Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.3985 - Helping Student Parents Succeed Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.3985, the "Helping Student Parents Succeed Act," aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill seeks to establish notification requirements for policies and information concerning expectant and parenting students at institutions of higher education. This includes making available information about leave of absence policies, resources, accommodations, and financial aid eligibility.

Expected Effects

The bill would require colleges and universities to develop and publish policies specifically addressing the needs of expectant and parenting students. This would lead to increased awareness and accessibility of resources for this student population. Ultimately, it could improve the academic success and well-being of student parents.

Potential Benefits 4/5

  • Increased awareness of resources and support services for expectant and parenting students.
  • Improved access to accommodations and financial aid information.
  • Enhanced institutional policies that support student parents' academic progress.
  • Greater equity and inclusion for student parents in higher education.
  • Potential for increased graduation rates among student parents.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential administrative burden for institutions of higher education to develop and maintain these policies and resources.
  • Possible increased costs for institutions to provide the required accommodations and support services.
  • Risk of inconsistent implementation across different institutions.
  • Potential for unintended consequences if policies are not carefully crafted.
  • Limited impact if students are not aware of or do not utilize the available resources.

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support a vulnerable population (student parents) in accessing education. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce through the provision of federal funding to higher education institutions.

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).