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To restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

2/27/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1131

Bill 119 HR 1131, also known as the "Family Farm Relief Act of 2021," aims to restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from being considered assets under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This bill seeks to provide relief to families who own farms or small businesses by ensuring that their assets are not counted against them when applying for federal student aid.

The bill recognizes the unique financial circumstances of family farms and small businesses, which often have assets tied up in land, equipment, and other necessary resources for their operations. By exempting these assets from the calculation of a family's financial need, the bill aims to make it easier for the children of farm and small business owners to access federal student aid for higher education.

Supporters of the bill argue that this exemption is necessary to prevent family farms and small businesses from being forced to sell off assets in order to pay for their children's education. They believe that by restoring this exemption, the bill will help to preserve the economic viability of these important sectors of the economy. Critics of the bill, however, argue that exempting family farms and small businesses from the asset calculation could potentially allow wealthy families to exploit the system and receive federal student aid for which they are not truly in need. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on the overall funding available for federal student aid programs. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1131 seeks to address the financial challenges faced by families who own farms and small businesses when applying for federal student aid. By restoring the exemption of these assets from the calculation of financial need, the bill aims to provide much-needed relief to these families and ensure that their children have access to the educational opportunities they deserve.

Congressional Summary of HR 1131

Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act

This bill restores an exemption for certain family farms and small businesses on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The bill applies to the net worth of (1) a family farm on which the family resides, or (2) a small business with not more than 100 full-time or full-time equivalent employees that is owned and controlled by the family.

Prior to recent changes made to the FAFSA, the net worth of these family farms and small businesses were excluded as assets when calculating a student's financial need to determine federal student aid eligibility. Beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year, the net worth of these farms and businesses are treated as an asset and therefore included in the calculation. This bill restores the exemption to exclude such net worth from the calculation.

Current Status of Bill HR 1131

Bill HR 1131 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 7, 2025. Bill HR 1131 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 7, 2025.  Bill HR 1131's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. as of February 7, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1131

Total Number of Sponsors
5
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
5
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
408
Democrat Cosponsors
68
Republican Cosponsors
340
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1131

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1131

To restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
To restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

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