[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9079 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9079
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 29, 2022
Mr. Smith of Washington introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Community and
Technical College Investment Act of 2022''.
(b) Table of Contents.--
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--TUITION-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Sec. 101. Tuition-free community college grant program.
Sec. 102. Applications.
Sec. 103. Grant uses.
Sec. 104. Reports.
Sec. 105. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 106. Definitions.
TITLE II--INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY
Sec. 201. Institutional capacity and wraparound service support grant
program.
Sec. 202. Application.
Sec. 203. Selection committee.
Sec. 204. Grant uses.
Sec. 205. Reports.
Sec. 206. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 207. Definitions.
TITLE III--EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR STUDENTS
Sec. 301. Emergency grant fund program.
Sec. 302. Application.
Sec. 303. Grant uses.
Sec. 304. Data collection.
Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE IV--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Sec. 401. Technical assistance grant program.
Sec. 402. Application.
Sec. 403. Grant uses.
Sec. 404. Reports.
Sec. 405. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE V--DEFINITIONS
Sec. 501. Definitions.
TITLE I--TUITION-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SEC. 101. TUITION-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to provide
grants to each State that submits a complete application to facilitate
tuition-free community college for all eligible students.
(b) Grant Amounts.--The Secretary shall determine grant amounts
under subsection (a) with respect to each State based on the following:
(1) Statewide unemployment and underemployment rates that
are 1 percentage point above the national average.
(2) The number of local educational agencies in a State
that elect to receive special assistance payments under section
11(a)(1)(F) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)(1)(F).
(3) A Statewide official poverty rate that is 1 percentage
point above the national average.
(c) Funds.--
(1) Timing.--A grant under this title shall be awarded for
a period of 5 years, of which--
(A) a maximum of 1 year may be used for planning;
and
(B) a minimum of 4 years shall be used for
implementation.
(2) Federal cost share.--The Federal cost share of an
activity carried out with a grant under subparagraph (a) shall
not be less than 100 percent for costs incurred during the 5-
year grant period described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 102. APPLICATIONS.
To be eligible for a grant under this title, a State shall submit
to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and
containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate,
including a State plan describing the following:
(1) Interagency committee.--
(A) In general.--A plan to formalize an interagency
committee within such State to--
(i) evaluate gaps and opportunities in the
State workforce, higher education, childcare,
and human services systems; and
(ii) maximize Federal and State resources
to support pathway development that increases
economic mobility and recognized postsecondary
credential attainment.
(B) Membership.--An assurance that such committee
shall consist of members from the following entities:
(i) State board.
(ii) State unemployment insurance agency.
(iii) Office of the State higher education
executive officer and public college boards.
(iv) State community college system.
(v) State departments of health and human
services.
(vi) State departments of economic
development.
(vii) Other relevant State agencies as
determined by the Governor of such State.
(2) Education alignment.--A plan to--
(A) with respect to eligible individuals without a
secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent,
facilitate the completion of such diploma or recognized
equivalent at a community college;
(B) ensure that credits received for Advanced
Placement or International Baccalaureate classes are
applied to an equivalent community college course; and
(C) otherwise align the requirements between
secondary schools and community colleges in order to
increase the accessibility of community college for
eligible individuals.
(3) Development.--A plan to--
(A) improve career pathway development, with
special attention to career pathways related to in-
demand industry sectors or occupations described in
paragraph (9);
(B) increase economic mobility of State residents;
and
(C) provide access to affordable postsecondary
education for State residents through a network of
coordinated State and Federal support systems designed
and implemented by State agencies.
(4) Credential attainment.--A plan to prioritize secondary
and recognized postsecondary credential attainment through--
(A) integrated education and training models;
(B) dual enrollment programs; and
(C) an increased number of navigators.
(5) Priority.--A plan to prioritize assistance to
individuals--
(A) with a barrier to employment; or
(B) with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty
level.
(6) Public resources.--A plan to maximize public resources
to support the attainment of a recognized postsecondary
credential, including with respect to--
(A) transportation;
(B) on-campus or off-campus housing; and
(C) childcare.
