HEROES Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 1, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to provide federal student loan forgiveness to volunteer first responders by making their service eligible under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the "HEROES Act," amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Specifically, it includes service as a qualified volunteer firefighter or qualified volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) as a public service job for the purpose of federal student loan forgiveness. It also directs the Secretary of Education to establish regulations for minimum volunteer time and verification processes.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation provides well-deserved financial relief to dedicated volunteer first responders who perform critical public safety services, often without pay. They contend that reducing student loan debt will help recruit and retain volunteers in essential roles that frequently face staffing shortages, thereby strengthening community emergency services.
Opponents contend
Potential critics might raise concerns about the expansion of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, citing its potential to increase federal spending and the national debt. They may also point to the administrative complexities and costs associated with verifying volunteer hours and managing a broader eligibility pool for loan forgiveness.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and evaluate its implications quickly.
Section 2(1), amending 20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)(3)(B)
Expansion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
This provision directly amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add volunteer work as a qualified volunteer firefighter or qualified volunteer emergency medical technician to the list of eligible public service jobs for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This means individuals performing these volunteer services could have their federal student loans forgiven after meeting the program's service and payment requirements, similar to other public service employees.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this expansion provides critical financial recognition for individuals who dedicate their time and effort to public safety, often in dangerous and demanding roles. They believe it will serve as a powerful incentive to attract and retain volunteers, addressing chronic staffing shortages in emergency services.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that expanding PSLF eligibility increases the overall cost of the program to taxpayers, potentially diverting federal funds from other educational or public priorities. They may also argue that it could set a precedent for further expansions, leading to an unsustainable increase in federal liabilities.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the societal value of recognizing and incentivizing volunteer public service with concerns about the fiscal implications of expanding federal loan forgiveness programs and the potential for increased taxpayer burden.
Section 2(2), adding 20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)(3)(C)
Definitions for Qualified Volunteer First Responders
This section establishes precise definitions for 'qualified volunteer firefighter' and 'qualified volunteer emergency medical technician.' It clarifies that these individuals must provide services on behalf of a legally recognized public safety organization and cannot be full-time employed by the same organization for those services. Crucially, it also mandates that the Secretary of Education determine the minimum volunteer time required for PSLF eligibility, ensuring it's at least the amount needed to be considered an active member of their respective organization.
Section 3
Regulations for Implementation and Verification
This section directs the Secretary of Education to develop and promulgate regulations to carry out the amendments made by the bill. These regulations must be developed in consultation with public safety organizations and specifically address two key areas: determining the minimum volunteer time required for a volunteer first responder to be considered 'full-time' for PSLF purposes, and establishing a robust process for tracking and verifying these volunteer hours.