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Mandatory Earlier Start Date for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Applications.

This new law mandates that the FAFSA application cycle must begin no later than October 1 each year. This change gives students and families crucial extra time to apply for federal financial aid and receive award information sooner, significantly improving college planning. The law also introduces strict accountability measures, requiring the Secretary of Education to certify timely compliance to Congress.
Key points
The FAFSA application must now be available by October 1, making the earlier start date mandatory, not just a goal.
Increased accountability: The Department of Education must certify to Congress whether the October 1 deadline will be met, or explain the financial impact of any failure on students.
article Official text account_balance Process page
VOTING RESULTS
2024-11-15
100%
For 381
Against 1
Abstain 0
Full voting results open_in_new
Became Law
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8932
Sponsor: Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Process start date: 2024-07-05
Voting date: 2024-11-15
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 465
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

FAFSA Deadline Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8932.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-07-05.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The FAFSA application must now be available by October 1, making the earlier start date mandatory, not just a goal.
  • Increased accountability: The Department of Education must certify to Congress whether the October 1 deadline will be met, or explain the financial impact of any failure on students.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Became Law.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Where is the official voting record?

The official roll call vote is recorded at: voting record

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Became Public Law No: 118-145.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Education