(7) Outreach.--A plan to reach eligible individuals without
a recognized postsecondary credential, including with respect
to individuals who--
(A) live in high-poverty areas;
(B) are first-generation students;
(C) are low-income students; and
(D) identify as belonging to other underrepresented
student groups.
(8) Recognized postsecondary credential retention and
completion.--A plan to increase retention and credential
completion by--
(A) developing new, or expanding existing, degree
and credential programs based on the needs of in-demand
industry sectors or occupations described in paragraph
(9); and
(B) increasing the number of career counselors and
navigators.
(9) In-demand industry sectors or occupations.--A plan to--
(A) identify in-demand industry sectors or
occupations in such State; and
(B) develop and provide access to pathways to
credential and degree programs for jobs in such
industries, giving priority to credential and degree
programs that correspond to high-quality jobs in
consultation with--
(i) the State board;
(ii) the State health and human services
agency;
(iii) the State board of higher education;
and
(iv) business industry groups within the
State.
(10) Federal programs.--
(A) In general.--A description of how the State
will use amounts under covered programs, to the extent
otherwise permitted by law, to reduce eligibility and
participation requirement barriers in such programs in
order to--
(i) treat the pursuit of a recognized
postsecondary credential as meeting any
compliance, work participation, and core
activity requirements for each such program;
and
(ii) increase access to and completion of
recognized postsecondary credential programs.
(B) Covered programs defined.--In this paragraph,
the term ``covered programs'' means--
(i) the temporary assistance for needy
families program under part A of title IV of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601);
(ii) the supplemental nutrition assistance
program employment and training program under
section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 2015); and
(iii) the child care development fund under
the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act
of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.).
(11) Cost analyses.--Cost analyses for--
(A) providing tuition-free community and technical
college pathways to individuals who have not attained--
(i) a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent; or
(ii) a recognized postsecondary credential;
and
(B) expanding institutional capacity to meet an
increased demand for recognized postsecondary
credentials by expanding supportive services, including
with respect to hiring additional--
(i) career counselors;
(ii) navigators; and
(iii) other support staff.
(12) Data collection.--A plan for data collection efforts
to measure program outcomes and evaluate program success,
including by leveraging existing administrative data to track
any change in participation in recognized postsecondary
credential programs at community colleges.
(13) Data sharing.--A State shall--
(A) provide an interagency data sharing agreement
that facilitates statewide data collection efforts
between--
(i) State agencies that oversee the
dispersal of State and Federal benefits;
(ii) the State educational agency;
(iii) the State higher education system;
(iv) the State board; and
(v) other agencies determined by the
Secretary to be necessary; and
(B) detail how such agreement will promote cross-
agency collaboration and improve recognized
postsecondary credential completion.
(14) Transfer agreements.--
(A) In general.--A description of--
(i) transfer agreements between 2-year and
4-year public institutions of higher education
in such State; and
(ii) the ways in which the State will
expand the number of transfer agreements,
including with respect to the facilitation and
improvement of credit transfers between
institutions.
(B) Transfer agreement.--An assurance that the
transfer agreement required under subparagraph (A)(i)
shall include, at a minimum--
(i) a general education curriculum that
consists of not fewer than 30 credit hours that
are transferrable to any public institution of
higher education in such State;
(ii) common course numbering for
substantively similar courses in such general
education curriculum; and
(iii) assurance that an eligible
associate's degree shall be fully transferrable
to, and credited as, the first 2 years of a
related baccalaureate program at a public
institution of higher education in such State.
SEC. 103. GRANT USES.
A State shall use grant funds awarded under this title for the
following:
(1) Implementing the State plan submitted under section
102.
(2) Ensuring that eligible students enrolled in community
colleges--
(A) are not charged tuition or fees; and
(B) are not required to apply financial assistance
to tuition or fees.
SEC. 104. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which a
grant is made under this title, and annually thereafter, a State shall
submit to the Secretary a report describing--
(1) the uses of funds;
(2) progress made in fulfilling the requirements under
section 103;
(3) rates of--
(A) graduation and attainment of recognized
postsecondary credentials at participating community
colleges; and
(B) transfer to 4-year institutions at
participating community colleges; and
(4) other information determined by the Secretary to be
necessary.
