PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 24, 2019
Simple FAFSA Act of 2019
This bill revises the application process, eligibility requirements, and certain calculations related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Specifically, the bill
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establishes three pathways for FAFSA applicants to submit income or asset information;
establishes a certification process whereby a student who submits an initial FAFSA, and who certifies in the subsequent year that their dependency status has not changed, shall not be required to submit another FAFSA to maintain aid eligibility;
requires the Department of Education (ED) to make the FAFSA form available in multiple languages and in formats that are accessible to individual with disabilities;
repeals provisions that make ineligible for federal student aid any individual who fails to register with selective service or has committed drug-related offenses;
prohibits ED from asking questions relating to whether an applicant for federal student aid has committed any drug-related offenses;
expands eligibility for federal student aid to certain students who entered the United States prior to age 16;
increases support for working students;
requires ED to assign an applicant an expected family contribution of zero in certain situations (e.g., if the student received a federal means-tested benefit such as Medicaid during the previous twenty-four months); and
requires ED to use data from the second preceding tax year to simplify the application process and determination of financial aid eligibility.
People & committees
Del. Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho [D-MP-At Large] · D–MP
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1196)
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.4478 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.4478 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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