PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 25, 2019
Expanding Educational Opportunities for Justice-Impacted Communities Act
This bill provides incarcerated individuals with access to federal financial aid.
Specifically, the bill authorizes participating institutions to award Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals, and it repeals a provision that denies eligibility to individuals convicted of certain drug-related offenses.
The bill also requires the Department of Education to streamline the forms and processes for incarcerated individuals to apply for Pell Grants, and it prohibits any questions relating to whether applicants have convictions for drug-related offenses.
Additionally, the bill requires that institutions offering Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals (1) make certain information available to prospective students, and (2) demonstrate that academic credits earned by incarcerated students are treated by the institution as equivalent to credits earned by non-incarcerated students.
People & committees
Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6] · D–MD
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jul 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4073 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.4073 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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