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HR 9134

Protecting Student Privacy Act

119th Congress Introduced by Greg Casar and 3 co-sponsors

The bill would prohibit using FAFSA student data for immigration enforcement, strengthening privacy protections for students and families.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9134

Overview

HR 9134 is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress with the stated aim of protecting the personal information provided by students on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from use in immigration enforcement. The bill is titled to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and is sponsored and co-sponsored by members of the House of Representatives, with initial action in June 2026.

Purpose and intent

  • Primary purpose: To ensure that personally identifiable information (PII) submitted by individuals completing the FAFSA is not used for immigration enforcement purposes.
  • Policy goal: Strengthen privacy protections for students and prospective students by preventing the data collected for federal student aid from being leveraged for immigration enforcement activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to specify that FAFSA PII shall not be used for immigration enforcement.
  • Establishes restrictions or prohibitions on sharing FAFSA data with immigration authorities or agencies for enforcement purposes.
  • Creates safeguards around how FAFSA data can be used by federal programs related to higher education funding, potentially including penalties or enforcement mechanisms for violations.
  • May outline compliance requirements for federal agencies and institutions receiving FAFSA data to ensure adherence to the prohibition.

(Note: The exact text of provisions, definitions of “PII,” and specifics of enforcement mechanisms are not provided in the summary, so the above reflects the bill’s stated intent to restrict data use for immigration enforcement and to implement related protections.)

Affected entities and individuals

  • Primary beneficiaries: Current and prospective students and their families who complete the FAFSA, particularly individuals concerned about privacy and potential immigration enforcement exposure.
  • Federal agencies: Agencies administering federal student aid and higher education programs would be subject to the new restrictions and compliance obligations.
  • Postsecondary institutions: Colleges, universities, and other entities that process FAFSA data or participate in federal student aid programs may need to adjust data handling and privacy practices.
  • Broader population: Indirectly, applicants and participants in federal higher education programs who rely on FAFSA for funding.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on June 3, 2026.
  • Next steps in process (typical): The committee would consider the bill, potentially hold hearings, mark up the measure, and, if approved, move to the full House for debate and a vote. If advanced, the bill would need passage in the House and then consideration by the Senate, followed by possible reconciliation and, ultimately, enactment into law.
  • There is no information provided here about a Senate counterpart, votes, or enactment timeline.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Privacy impact: If enacted, FAFSA data would have stronger protections against transfer to immigration enforcement authorities, potentially reducing data sharing risks for students and families.
  • Programmatic implications: Institutions and federal programs may need to adjust privacy notices, data-sharing agreements, and compliance protocols to align with the new restrictions.
  • Oversight and enforcement: The bill may establish oversight mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance, though specifics are not detailed in the available summary.
  • Balance with enforcement and national security: The bill reflects a legislative preference for separating education funding data from immigration enforcement activities.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular readership (e.g., advocates, policymakers, or educators) or compare it with existing privacy-related provisions in the Higher Education Act.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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