disapprove a course of education unless the educational institution providing it discloses publicly any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or exams, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course is designed to provide preparation.

 If after enrollment in a course subject to disapproval an individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same educational institution while remaining continuously enrolled, such course or courses shall not be subject to disapproval by reason of this Act.

measure amended reported house november summary version repeated career ready student veterans act sec bill adds following new criteria state approval respect department_of_veterans_affairs educational assistance applications educational institutions providing veterans non accredited courses program designed prepare individual state licensure certification meet state instructional curriculum licensure certification requirements program designed prepare individual employment pursuant standards developed state board agency occupation requiring approval licensure approved licensed state board agency waive requirements educational institution accredited agency association recognized department_of_education program meet requirements time year period preceding waiver date waiver furthers purposes educational assistance programs education interests individuals eligible assistance programs educational institution provide incentive payment based securing enrollments financial aid persons entities engaged student recruiting admission activities making decisions award student financial assistance recruitment foreign students residing foreign countries ineligible federal student assistance shall submit congress notice justification waiver days issuance shall disapprove course education educational institution providing discloses publicly conditions additional requirements including training experience exams required obtain license certification approval course designed provide preparation enrollment course subject disapproval individual courses education educational institution remaining continuously enrolled course courses shall subject disapproval reason act


Summary:
Work-Study for Student Veterans Act

Reauthorizes through June 30, 2020 (under current law, the authorization expires as of June 30, 2013) certain qualifying work-study activities for individuals receiving educational assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

work study student veterans act reauthorizes june current law authorization expires june certain qualifying work study activities individuals receiving educational assistance department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary:
Federal Adjustment in Reporting Student Credit Act of 2015 or the FAIR Student Credit Act of 2015

Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow a consumer to request the removal of a previously reported default regarding a qualified education loan from a consumer report if the consumer meets the requirements of a private loan rehabilitation program in which the number of consecutive on-time monthly payments is equal to the number of payments specified in a default reduction program under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Permits a consumer to obtain such rehabilitation benefits only once per loan.

Requires the Government Accountability Office to report on any challenges borrowers experience with the private loan rehabilitation program.

reporting student credit act fair student credit act amends fair credit reporting act allow consumer request removal previously reported default qualified education loan consumer report consumer meets requirements private loan rehabilitation program number consecutive time monthly payments equal number payments specified default reduction program higher education act permits consumer obtain rehabilitation benefits loan requires government accountability office report challenges borrowers experience private loan rehabilitation program


Summary:
Protect Student Borrowers Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) participating in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program to accept specified risk-sharing requirements.

 For any fiscal year in which at least 25% of the IHE's student body is participating in the Direct Loan program, the IHE must remit a risk-sharing payment (a percentage of the total amount of its defaulted Direct Loans) that declines as the cohort default rate declines.

 If an IHE develops and implements an approved student loan management plan that includes individualized financial aid counseling for students and strategies to minimize student loan default and delinquency, the Department of Education (ED) must modify the risk-sharing requirements. ED may waive or reduce an IHE's risk-sharing payments in certain other instances.

 An IHE may not deny admission or financial aid based on a perception that a student may be at risk for defaulting on a Direct Loan.

 ED may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements for: (1) statewide or institutionally-based programs for the prevention of federal student loan delinquency and default at IHEs that have a high cohort default rate or serve large numbers of students who have a higher risk of defaulting on student loans under title IV, and (2) increasing the number of borrowers who successfully rehabilitate defaulted loans.

Risk-sharing payments are to be deposited in a separate account in the Treasury and used as follows: (1) up to 50% for ED to enter into the contracts or cooperative agreements for delinquency and default prevention or rehabilitation, and (2) the remainder to offset any future shortfalls in funding under the Federal Pell Grant program.

