Closing the College Hunger Gap Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (28 Jan 2025): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
What this bill does
H.R. 777, the "Closing the College Hunger Gap Act," would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to notify certain students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Notifications would be sent in both written and electronic form and would include contact information for the state agency that administers SNAP in the student's state. The Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant federal or state officials in designing these communications.
The notification requirement would apply specifically to students who have a "negative or zero student aid index," a financial-need calculation used in the federal aid process. In practice, this generally means students from lower-income households who may already qualify for maximum federal financial aid. The bill aims to help such students learn about and access SNAP benefits they may be eligible for but are not currently using.
The bill was introduced in the House on January 28, 2025, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. If enacted, the changes would take effect 120 days after enactment. As of the latest available action, the bill remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House or Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Closing the College Hunger Gap Act
This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to send information regarding potential eligibility for assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to certain college students.
Specifically, ED must send this information, in both written and electronic form, to a student who submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and has a negative or zero student aid index for the year. ED must also provide the student with contact information for the state agency that administers SNAP in the state in which the student resides.
ED must consult with the Department of Agriculture and other applicable federal or state agencies to design the written and electronic communications regarding potential SNAP eligibility and the SNAP application process.
Timeline
28 Jan 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 777 do?
- H.R. 777, the "Closing the College Hunger Gap Act," would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to notify certain students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Notifications would be sent in both written and electronic form and would include contact information for the state agency that administers SNAP in the student's state. The Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant federal or state officials in designing these communications. The notification requirement would apply specifically to students who have a "negative or zero student aid index," a financial-need calculation used in the federal aid process. In practice, this generally means students from lower-income households who may already qualify for maximum federal financial aid. The bill aims to help such students learn about and access SNAP benefits they may be eligible for but are not currently using. The bill was introduced in the House on January 28, 2025, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. If enacted, the changes would take effect 120 days after enactment. As of the latest available action, the bill remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House or Senate.
- Has H.R. 777 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 777. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 777?
- H.R. 777 was sponsored by Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5] (D-CT), with 37 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 777?
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (28 Jan 2025).
Related bills in Education
RISE Act
Civic Literacy in Higher Education Act
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2026, as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".
Campus Accountability and Safety Act of 2026
More bills from Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act
WIC for Kids Act
Time for Completion Act
Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026
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