What does Preamble of HR 7689 do?

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965. It aims to provide basic and emergency supplemental living assistance grants. These grants would be provided under the student support services program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7689 do?

This bill is formally titled the Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act.

What does SUPPLEMENTAL LIVING ASSISTANCE IN THE STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES of HR 7689 do?

This section amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish basic and emergency supplemental living assistance grants within the Student Support Services program. Recipients of grants under this section must provide these assistance grants to eligible students, covering reasonable, anticipated expenses for the first undergraduate year and reasonable, unanticipated expenses to help students persist in college. The recipient determines the division of funds between basic and emergency grants, the amount of each grant, and the expenses covered, which may vary based on factors like academic year, housing, and parental status. For academic year 2027-2028, the maximum emergency supplemental assistance grant is capped at $500, with subsequent years increasing based on the Consumer Price Index. Institutions may use up to 2% of funds for these grants and must consult between the student support service program office and the financial aid office. The funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, non-Federal funds for student support services programs. Grants are not considered when determining a student's need for other financial aid, but total assistance cannot exceed the cost of attendance by more than the maximum emergency supplemental assistance amount.

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Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act — HR. 7689

Last updated: 2/25/2026 · Introduced: 2/25/2026

Author: Danny Davis (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

The Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to create basic and emergency supplemental living assistance grants within the Student Support Services program.
Eligible students can receive grants to cover reasonable first-year expenses and unexpected costs to help them stay in college, with emergency grants initially capped at $500 and adjusted annually for inflation.
Institutions receiving grant funds determine the amount and eligible expenses, and these grants do not affect a student’s eligibility for other financial aid, up to the cost of attendance.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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