H.R. 7463

119 HR 7463 IH: Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-02-10
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 I  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. R. 7463  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   February 10, 2026   Ms. Chu  (for herself and  Mr. Moran ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the  Committee on Ways and Means    A BILL
To amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum education and training voucher amount and provide greater support for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act  .
2.
Increase in maximum education and training voucher amount and provision of greater support for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education
(a)
In general
Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 677(i) ) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
by striking  training program  and inserting  training program (except that the State may establish a grace period to allow a youth to continue participation in activities described in subsection (i)(4)(A), after an assessment and consultation with the youth, if the State determines that reasonable circumstances warrant the grace period), ;
(B)
by striking  that program  and inserting  that education or training program ; and
(C)
by striking  the program  and inserting  the voucher program ; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)(B), by striking  $5,000  and inserting  $12,000 .
(b)
Guidance
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with youth who have experienced foster care, shall develop and issue model guidance to States and jurisdictions receiving allotments under section 477(c) of the Social Security Act for implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a)(1) of this section.
3.
Improving accessibility and youth awareness of education and training vouchers
(a)
In general
Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 677(i) ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(7)
The State shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that eligible youth are aware of potential benefits provided under this subsection, including by coordinating with programs funded under subsection (h)(1).
(8)
The program shall include a simplified, user-tested, and standard form for youth to use to apply for vouchers under the program, using standard terminology, that is easily accessible and available electronically.
 .
(b)
Use of funds
Section 477(d)(1) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 677(d)(1) ) is amended to read as follows:
(1)
In general
A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of this section, including outreach related to subsection (i)(7). A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(3) may use the amount for any purpose related to the program described in subsection (i)(7).
 .
4.
Effective date
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.