This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, international students, student housing, research initiatives, and federal research funding opportunities. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Higher Ed channel? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Higher Ed - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

President Trump Issues Executive Order on College Sports

President Trump signed an Executive Order on April 3, 2026, directing federal agencies to assess university compliance with college sports rules related to transfers, eligibility, and compensation for student-athletes. The order links adherence to athletic rules with federal grant and contract eligibility and calls for updated frameworks on eligibility, structured transfer protocols, athlete medical care, and agent conduct. It includes measures for increased data collection and enforcement, with federal agencies tasked to prepare regulatory proposals by August 1, 2026. The Department of Education is instructed to update rules to maintain the financial stability of all college sports, including women’s and Olympic disciplines. The order urges Congress to advance related legislation and instructs the Attorney General to challenge conflicting state laws.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Educational Opportunity Centers Program Grant Competition Announced

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Labor published a joint notice on April 3, 2026, soliciting applications for the FY2026 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program. The competition targets projects delivering information and assistance to individuals seeking entry into postsecondary education, including support with admissions and financial aid processes. Projects must serve at least 850 participants annually with a per-participant cost cap of $280. Non-state-level applicants may request up to $1.3 million annually, while state-level or qualifying tribal applicants can request up to $3 million. Proposals are due via grants.gov by May 14, 2026. Program authorities specify application limits by target area and provide for prior experience points in the selection process.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposed Waivers and Extensions for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued a proposed rule on April 2, 2026, to extend project periods and provide continued funding for 43 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects and one Training and Technical Assistance Center beyond the standard five-year limit. Pending approval, these extensions would allow continuity of vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians with disabilities through September 30, 2027, at funding levels consistent with Year 5 grant amounts. The Department invites public comment until May 4, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NSF Issues Comment Request on SBIR/STTR Program Project Pitch Form

The National Science Foundation submitted a request for public comment on continued use of the SBIR/STTR Phase I and Fast-Track Pilot Project Pitch form. The form facilitates applicants’ submissions for small business innovation and technology transfer programs and captures details on proposed technology, team, and technical objectives. NSF expects roughly 15,000 annual responses, with an estimated public burden of two hours per submission. Comments are accepted for 30 days following the March 31, 2026 notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice Announcing Information Collection Activities Affecting Postsecondary Education

The Department of Education issued several comment requests between March 30 and April 1, 2026: (1) an extension of the Federal Direct Loan Program regulations on forbearance and loan rehabilitation, (2) a reinstatement of DCIA Aging and Compliance Data Requirements for Guaranty Agencies, (3) a reinstatement of the Financial Report for Institutional Service Endowment Activities (for Title III and V grantees), and (4) the Targeted Teacher Shortage Areas Data Collection. Respondents are invited to submit comments on the necessity, format, and burden of each collection through the regulations.gov portal by specified deadlines in April and May 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8181: Critical Industry Partnerships under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

H.R. 8181 proposes amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requiring states to establish critical industry funds or industry partnerships. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on April 2, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8183: Talent Marketplaces in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

H.R. 8183 seeks to amend the Act to permit creation of talent marketplaces, with possible impact on sector workforce development. It was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8191: Electronic Notification for Immigration Petitions

H.R. 8191 would require electronic notification on status changes for immigration petitions under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The latest action was referral to the Judiciary Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 1151: National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week

H.Res. 1151 expresses support for designating March 29–April 11, 2026 as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 1148: National Language Access Month

H.Res. 1148 supports recognition of April as National Language Access Month and was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Activates Nation’s Largest Public Broadband Network

Governor Newsom announced the activation of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network, connecting the Bishop Paiute Tribe and expanding high-speed internet access for students in rural California.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New York Launches $50M Clean Energy Career Training Programs

Governor Hochul released $50 million for workforce training in energy efficiency and renewables. The NYSERDA programs support curriculum development, technical training, and job placement initiatives.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas Opens Applications for Advanced Nuclear Construction Funding

Governor Abbott and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office started accepting applications for the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, aiming to grow nuclear energy and workforce capacity.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

California Recognizes Space Contributions for Artemis II Mission

Governor Newsom noted California’s role in the NASA Artemis II mission, citing over 500 companies and 16,000 workers from the state contributing to the program, and highlighted the state’s leadership in aerospace research.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Ohio Offers America 250 Citizenship Seal on High School Diplomas

Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce unveiled an optional America 250 Citizenship Seal for 2026 graduates demonstrating proficiency in American history and civics.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump Slashed Science Funding. Now the U.S. Could Face a Costly Brain Drain.: Severe cuts in science funding could prompt academic talent to leave the United States.
• Trump issues executive order to bolster college sports rules: The order links university eligibility for federal support to compliance with new athletic regulations.
• President Trump signs order intended to stabilize college sports, threatens lost federal funding: The new executive order requires stricter rules for college sports and may impact federal grant awards.
• 🔮 Exponential View #567: The rewiring of work; Development 2.0; Texas storage, AI microdrama, Hollywood++: Newsletter explores shifts in workforce practices, energy innovation in Texas, and developments in artificial intelligence.

.