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Multiple amendments to 20 U.S.C. 1011c: redesignates certain subparagraphs as clauses; replaces and re-labels portions of subsection (b)(2); changes language in clause (ii) from 'and training' to 'and skills development'; adds a new disqualification subparagraph barring appointment of individuals with significant conflicts of interest (example: current regulators/State authorizers); modifies paragraph (3) to remove prior exception language and requires members who develop a significant conflict during their term to vacate their office with a successor appointed to serve the remainder of the term; removes paragraph (6) of subsection (c); makes punctuation/formatting edits in subsections (d)(2) and (e)(2)(D); and extends the date in subsection (f) from September 30, 2021 to September 30, 2028.
Amends subsection (a) of section 496 to revise criteria required for accrediting agencies or associations, including recognition of State-designated entities and clarifications on institutional or programmatic scope.
Amends subsection (b) to add Secretarial requirements and authority for approval of State plans, publication and 30-day comment periods, and rules for 5-year designations of State-designated accrediting entities.
Amends subsection (c) to require operating procedures (on-site inspections, mechanisms to identify struggling institutions/programs, substantive change procedures), public availability requirements, and adds prohibitions regarding assessment of elected/appointed officials and credential inflation.
Amends subsection (g) to limit the scope of criteria the Secretary may establish and clarifies institutional eligibility when institutions comply with accreditor standards assessing student success outcomes.
Amends subsection (h) governing change of accrediting agency or association, including 10-day notification requirements and the definition of 'covered action.'
Amends subsection (i) (dual accreditation rule) to require institutions accredited by multiple agencies to designate which accreditation will be used for eligibility determinations and the period for such designation.
Amends subsection (k) (religious institution rule) to allow institutions whose accreditation was withdrawn or terminated for reasons related to religious mission to remain certified for a period sufficient to obtain alternative accreditation and establishes an administrative complaint process and timelines.
Amends subsection (n)(3) by striking the last sentence.
Amends subsection (o) by inserting additional text before the period at the end.
And 1 more affected section...
This bill changes how colleges and skills programs are checked for quality (accreditation). It lets states approve more kinds of accreditors, including some industry-based quality groups, with guardrails to prevent conflicts of interest and to include public members on accreditor boards . It also shifts accreditors to judge schools by student results—like how the total price compares to graduates’ “value‑added” earnings, plus completion, retention, and loan repayment—and to share clear information online about who they accredit and when reviews happen .
It sets a risk-based approach: strong performers face fewer check‑ins, while struggling programs must file yearly improvement plans; accreditors can’t favor one teaching model and must verify student identity in online courses . Schools can switch accreditors more easily or even hold more than one, choosing which one counts for federal programs. It also adds protections for religious colleges: if an accreditor’s action is tied to a school’s religious mission, the school stays certified while it appeals or seeks a new accreditor, and the accreditor must prove the action wasn’t because of religion .
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced June 20, 2025 by Randy Fine · Last progress June 20, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 360.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-414.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 15.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held