Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2026
Directs the Education Secretary to guide colleges on criminal-history questions in admissions and provide related training and resources.
In the House Education and Workforce Committee since Oct. 1, 2026, 6 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 1, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
College applications can ask applicants about criminal or juvenile justice histories. The bill would direct the Education Secretary to recommend that colleges consider removing those questions from admissions applications and to provide guidance for colleges that keep asking. It would also provide training and technical help and create a resource center with college practices and research.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Issue admissions guidance
The Education Secretary would issue guidance and recommendations to colleges, consulting with the Justice Department and community stakeholders. The guidance would recommend that colleges consider whether criminal or juvenile justice questions are needed for admissions and whether to remove them.
- Set recommendations for inquiries
If a college keeps these questions in admissions, recommendations include waiting until after an admission decision to request or consider the information, and giving applicants notice and a reason within 30 days if admission is denied or withdrawn solely because of it. Recommendations also address clear, focused questions, applicants' opportunity to explain their history, staff training, and privacy protections.
- Provide college training and assistance
The Education Secretary would use funds already available to the Department to offer colleges training and technical help in developing policies aligned with the recommendations. Topics include avoiding proxy questions, supporting students in campus employment and financial aid, protecting student information, and providing career guidance about employment or licensing barriers.
- Create a college resource center
The Education Secretary would create a resource center to collect college best practices and research on people with criminal or juvenile justice histories and postsecondary education.
The bill cites criminal and juvenile justice involvement as a barrier to education and successful reentry, and says people of color and low-income people are disproportionately affected by collateral consequences. It presents educational opportunity as one way to improve reentry outcomes and support stable employment.
The bill also points to the continued disclosure of some juvenile records and the possibility that admissions questions may discourage applicants when the information is ultimately irrelevant to a college's decision.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 1, 2026HOUSEOCT 1, 2026By Rep. Dean with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Education and Workforce
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeOCT 1, 2026EDUCATION & WORKFORCE NOWOCT 1, 2026In committee for 6 daysNo hearing yet
- 6 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 6, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Dean’s record: sponsored 26 bills this Congress. 0 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Troy A. CarterD-LA-2ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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