(b) Certification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date on
which a State receives a grant under this title, such State
shall provide certification of implementation of the--
(A) education alignment plan required under section
102(2); and
(B) transfer agreements required under section
102(14).
(2) Failure to certify.--If a State does not provide the
certification required under paragraph (1), such State shall
submit to the Secretary--
(A) a report describing the reasons for the failure
of such State to provide certification; and
(B) a plan to ensure that, not later than 5 years
after the date on which the State received a grant
under this title, such State will provide such
certification.
(c) Sustaining Funds.--Not later than 180 days after the date that
is the conclusion of the 5-year grant period described in section
101(c), a State shall submit a report to the Secretary describing--
(1) the ways in which such State will sustain a tuition-
free community college model; and
(2) the amount of Federal assistance needed to sustain the
model described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 105. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this title for fiscal year 2023 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
SEC. 106. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Business industry group.--The term ``business industry
group'' means an organization that represents businesses
(including small businesses), individual employers, industry
clusters, and individuals from--
(A) business or trade organizations;
(B) economic development organizations;
(C) nonprofit organizations, community-based
organizations, or intermediaries;
(D) philanthropic organizations;
(E) industry associations; or
(F) other organizations determined necessary by the
State.
(2) Eligible associate's degree.--The term ``eligible
associate's degree'' means an associate's degree that--
(A) is in an academic major in the arts or
sciences;
(B) is awarded by a public institution of higher
education in a State; and
(C) is awarded on or after the date that is not
later than 3 years after the date on which the State
first received a grant under this Act.
(3) High-quality job.--The term ``high-quality job'' means
a job with--
(A) wages and benefits in the top 20 percent for
the relevant industry or occupation;
(B) access to training and advancement
opportunities;
(C) paid sick leave;
(D) paid family leave; and
(E) paid medical leave or short-term disability
leave.
(4) Navigator.--The term ``navigator'' means an individual
who is integrated into the existing community college operation
and who works with students to--
(A) understand the eligibility of such students for
Federal, State, and local financial aid and benefit
options;
(B) assist such students with the application
process for such options; and
(C) connect students with resources on campus and
in the community.
TITLE II--INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY
SEC. 201. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND WRAPAROUND SERVICE SUPPORT GRANT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to award
grants to each eligible State that submits a complete application under
section 202 to provide institutional capacity and wraparound service
support with respect to the implementation of tuition-free community
college under title I.
(b) Grant Amounts.--The Secretary shall determine grant amounts
under subsection (a) with respect to each eligible State based on the
following:
(1) The cost analysis required under section 202(1).
(2) The number of adults in such State without a secondary
credential or recognized postsecondary credential.
(3) The number of adults in such State with a recognized
postsecondary credential that is not an associate or
baccalaureate degree.
(4) The unemployment rate in such State.
SEC. 202. APPLICATION.
To be eligible for a grant under this title, an eligible State
shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such
time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines
appropriate, including--
(1) a cost analysis for, with respect to community
colleges--
(A) the expansion of institutional capacity; and
(B) the provision of wraparound services for
students;
(2) a plan detailing how the State will award subgrants in
accordance with section 204(b) among--
(A) community colleges that are located in
geographic areas that serve local educational agencies
that participate, through the community eligibility
provision authorized by the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1758 note et seq.) in--
(i) the national school lunch program under
the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); and
(ii) the school breakfast program under the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et
seq.);
(B) community colleges that are located in
geographic areas with 40 percent of the population at
or below the Federal poverty line;
(C) institutions of higher education with
admissions rates of 50 percent or higher;
(D) institutions that are eligible to receive a
grant under part A or B of title III or title V of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.),
including--
(i) historically Black colleges or
universities;
(ii) Hispanic-serving institutions;
(iii) Tribal colleges or universities;
(iv) minority-serving institutions; and
(v) rural-serving institutions of higher
education.
