H.R.1176 - Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1176, the Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill seeks to clarify clock hour requirements for eligible programs under Title IV of the Act. It focuses on programs that prepare students for gainful employment in recognized professions, particularly where state requirements for clock hours differ.
Expected Effects
The bill would allow programs exceeding state minimum clock hour requirements to remain eligible for Title IV funding under certain conditions. Specifically, the program's clock hours must not exceed the greater of 150% of the state or federal agency's minimum requirement. This change aims to provide flexibility while ensuring programs remain focused and efficient.
Potential Benefits
- Protects Student Access to Funding: Ensures students in legitimate programs exceeding minimum clock hours can still access federal financial aid.
- Provides Flexibility for Program Design: Allows programs to tailor their curriculum to meet industry needs without strict adherence to minimum hour requirements.
- Reduces Regulatory Burden: Clarifies eligibility requirements, potentially reducing administrative burdens for institutions.
- Promotes Program Quality: By allowing programs to exceed minimums (within limits), it encourages comprehensive training.
- Addresses State-Specific Needs: Recognizes variations in state requirements for different professions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Program Abuse: Programs might inflate clock hours to maximize funding, even if not educationally necessary.
- Increased Costs for Students: Longer programs could lead to higher tuition costs for students.
- Complexity in Implementation: Determining the 'recognized profession' and applicable state/federal requirements could be complex.
- Risk of Reduced Program Efficiency: Programs may not optimize their curriculum if they can simply add more hours.
- Unintended Consequences: The 150% threshold might still be restrictive for some specialized programs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve educational programs and workforce development. Congress has the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare through legislation related to education. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).