H.R.2272 - Freeze Aid For Student Assaulters Act of 2025; FAFSA Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2272, also known as the Freeze Aid For Student Assaulters Act of 2025 or the FAFSA Act of 2025, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill proposes to terminate federal financial aid eligibility for individuals convicted of assault against a police officer or rioting offenses. This includes grants, loans, and work assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
Grants received by individuals who commit these offenses would be converted into Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, subject to repayment with interest. These converted loans would not be eligible for any loan forgiveness, cancellation, discharge, or reduction programs.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 21, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to deny federal financial aid to students convicted of specific crimes, potentially deterring such behavior. It would also increase the financial burden on students who have committed these offenses, as grants would convert to unsubsidized loans.
This could lead to decreased enrollment in higher education among individuals with a criminal record of assault or rioting. It may also lead to legal challenges based on equal opportunity and due process concerns.
Potential Benefits
- Could deter violent behavior and rioting on college campuses.
- May promote respect for law enforcement.
- Could potentially reduce the financial burden on taxpayers by reducing grant payouts to individuals convicted of certain crimes.
- May incentivize responsible behavior among students receiving federal aid.
- Could lead to safer campus environments.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May disproportionately affect students from marginalized communities who are more likely to be involved in protests or interactions with law enforcement.
- Could create a barrier to higher education for individuals seeking rehabilitation and a second chance.
- May face legal challenges based on due process and equal protection grounds.
- Could increase the financial burden on low-income students who rely on grants to finance their education.
- May not be effective in deterring crime, as individuals may not consider the long-term consequences of their actions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is questionable, particularly concerning potential violations of due process and equal protection under the law as guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The bill targets specific offenses, which could be argued as a violation of equal protection if it disproportionately affects certain groups.
Additionally, the First Amendment right to assemble and protest could be indirectly affected, as students might be deterred from participating in demonstrations for fear of losing financial aid if a riot occurs. However, the bill does not directly prohibit assembly but rather penalizes specific criminal actions taken during such events.
While Congress has the power to regulate federal spending under Article I, Section 8, this power is not unlimited and must be exercised in a manner consistent with other constitutional protections.
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).