H.R. 7463 – Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated May 8, 2026 at 4:31 AM UTC

The Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act would change the education and training voucher program for former foster youth under the Social Security Act. It raises the maximum voucher amount from $5,000 to $12,000 and adds new requirements to help youth learn about and apply for the vouchers. The changes apply to state agencies that receive federal funding for the program and aim to improve post‑secondary education access for youth who have been in foster care.

Key Provisions

Increases the voucher maximum from $5,000 to $12,000 per eligible youth.
Allows states to create a grace period for youth to finish ongoing activities after an assessment and consultation.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue model guidance for states on how to implement the changes, developed with input from former foster youth.
Mandates that states make reasonable efforts to inform eligible youth about voucher benefits and coordinate with related programs.
Adds a simplified, user‑tested electronic application form for youth to request vouchers.
Lets states use their allotted funds for outreach and other activities that support the new awareness and application requirements.

Legislative Activity

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5 earlier actions

HouseCalendars Latest Action

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 555.

May 7, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 10, 2026

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Ways and Means Committee

February 10, 2026

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Ways and Means Committee

April 29, 2026

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 39 - 0.

Ways and Means Committee

April 29, 2026

HouseCommittee

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-638.

Ways and Means Committee

May 7, 2026

HouseCalendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 555.

May 7, 2026

Bill Text

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Reported in HouseIssued May 7, 2026

IB

Union Calendar No. 555

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 7463

[Report No. 119–638]

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 10, 2026

Ms. Chu (for herself and Mr. Moran) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

May 7, 2026

Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic

For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on February 10, 2026

A BILL

To amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum education and training voucher amount and provide greater support for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act.

2.

Increase in maximum education and training voucher amount and provision of greater support for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education

(a)

In general

Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(i)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (3)—

(A)

by striking that program and inserting that education or training program, (except that the State may establish a grace period to allow a youth to continue participation in activities described in paragraph (4)(A), after an assessment and consultation with the youth, if the State determines that reasonable circumstances warrant the grace period); and

(B)

by striking the program and inserting the voucher program; and

(2)

in paragraph (4)(B), by striking $5,000 and inserting $12,000.

(b)

Guidance

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with youth who have experienced foster care, shall develop and issue model guidance to States and jurisdictions receiving allotments under section 477(c) of the Social Security Act for implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a)(1) of this section.

3.

Improving accessibility and youth awareness of education and training vouchers

(a)

In general

Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(7)

The State shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that eligible youth are aware of potential benefits provided under this subsection, including by coordinating with programs funded under subsection (h)(1).

(8)

The program shall include a simplified, user-tested, and standard form for youth to use to apply for vouchers under the program, using standard terminology, that is easily accessible and available electronically.

.

(b)

Use of funds

Section 477(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(d)(1)) is amended to read as follows:

(1)

In general

A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of this section, including outreach related to subsection (i)(7). A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(3) may use the amount for any purpose related to the program described in subsection (i)(7).

.

4.

Effective date

The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

May 7, 2026

Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed