How HR 4054 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies the criteria for accrediting agencies, refining definitions and processes related to accreditation and enhancing measures related to educational quality and outcomes.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)

  or training → or skills development

  Changes the terminology from 'training' to 'skills development' to better reflect the purpose of accreditation.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(1)

  operating as an accrediting agency or association within the State, region, or nationally, as appropriate; → operating as an institutional or programmatic accrediting agency or association within the State or nationally, as appropriate;

  Clarifies that the agency must operate as either an institutional or a programmatic accrediting body.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(2)(A)(i)

  principal

  Removes the word 'principal', broadening the scope of agency purposes.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(2)(A)(ii)

  its principal → a

  Changes the wording to allow for broader participation in accreditation.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(2)

  is an entity (such as an industry-specific quality assurance entity) that has been determined by a State to be a reliable authority as to the quality of education or skills development offered in such State for the purposes of this Act; and designated (in accordance with subsection (b)(1)) by such State as an accrediting agency or association with respect to such State for such purposes;

  Creates a new category for accrediting entities recognized by states for their quality assurance.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(3)(A)

  separate and independent, both administratively and financially of → distinctly incorporated or organized; and both administratively and financially separate from, and independent of,

  Revises the criteria for independence and governance of accrediting agencies.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(4)(B)

  and

  Allows for different criteria in the enforcement of standards related to religious missions and their relation to accreditation.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(4)(B)

  not using as a negative factor the institution's religious mission based policies, decisions, and practices in the areas covered by subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F) of paragraph (5) → not using as a negative factor the institution's religious mission based policies, decisions, and practices

  Revises language to clarify what is considered in the evaluation of institutions with religious missions.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(6)(A)

  success with respect to student achievement outcomes in relation to the institution's mission and to the programs the institution offers, or the mission of a specific degree, certificate, or credential program, which may include different standards for different institutions or programs of study, and which shall include a comparison of the median total price charged to students in a program of study student cohort to the value-added earnings of such cohort; completion rates; retention rates; and loan repayment rates;

  Expands the criteria for assessing student achievement to include various specific metrics.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)(6)(B)

  record of student complaints received by, or available to, the agency or association, and the institution's process for resolving complaints against the institution;

  Requires accrediting agencies to maintain records of student complaints and the resolution processes of institutions.

• 20 U.S.C. 1099b(b)

  Subsection (b) is amended to enhance the State's plan approval process for designating accrediting agencies.

  Requires more structured guidelines and public processes for states when selecting accrediting agencies.