An IHE's ability to meet its obligation to make risk-sharing payments shall be part of the determination of its eligibility to participate in title IV programs.

protect student borrowers act bill amends title student assistance higher education act require institutions higher education ihes participating federal_direct_loan program accept specified risk sharing requirements fiscal year ihe student body participating direct_loan program ihe remit risk sharing payment percentage total defaulted direct loans declines cohort default rate declines ihe develops implements approved student loan management plan includes individualized financial aid counseling students strategies minimize student loan default delinquency modify risk sharing requirements waive reduce ihe risk sharing payments certain instances ihe deny admission financial aid based perception student risk defaulting direct loan enter contracts cooperative agreements statewide institutionally based programs prevention federal student loan delinquency default ihes high cohort default rate serve large numbers students higher risk defaulting student loans title increasing number borrowers successfully rehabilitate defaulted loans risk sharing payments deposited separate account treasury follows enter contracts cooperative agreements delinquency default prevention rehabilitation remainder offset future shortfalls funding federal pell grant program ihe ability meet obligation risk sharing payments shall determination eligibility participate title programs


Summary:
Homeland Security University-based Centers Review Act

(Sec. 2) Directs the Government Accountability Office to initiate a study to assess the university-based centers for homeland security program authorized by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and provide recommendations to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, for appropriate improvements.

Requires the study to:

 review the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) efforts to identify key areas of study needed to support the homeland security mission and criteria that DHS utilized to determine those key areas for which it should maintain, establish, or eliminate university-based centers; review the method by which university-based centers, federally funded research and development centers, and Department of Energy national laboratories receive tasking from DHS; review and weight selection criteria for designating university-based centers; examine best practices from other agencies' efforts to organize and use university-based research to support their missions; review DHS's criteria and metrics to measure demonstrable progress achieved by university-based centers in fulfilling DHS taskings and mechanisms for delivering and disseminating the research results of designated university-based centers within DHS and to other agencies; examine means by which academic institutions that are not designated or associated with the designated university-based centers can optimally contribute to the research mission of the Directorate of Science and Technology of DHS; and assess the interrelationship between the different university-based centers and the degree to which outreach and collaboration among a diverse array of academic institutions is encouraged by DHS. Requires the annual report from DHS on such centers to describe:

 research that has been tasked and completed by each center designated during the preceding year, funding provided by DHS for each such center for that year, and plans for utilization of such centers in the forthcoming year.

based centers review act sec directs government_accountability_office initiate study assess university based centers homeland security program authorized homeland security act provide recommendations technology house_of_representatives governmental_affairs senate appropriate improvements requires study review department_of_homeland_security dhs efforts identify key areas study needed support homeland security mission criteria dhs utilized determine key areas maintain establish eliminate university based centers review method university based centers federally funded research development centers department_of_energy national laboratories receive dhs review weight selection criteria designating university based centers examine best practices agencies efforts organize use university based research support missions review dhs criteria metrics measure demonstrable progress achieved university based centers fulfilling dhs mechanisms delivering disseminating research results designated university based centers dhs agencies examine means academic institutions designated associated designated university based centers contribute research mission dhs assess different university based centers degree outreach collaboration diverse array academic institutions encouraged dhs requires annual report dhs centers describe research tasked completed center designated preceding year funding provided dhs center year plans utilization centers forthcoming year


Summary:
Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require all foreign medical schools to meet minimum requirements for percentage of foreign students and for percentage of students passing exams administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates in order for students to be eligible for William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans. (Currently, the Department of Education may establish alternative standards and certain clinical training programs are grandfathered.)

Students continue to be eligible for a loan if, on the date of enactment of this Act, they are enrolled in a foreign medical school that loses eligibility as a result of this Act.

bill amends higher education act require foreign medical schools meet minimum requirements percentage foreign students percentage students passing exams administered educational_commission_for_foreign_medical_graduates order students eligible currently department_of_education establish alternative standards certain clinical training programs grandfathered students continue eligible loan date enactment act enrolled foreign medical school loses eligibility result act


Summary:
Student Loan Tax Debt Relief Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the exclusion from gross income of income attributable to the discharge of student loan indebtedness to include indebtedness discharged pursuant to income-contingent and income-based repayment plans.

amends internal revenue code expand exclusion gross income income attributable discharge student loan indebtedness include indebtedness discharged pursuant income contingent income based repayment plans


Summary:
Student Veterans Housing Support Act

This bill provides a full monthly housing stipend, eliminating the current 50% stipend, for a veteran pursuing a program of education on a more than half-time basis solely through distance learning.

