Public Service Educational Assistance Act
Latest action (24 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 10551, the Public Service Educational Assistance Act, would direct the Secretary of Education to create a program offering educational assistance to dependents of public service employees. This assistance would cover tuition, fees, and books for up to four academic years at eligible public postsecondary institutions within a dependent's home state. The program applies to dependents of public service employees who have served for at least 20 years and were employed as such on or after the bill's enactment date.
This bill specifically defines "public service employees" to include first responders (like law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services members), educators or teachers in public schools, and social workers employed by government entities for mental health or child welfare services. Dependents receiving this aid could also access other federal student aid, and the assistance would not affect retirement benefits or be taxed.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 24, 2026, and has been referred to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Ways and Means. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 24, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10551 do?
- H.R. 10551, the Public Service Educational Assistance Act, would direct the Secretary of Education to create a program offering educational assistance to dependents of public service employees. This assistance would cover tuition, fees, and books for up to four academic years at eligible public postsecondary institutions within a dependent's home state. The program applies to dependents of public service employees who have served for at least 20 years and were employed as such on or after the bill's enactment date. This bill specifically defines "public service employees" to include first responders (like law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services members), educators or teachers in public schools, and social workers employed by government entities for mental health or child welfare services. Dependents receiving this aid could also access other federal student aid, and the assistance would not affect retirement benefits or be taxed. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 24, 2026, and has been referred to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Ways and Means. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 10551 become law?
- Not yet. As of 24 Sep 2026, H.R. 10551 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10551?
- H.R. 10551 was sponsored by Rep. Shomari Figures [D-AL2] (Democrat-AL), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10551?
- Introduced (24 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Education
Quality Educator Partnership Act
Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2026
Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that recipients of Pell Grants be citizens or nationals of the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.