Federal Updates

U.S. Department of Education

July 22, 2019 - the Department of Education released an Electronic Announcement confirming May 26, 2019 as the effective date of the 2016 State Authorization rules for online programs.  The Rule requires that a school offering online educational programs meet state requirements applicable to distance education and document that the state has a complaint process through which a student residing in that state may bring a complaint against an out-of-state school.

July 23, 2019 - the Department of Education released an Electronic Announcement providing regarding the role that institutions have in checking the validity of a student’s high school completion as required under 34 C.F..R. § 668.16(p).

July 31, 2019 – Deadline for schools to submit closeout data for 2017-18 Direct Loan Program – see https://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/070219Addtl1718DLProgramYearCloseoutInfo.html

August 2, 2019 – Deadline for schools to comment on draft updated 2020-21 FAFSA form – see https://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/070819UpdatedDraft202021FSAAppMaterials.html


* New October 1, 2019 – Deadline for schools to submit 2020–21 FISAP electronically and mail in the required signature page - see
https://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/072619FinalFISAPFormInstruDeskRefTechnicalRefDue100119.html

Looking Ahead – 2019 FSA Training Conference. The Federal Student Aid Office has opened registration for the 2019 FSA Training Conference scheduled for December 3 to 6 in Reno, Nevada. The FSA Training Conference is training provided for financial aid professionals by the government for those institutions receiving Title IV funds and is the largest training program in the United States serving the financial aid community. In 2018 more than 2,000 unique schools registered for the conference. Registration is free.

U.S. Congress – Newly Introduced Legislation of Note


S. 2225  - A bill to provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education.

a.       Status: Referred to Committee on HELP, 7/23/19

b.       Sponsor: Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)2 Cosponsors


H.R. 4073 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide Federal Pell Grants on behalf of an incarcerated individual

a.       Status: Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor, 7/25/19

b.       Sponsor: Rep. David Trone (D-MD) 4 Cosponsors


H.R. 4012 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and title 38, United States Code, to conduct risk analyses regarding certain educational institutions receiving payments under the Department of Education heightened cash monitoring payment method, and for other purposes.

a.       Status: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, 7/25/19

b.       Sponsor: Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) 1 Cosponsor


H.R. 3950 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a grant program for the improvement of remedial education programs at institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.

a.       Status: Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor, 7/24/19

b.        Sponsor: Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) 4 Cosponsor

H.R. 3891 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make college affordable and accessible.

a.       Status: Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor, 7/23/19

b.       Sponsor: Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) 1 Cosponsor


H.R. 3897- To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals who pursue programs of education solely through distance learning on more than a half-time basis.

a.       Status: Referred to House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 7/23/19

b.       Sponsor: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) 0 Cosponsors

H.R. 4012 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and title 38, United States Code, to conduct risk analyses regarding certain educational institutions receiving payments under the Department of Education heightened cash monitoring payment method, and for other purposes.

a.       Status: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, 7/25/19

b.       Sponsor: Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) 1 Cosponsor