To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain States, and for other purposes. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 5532
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5532Education
To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain States, and for other purposes.
INTRO SEP 19· LAST ACTION SEP 19
READING
19MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it addresses the rising cost of higher education and the need for a skilled workforce in the country. If it becomes law, it could significantly lower the financial barrier for many Americans to access postsecondary education, potentially leading to more people earning valuable credentials and improving their economic standing. It also aims to bridge the gap between educational institutions and employer needs by focusing on career pathways for in-demand jobs.
Without this bill, states and individual students would continue to bear the full cost of community college tuition, and there would be no direct federal program to incentivize or support states in making community college tuition-free. This means fewer people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, might pursue higher education due to financial constraints, potentially exacerbating workforce shortages and limiting economic mobility for many individuals.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a federal grant program to help states make community college tuition-free for eligible students.
This creates a mechanism for federal funding to directly reduce tuition costs for students.
PROVISION 02
Provides subgrants to community colleges to improve supportive services and give direct financial aid to students for non-tuition costs (like housing or childcare).
This goes beyond tuition to address other significant financial barriers that prevent students from completing their education.
PROVISION 03
Requires states to form an interagency committee involving various state departments (education, workforce, health, housing) to coordinate efforts and maximize resources.
This aims to create a holistic, integrated approach to education, workforce development, and social services.
PROVISION 04
Mandates states to develop plans to align secondary and postsecondary education, facilitate high school diploma completion at community colleges, and ensure AP/IB credits transfer.
This seeks to create smoother transitions for students from high school into community college and reduce obstacles to obtaining credentials.
PROVISION 05
Requires states to collect and share data on program outcomes, including student retention, completion rates, and the impact of emergency aid.
This ensures accountability and allows for evaluation of the program's effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 19, 2025
House BillHR 5532Education
To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain States, and for other purposes.
This bill matters because it addresses the rising cost of higher education and the need for a skilled workforce in the country. If it becomes law, it could significantly lower the financial barrier for many Americans to access postsecondary education, potentially leading to more people earning valuable credentials and improving their economic standing. It also aims to bridge the gap between educational institutions and employer needs by focusing on career pathways for in-demand jobs.
Without this bill, states and individual students would continue to bear the full cost of community college tuition, and there would be no direct federal program to incentivize or support states in making community college tuition-free. This means fewer people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, might pursue higher education due to financial constraints, potentially exacerbating workforce shortages and limiting economic mobility for many individuals.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a federal grant program to help states make community college tuition-free for eligible students.
This creates a mechanism for federal funding to directly reduce tuition costs for students.
high
Provides subgrants to community colleges to improve supportive services and give direct financial aid to students for non-tuition costs (like housing or childcare).
This goes beyond tuition to address other significant financial barriers that prevent students from completing their education.
med
Requires states to form an interagency committee involving various state departments (education, workforce, health, housing) to coordinate efforts and maximize resources.
This aims to create a holistic, integrated approach to education, workforce development, and social services.
med
Mandates states to develop plans to align secondary and postsecondary education, facilitate high school diploma completion at community colleges, and ensure AP/IB credits transfer.
This seeks to create smoother transitions for students from high school into community college and reduce obstacles to obtaining credentials.
med
Requires states to collect and share data on program outcomes, including student retention, completion rates, and the impact of emergency aid.
This ensures accountability and allows for evaluation of the program's effectiveness and areas for improvement.
GLOSSARY
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Secretary
Refers to the head of the U.S. Department of Education, who would be in charge of this program.
Eligible students
Students who meet specific criteria set by the program to qualify for tuition-free community college and other support.
Eligible institutions
Community colleges or other public higher education institutions that meet the requirements to receive funding under this program.
Subgrants
Grants awarded by a state (which received a main grant from the federal government) to individual community colleges or other entities within that state.
Postsecondary credentials
Degrees (like associate's or bachelor's) or certificates earned after high school.
Interagency committee
A group made up of representatives from different government departments or agencies working together on a common goal.
Career pathway development
Creating clear educational and training routes that lead to specific jobs or career fields.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
SEP 19, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 19, 25
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