SEC. 203. SELECTION COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a selection
committee to review each application and award grants under this title.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the number
of members, of whom not less than 50 percent--
(A) may not be employed by the Federal Government;
(B) shall have relevant research or practical
experience with respect to student support programs;
(C) shall have relevant research or practical
experience with respect to designing and implementing
tuition-free community college programs; and
(D) shall identify as belonging to an
underrepresented group in higher education, including--
(i) African Americans;
(ii) Hispanics;
(iii) Native Americans;
(iv) Alaska Natives;
(v) Asian Americans; and
(vi) Native American Pacific Islanders,
including Native Hawaiians.
(2) Conflicts of interest.--With respect to each
application, a member having a conflict of interest may not
review such application.
SEC. 204. GRANT USES.
(a) In General.--An eligible State shall use grant funds awarded
under this title to award subgrants to eligible institutions in
accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Subgrants.--
(1) In general.--An eligible State shall award subgrants to
eligible institutions.
(2) Eligible institution defined.--In this subsection, the
term ``eligible institution'' means an institution--
(A) listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of
section 202(2); and
(B) located in the eligible State.
(3) Application.--An eligible institution seeking a
subgrant under this subsection shall submit to the eligible
State an application in such form, at such time, and containing
such information as the State may require.
(4) Subgrant uses.--An eligible institution that receives a
subgrant under this subsection shall use such subgrant funds
for implementing activities and services that improve retention
and completion of recognized postsecondary credentials,
including--
(A) identifying and addressing the needs of
students, including affordable housing, childcare,
transportation, and food;
(B) supporting the work of navigators, including--
(i) providing information to students with
respect to eligibility for assistance under
other Federal, State, and institutional
assistance programs; and
(ii) connecting students with on-campus and
off-campus supportive services;
(C) hiring additional staff;
(D) increasing access to supportive services by
centralizing such services on-campus;
(E) offering additional scheduling options for
classes with respect to the day, time, and location of
such classes;
(F) improving the transfer of credits between
institutions of higher education, including community
colleges;
(G) expanding pathways related to in-demand
industry sectors or occupations; and
(H) providing access to technology, including--
(i) digital literacy courses;
(ii) computers;
(iii) software; and
(iv) other equipment necessary to attain a
recognized postsecondary credential.
SEC. 205. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which a grant is made under this title, and annually
thereafter, an eligible State shall submit to the Secretary a
report describing--
(A) the uses of funds under this title;
(B) progress made in fulfilling the requirements of
the grant;
(C) with respect to participating community
colleges, rates of--
(i) graduation;
(ii) transfer; and
(iii) attainment of recognized
postsecondary credentials;
(D) the institutional reports submitted under
subsection (b);
(E) the ways in which the State is communicating
with institutions to--
(i) understand the barriers of students,
with respect to eligibility and access, to
public supports; and
(ii) use the information described in
subparagraph (A) to inform any changes;
(F) the ways in which the State human services
agency and State board are aligning the policy goals of
such agencies with the policy goals of the State higher
education agency;
(G) changes in completion of secondary and
postsecondary degrees for target eligible students;
(H) changes in access to, and use of, public
benefits;
(I) changes in employment with respect to in-demand
industry sectors and high-quality jobs;
(J) changes in rates of unemployment and
underemployment;
(K) other data as provided by the State; and
(L) other data as required by the Secretary;
(2) Disaggregation.--The information described in
subparagraphs (G) through (K) shall be disaggregated, where
possible, by--
(A) race;
(B) ethnicity; and
(C) income level.
(b) Institution Report.--Not later than 1 year after receiving a
subgrant under section 204(b), an on an annual basis thereafter, an
institution shall submit to the State a report describing--
(1) the uses of funds;
(2) with respect to the period beginning on the date on
which a subgrant was received and ending on the date on which
the report is submitted, changes in rates of--
(A) retention; and
(B) graduation;
(3) the ways in which such institution increased awareness
of, and access to, public supports made available through State
agencies; and
(4) the ways in which such institution made improvements to
tracking data with respect to--
(A) the basic needs of students;
(B) the financial barriers of students; and
(C) the connection of students to public supports.
SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this title for fiscal year 2023 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
SEC. 207. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State'' means a
State that is a recipient of a grant under title I.
(2) HEA terms.--
(A) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term
``Hispanic-serving institution'' has the meaning given
such term in section 502 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a).
