Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Student Loan Contract Act of 2025

Summary

The Student Loan Contract Act of 2025 proposes to rename 'master promissory notes' for student loans under Part D of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to 'student loan contracts'. This change aims to update the terminology used in student loan documentation. The bill specifies that the new term applies to loans for enrollment periods beginning after the Act's enactment.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill is a change in terminology. This could lead to a perceived modernization of student loan documents. It does not alter the underlying terms or conditions of the loans themselves.

Potential Benefits

  • Potential for clearer communication with students through updated terminology.
  • May lead to a better understanding of loan obligations.
  • Could be a step towards simplifying the student loan process.
  • No immediate financial impact, but could pave the way for future reforms.
  • Aligns language with contemporary contract terminology.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The change is purely cosmetic and may not address the core issues of student loan debt.
  • Potential for confusion during the transition from 'master promissory notes' to 'student loan contracts'.
  • Does not address interest rates, repayment options, or loan forgiveness.
  • May create a false sense of progress without substantive change.
  • Could be seen as a superficial effort to address a complex problem.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare. The Higher Education Act, which this bill amends, falls under this purview. The act does not infringe on any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).