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Read. Follow. Verify.Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act
Last action · May 7, 2026: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 555.Sponsors: Judy Chu and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill increases the maximum federal amount for foster youth from $5,000 to $12,000. It also mandates simplified application processes, requires states to improve outreach to eligible youth, and allows for s in training programs under specific circumstances.
This bill would more than double the maximum annual education voucher available to foster youth pursuing postsecondary education and mandate new state-level outreach and application standards starting one year after enactment.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Foster youth pursuing postsecondary education
Eligible youth will have access to higher maximum voucher amounts and a simplified application process.
State social service agencies
States must implement new outreach requirements, develop standardized application forms, and follow new federal guidance.
Department of Health and Human Services
The agency is required to consult with former foster youth to develop model guidance for states.
Key Facts
- Increases the maximum annual education and training voucher amount for foster youth from $5,000 to $12,000.
- Allows states to establish a grace period for youth to continue participation in training programs if reasonable circumstances are met.
- Requires states to make reasonable efforts to ensure eligible youth are aware of available voucher benefits.
- Mandates the creation of a simplified, user-tested, and electronic standard application form for vouchers.
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- Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consult with youth who have experienced foster care when developing implementation guidance.
- Expands the permitted use of state allotments to include outreach activities related to voucher awareness.
- The provisions of the act take effect one year after the date of enactment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can a foster youth receive for education under this bill?
When would these changes take effect?
Will there be a new way to apply for these vouchers?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently on floor. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Passed.
Procedural history
6 actions- May 7, 2026HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 555.
- May 7, 2026HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-638.
- Apr 29, 2026HouseCommitteeOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 39 - 0.
- Apr 29, 2026HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Feb 10, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Feb 10, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced in House
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on User Experience
The bill explicitly mandates 'user-tested' and 'electronic' application forms, signaling a shift toward prioritizing accessibility in social service delivery.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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