(B) Historically black college or university.--The
term ``historically Black college or university'' has
the meaning given the term ``part B institution'' in
section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1061).
(C) Minority-serving institution.--The term
``minority-serving institution'' includes the entities
described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of section
371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a)).
(D) Tribal college or university.--The term
``Tribal college or university'' has the meaning given
such term in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).
(E) Rural-serving institution of higher
education.--The term ``rural-serving institution of
higher education'' has the meaning given such term in
section 861(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1161q(b)).
TITLE III--EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR STUDENTS
SEC. 301. EMERGENCY GRANT FUND PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to provide
grants to each State that submits a complete application to provide
emergency aid subgrants to eligible students enrolled at a public
institution of higher education.
(b) Funds.--
(1) Timing.--A grant under this title shall be awarded for
a period of 5 years.
(2) Administration.--Not more than 20 percent of funds
awarded under this title may be used for the administration of
emergency aid at institutions of higher education.
(3) Direct aid.--Not less than 80 percent of funds awarded
under this title shall be used to award emergency aid subgrants
to eligible students.
(c) Eligible Student Defined.--In this title, the term ``eligible
student'' means a student enrolled at a public institution of higher
education, without regard to whether such student submits an
application under section 483 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1090), experiencing financial challenges that may affect the
ability of such student to remain enrolled at such institution,
including--
(1) loss of--
(A) employment (including a temporary loss of
employment);
(B) transportation;
(C) child care;
(D) utilities (including water and electricity); or
(E) housing;
(2) food insecurity;
(3) with respect to a student or the dependent of such
student, a medical condition or need, including--
(A) pregnancy; and
(B) mental health conditions;
(4) with respect to a student who is a dependent--
(A) the death of a parent or guardian; or
(B) a parent or guardian with a medical condition
that results in temporary or permanent loss of
employment of such parent or guardian.
SEC. 302. APPLICATION.
To be eligible for a grant under this title, a State shall submit
to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and
containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate,
including--
(1) a data-sharing agreement between the State agency
administering the program and the institutions of higher
education in such State;
(2) the ways in which such State will ensure publicity and
availability of emergency aid on campuses of participating
institutions of higher education;
(3) the estimated amount of funding needed, based on, with
respect to such State--
(A) income distribution of eligible students;
(B) the number of open-access and rural
institutions; and
(C) poverty rates;
(4) the populations of students such State will prioritize
in awarding subgrants;
(5) a description of the ways in which such State will
administer subgrants, including with respect to--
(A) responding to applications;
(B) approving applications; and
(C) disbursing emergency aid subgrants outside of
business hours; and
(6) an assurance that such State will notify students
enrolled in institutions of higher education in such State if
such students, or dependents of such students, become eligible
for assistance under--
(A) the special supplemental nutrition program for
women, infants, and children under section 17 of the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786);
(B) the supplemental nutrition assistance program
under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011
et seq.);
(C) the free and reduced price school lunch program
under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);
(D) the temporary assistance for needy families
program under part A of title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 601);
(E) the supplemental security income program under
title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et
seq.);
(F) Medicaid under title XIX of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
(G) Federal housing assistance programs under the
United States Housing Act of 1937, including--
(i) public housing as defined in section
3(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)); and
(ii) tenant-based assistance under section
8(o) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)); and
(H) any other means-tested program determined by
the Secretary to be appropriate.
SEC. 303. GRANT USES.
(a) In General.--A State shall use grant funds awarded under this
title to award subgrants to eligible students for emergency aid.
(b) Subgrants.--
(1) Administration.--In awarding subgrants under this
subsection, a State may award a contract to a scholarship-
granting organization for purposes of--
(A) accepting applications from eligible students;
and
(B) disbursing subgrant funds to eligible students.
(2) Applications.--
(A) In general.--To be eligible for a subgrant
under this title, an eligible student shall submit to
the State an application in such form, at such time,
and containing such information as the State determines
appropriate.
(B) Appeal.--If an application for an emergency aid
subgrant submitted by an eligible student under
subparagraph (A) is denied by the State, such student
may appeal such denial in a manner to be determined by
the State.
