Public Service Educational Assistance Act
Creates education assistance for dependents of qualifying public service employees, covering eligible college and training costs for up to four academic years.
In the Senate Finance Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Paying for college and career training can be a major expense for families. The bill would create federal education assistance for dependents of qualifying full-time public service employees with at least 20 years of service. It would cover specified education costs for up to 4 academic years and allow recipients to combine it with other aid.
- 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.
- Create education assistance for dependents
The Education Secretary would establish a program for eligible dependents of public service employees. It would cover tuition, fees, course materials, and related costs for up to 4 academic years at an eligible public college or public education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential.
- Limit eligibility to qualifying public service
A qualifying employee must work full-time as a first responder, educator or teacher, or social worker. A dependent would qualify if the employee has at least 20 years of service in the aggregate and was serving on the date of enactment or began public service afterward.
- Protect other aid and benefits
Dependents could receive this assistance alongside other federal student aid and postsecondary benefits under federal, state, or local law. The assistance would not count as wages or compensation for retirement, employment-related, or means-tested public benefits, except as otherwise provided by law, and would be exempt from federal income tax.
- Set the program's start date
The Act would take effect one year after enactment.
The bill would help eligible public service employees’ dependents pay for postsecondary study or training, while allowing them to keep other student aid. It would also protect the assistance from federal income tax and generally prevent it from reducing specified public benefits.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026SENATESEP 24, 2026By Sen. BookerReferred to Finance
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 24, 2026FINANCE NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE 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
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
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