An individual pursuing a degree program on a more than half-time basis shall receive a monthly housing stipend for the month immediately preceding the first month of the program, and in an amount equal to one for a month during which the individual pursues the program.

Housing allowances paid to veterans and eligible persons enrolled in courses may continue during periods:

 when the schools are temporarily closed; between consecutive school terms where such veterans or persons transfer from one approved educational institution to another approved educational institution if the period between such consecutive terms does not exceed 30 days; or between school terms if the period between them does not exceed 8 weeks, and both the preceding and following terms are not shorter than such period, or if the period falls between consecutive spring and fall semesters and the eligible veteran or person resides during such period within the educational institution's ZIP code area. Benefits provided under this Act shall be in addition to any other veterans' educational benefits provided to an individual.

bill provides monthly housing stipend eliminating current stipend veteran pursuing program education half time basis solely distance learning individual pursuing degree program half time basis shall receive monthly housing stipend month immediately preceding month program equal month individual program housing allowances paid veterans eligible persons enrolled courses continue periods schools temporarily closed consecutive school terms veterans persons transfer approved educational institution approved educational institution period consecutive terms exceed days school terms period exceed weeks preceding following terms shorter period period falls consecutive spring fall semesters eligible veteran person resides period educational institution zip code area benefits provided act shall addition veterans educational benefits provided individual


Summary:
Julian Woods Yellow Ribbon Program Expansion Act

This bill includes under the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program (public-private contributions for educational assistance in addition to post-9/11 educational assistance) the child or spouse of an individual who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies in the line of duty while serving on active duty (Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship recipients).

bill includes public private contributions educational assistance addition educational assistance child spouse individual september dies line duty serving active duty marine gunnery sergeant john_david_fry scholarship recipients


Summary:
Student Right to Know Before You Go Act of 2015

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify reporting requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in title IV federal financial aid programs. Currently, to retain title IV eligibility, IHEs must report data to the Department of Education (ED) through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

This bill requires IHEs to submit additional student enrollment data to ED to enable coding and reporting on students' level of academic preparation. It also requires ED to calculate additional outcome measures by institution and program, including:

 the percentage of students who receive federal, state, or institutional grants or loans; the average amount of federal loan debt upon graduation; the average amount of total federal loan debt of students who do not complete a program of study; student transfer rates; rates of continuation to higher levels of education; and the percentage of students who receive the degree they initially sought. ED must report additional outcome measures established by this Act, as well as all existing student data in IPEDS, based on these student types:

 receipt or non-receipt of federal Pell Grants, receipt or non-receipt of Stafford Loans,  participation in the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program, enrollment status, and enrollment intensity. ED must also, in cooperation with the Social Security Administration, make publicly available data on employment metrics and median annual earnings 2 years, 6 years, and 15 years after program completion. ED must report the data by:

 education program, credential received, institution, and state of employment.

student right know act bill amends higher education act modify reporting requirements institutions higher education ihes participate title federal financial aid programs currently retain title eligibility ihes report data integrated_postsecondary_education_data_system ipeds bill requires ihes submit additional student enrollment data enable coding reporting students level academic preparation requires calculate additional outcome measures institution program including percentage students receive federal state institutional grants loans average federal loan debt graduation average total federal loan debt students complete program study student transfer rates rates continuation higher levels education percentage students receive degree initially sought report additional outcome measures established act existing student data ipeds based student types receipt non receipt federal pell_grants receipt non receipt stafford_loans participation enrollment status enrollment intensity cooperation social_security_administration publicly available data employment metrics median annual earnings years years years program completion report data education program credential received institution state employment


Summary:
Restoring Education And Learning Act of 2015 or the REAL Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the provision that prohibits Pell Grant eligibility for individuals incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution and for sex offenders subject to civil commitment following incarceration.

This amendment takes effect in academic year 2015-2016.

learning act real act bill amends title higher education act eliminate provision prohibits pell_grant eligibility individuals incarcerated federal state penal institution sex offenders subject civil commitment following incarceration amendment takes effect academic year