(3) Notification.--Upon receipt of an application from an
eligible student under paragraph (2), the State shall notify
such student of such receipt in a manner to be determined by
the State.
(4) Funds.--
(A) Subgrant amounts.--
(i) Eligible students without dependents.--
With respect to an academic year, a subgrant
awarded to an eligible student that does not
have a dependent may not exceed $1,500.
(ii) Eligible students with dependents.--
With respect to an academic year, a subgrant
awarded to an eligible student with a dependent
may not exceed $2,500.
(B) Disbursement of funds.--A State shall disburse
funds to eligible students in a timely manner, as
determined by the State.
(C) Federal taxes.--A subgrant under this title may
not be considered income for purposes of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
SEC. 304. DATA COLLECTION.
A State that awards subgrants under this title shall collect the
following data:
(1) With respect to each public institution of higher
education--
(A) the number and percentage of students receiving
emergency aid; and
(B) the average grant amount for each student.
(2) With respect to each semester or quarter at a public
institution of higher education--
(A) rate of retention; and
(B) rate of completion of a recognized secondary
credential.
(3) The grade point averages of students receiving
emergency aid subgrants.
(4) Other data reported by the State.
(5) Other data required by the Secretary.
SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this title for fiscal year 2023 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
TITLE IV--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
SEC. 401. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to provide
grants to eligible entities to provide technical assistance to States
applying for grants under title I, II, or III of this Act.
(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this title, the term ``eligible
entity'' means an entity--
(1) that is--
(A) a nonprofit organization;
(B) a think tank;
(C) a State board of education;
(D) a research center at an institution of higher
education; or
(E) an other entity as determined by the Secretary;
(2) that has expertise with respect to--
(A) developing, designing, researching, or
evaluating--
(i) tuition-free community college
programs;
(ii) emergency aid programs; or
(iii) initiatives addressing the basic
needs of students; or
(B) implementing supportive services programs for
students; and
(3) that has a demonstrated record of supporting
institutions of higher education or States with respect to--
(A) the activities described in paragraph (2); and
(B) connecting students to public benefits.
SEC. 402. APPLICATION.
To be eligible for a grant under this title, an eligible entity
shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such
time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
SEC. 403. GRANT USES.
An eligible entity shall use grant funds awarded under this title
for the following:
(1) Assisting States with respect to--
(A) the application process for a grant under title
I, II, or III of this Act; and
(B) the development or new, or expansion or
improvement of existing, tuition-free community college
models.
(2) Assisting the Secretary with respect to--
(A) evaluating applications from States for grants
under title I, II, or III of this Act; and
(B) providing feedback to such States.
SEC. 404. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which a
grant is made under this title, and on an annual basis thereafter, a
State receiving assistance from an eligible entity that received a
grant under this title shall submit to the Secretary a report on--
(1) the effectiveness of such assistance, including, as
applicable, progress with respect to applying for a grant under
this Act; and
(2) as of the date of the submission of the report, any
outcomes of programs funded by a grant under this Act and
carried out by such State, describing--
(A) any Federal policies that prevent successful
implementation of such programs; and
(B) any recommendations for changes with respect to
Federal policies described in paragraph (1).
(b) GAO Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which each
report is submitted under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall
submit to Congress a report on the policy barriers described in
subsection (a)(2), including policy recommendations based on such
barriers.
SEC. 405. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this title for fiscal year 2023 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
TITLE V--DEFINITIONS
SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Community college.--The term ``community college'' has
the meaning given the term ``junior or community college'' in
Section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1058).
(2) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means
an individual who--
(A) is at least 18 years of age;
(B) a resident of the State; and
(C) does not have a recognized postsecondary
credential.
(3) ESEA terms.--The terms ``secondary school'' and
``Secretary'' have the meanings given such terms in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C.
7801).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(5) WIOA terms.--
(A) The terms ``in-demand industry sector or
occupation'', ``individual with a barrier to
employment'', ``recognized postsecondary credential'',
``State board'', and ``supportive services'' have the
meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(B) The term ``integrated education and training''
has the meaning given such term in section 203 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3272).
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