Higher Education Accreditation Accountability Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
**S. 5064 — Higher Education Accreditation Accountability Act**
This bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to change how accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and how colleges and universities may switch their primary accrediting agency. It would require new accrediting agencies to show at least two years of accrediting experience, legal authority to operate, and enforceable standards before seeking federal recognition. It would also cap initial recognition periods at three years and subsequent recognitions at five years, with agencies required to report accreditation actions to the Secretary during the initial period.
The bill's main focus is on institutions seeking to change accrediting agencies. It would require such institutions to submit a detailed application explaining the reasons for the switch, supported by documentation such as recent accreditation letters, visiting-team reports, and information on pending complaints or investigations. The Secretary would have to publish the request publicly, allow a 30-day comment period, and evaluate whether the switch is an attempt to avoid sanctions or oversight. Applications would automatically be denied if the institution had its accreditation revoked or was under probation, show-cause, or suspension orders within the prior 24 months. The Secretary would generally have 90 days after the comment period to approve or deny the request, extendable by another 90 days if needed.
This affects colleges and universities, accrediting agencies, and students who rely on federal financial aid tied to accreditation status. The bill was introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff on July 22, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need committee consideration, floor votes in both chambers, and the President's signature to become law. If enacted, it would apply to accreditation applications and institutional switches occurring after the law's enactment date.
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 July 22, 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 S. 5064 do?
- **S. 5064 — Higher Education Accreditation Accountability Act** This bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to change how accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and how colleges and universities may switch their primary accrediting agency. It would require new accrediting agencies to show at least two years of accrediting experience, legal authority to operate, and enforceable standards before seeking federal recognition. It would also cap initial recognition periods at three years and subsequent recognitions at five years, with agencies required to report accreditation actions to the Secretary during the initial period. The bill's main focus is on institutions seeking to change accrediting agencies. It would require such institutions to submit a detailed application explaining the reasons for the switch, supported by documentation such as recent accreditation letters, visiting-team reports, and information on pending complaints or investigations. The Secretary would have to publish the request publicly, allow a 30-day comment period, and evaluate whether the switch is an attempt to avoid sanctions or oversight. Applications would automatically be denied if the institution had its accreditation revoked or was under probation, show-cause, or suspension orders within the prior 24 months. The Secretary would generally have 90 days after the comment period to approve or deny the request, extendable by another 90 days if needed. This affects colleges and universities, accrediting agencies, and students who rely on federal financial aid tied to accreditation status. The bill was introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff on July 22, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need committee consideration, floor votes in both chambers, and the President's signature to become law. If enacted, it would apply to accreditation applications and institutional switches occurring after the law's enactment date.
- Has S. 5064 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, S. 5064 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5064?
- S. 5064 was sponsored by Sen. Adam Schiff [D-CA] (Democrat-CA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5064?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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