H.R.3977 - Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3977, the "Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act," aims to amend existing legislation to allow housing assistance for certain students enrolled in higher education institutions. Specifically, it targets students who are in or were formerly in foster care, or those emancipated by a court. The bill seeks to remove prohibitions on housing assistance to students and waive certain requirements under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for eligible students.
Expected Effects
The bill would enable foster youth and emancipated minors attending higher education institutions to receive housing assistance, potentially improving their access to education and reducing financial burdens. This could lead to increased enrollment and graduation rates for this vulnerable population. It also clarifies that such assistance will not negatively impact their eligibility for other forms of financial aid.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Increased access to higher education for foster youth and emancipated minors.
- Reduced financial burden related to housing for eligible students.
- Improved educational outcomes and graduation rates.
- Prevents housing assistance from negatively impacting other financial aid eligibility.
- Supports the well-being and stability of vulnerable young adults.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on existing housing assistance programs and resources.
- Increased administrative burden for institutions and government agencies.
- Possible unintended consequences or loopholes in the waiver provisions.
- Risk of fraud or misuse of funds if oversight is insufficient.
- Limited scope, only addressing housing for a specific subset of students.
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The bill appears to align with the "general Welfare" clause of the Constitution's preamble, as it aims to support a vulnerable population and promote their educational opportunities. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for programs that promote the general welfare. 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 citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).