The bill mandates that eligible entities, primarily institutions of higher education, implement programs aimed at helping students who encounter sudden financial emergencies. The funds disbursed under this bill will not count against federal student aid calculations, thus allowing students to receive necessary financial support without impacting their eligibility for other grants. This stipulation is particularly significant as it acknowledges the diverse financial challenges students face beyond traditional educational expenses.
Summary
House Bill 2967, titled the 'Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act,' seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by establishing an emergency financial aid grant program. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible student populations facing unexpected financial challenges that threaten their ability to complete their education. The bill empowers the Secretary of Education to oversee the distribution of these grants, ensuring that eligible educational institutions can disburse funds quickly and effectively to students in need.
Contention
While proponents argue that the bill will significantly enhance college students' financial security and affordability, critics may raise concerns about the potential administrative burden placed on institutions tasked with identifying and managing emergency grant distributions. Additionally, some may question whether the funding levels allocated under this program will be sufficient to meet the comprehensive needs of students across various demographic and economic backgrounds, especially in under-resourced areas.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.