Closing the College Hunger Gap Act
Latest action (20 Feb 2024): Introduced
What this bill does
**What the bill would do:** H.R. 7416, the "Closing the College Hunger Gap Act," would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to send certain college students written and electronic information each year about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including how to apply and contact information for the SNAP agency in their state. The Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant federal or state officials when designing this communication. The changes would take effect 120 days after the bill becomes law.
**Who it affects:** The requirement applies to students who file the federal financial aid application (FAFSA) and have an expected family contribution of zero for that year—generally students from lower-income families. These students would automatically receive outreach materials about SNAP benefits, rather than needing to seek out this information themselves. The bill does not change SNAP eligibility rules or benefit amounts; it addresses awareness and access to information.
**Status and next steps:** The bill was introduced in the House on February 20, 2024, by Rep. Jahana Hayes with numerous cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. It has not received a vote. As with most introduced bills, it would need committee action, floor votes in the House and Senate, and the President's signature to become law. No further action has been recorded.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced on February 20, 2024, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7416 do?
- **What the bill would do:** H.R. 7416, the "Closing the College Hunger Gap Act," would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to send certain college students written and electronic information each year about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including how to apply and contact information for the SNAP agency in their state. The Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant federal or state officials when designing this communication. The changes would take effect 120 days after the bill becomes law. **Who it affects:** The requirement applies to students who file the federal financial aid application (FAFSA) and have an expected family contribution of zero for that year—generally students from lower-income families. These students would automatically receive outreach materials about SNAP benefits, rather than needing to seek out this information themselves. The bill does not change SNAP eligibility rules or benefit amounts; it addresses awareness and access to information. **Status and next steps:** The bill was introduced in the House on February 20, 2024, by Rep. Jahana Hayes with numerous cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. It has not received a vote. As with most introduced bills, it would need committee action, floor votes in the House and Senate, and the President's signature to become law. No further action has been recorded.
- Has H.R. 7416 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Feb 2024, H.R. 7416 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7416?
- H.R. 7416 was sponsored by Rep. Jahana Hayes [D-CT5] (Democrat-CT), with 27 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7416?
- Introduced (20 Feb 2024).
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