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.

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Dates: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Committee on Education and Workforce Markup: H.R. 8210, 'A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026': The House Committee on Education and Workforce will hold a markup session for H.R. 8210, 'A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026,' on April 21, 2026, at 2:15 p.m. in Rayburn 2175.

Federal Government News

Final Priority: Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education

The Department of Education published a final supplemental priority on Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education, effective May 13, 2026, for use in discretionary grant programs. Public comments from over 300 stakeholders informed several changes, including the addition of provisions related to age-appropriate AI education, professional development for educators, universal design for learning, and ethical considerations. The final priority supports integration of AI literacy into curriculum, professional development, expansion of dual-enrollment and credentialing, use of AI to support student instruction, and evidence-building activities. The official notice also provides clarified definitions of artificial intelligence, AI literacy, and computer science, referencing 15 U.S.C. 9401(3) for the legal definition of AI.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Priority and Definitions: Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness

The Department of Education released a final grant priority and definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness, finalizing regulatory text for use in current and future discretionary programs. The priority, effective May 13, 2026, aims to align workforce training with state priorities and labor market needs. It addresses work-based learning—such as apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships—and incorporates adult learners into eligibility. New subparts cover educator apprenticeships and short-term programs aligned with Workforce Pell Grant requirements. The rule provides definitions for talent marketplaces, credential registries, and work-based learning, and clarifies how priorities may be used as absolute or competitive preference in grant competitions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Amends Title VI Regulations

The Department of Commerce issued a final rule rescinding aspects of its Title VI regulations regarding disparate-impact liability and affirmative action, effective April 16, 2026. The amendments clarify that Title VI only prohibits intentional discrimination and removes all references to unintentional disparate impacts or affirmative action not expressly tied to a compelling interest. Employment practice regulations are also revised, and the rule addresses constitutional concerns and the application of Executive Order 14281. The changes are intended to reduce compliance costs and align enforcement practices with statutory language.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Tuition Statement Reporting—IRS 1098-T Information Collection Notice

The Internal Revenue Service posted a notice requesting public comment on its information collection related to the Tuition Statement (Form 1098-T). Higher education institutions must report tuition information under Section 6050S of the Internal Revenue Code. The notice solicits input on the necessity, burden, and suggested improvements for the 24,762,900 estimated annual responses and 5,447,838 annual burden hours. Comments are due by June 16, 2026, and no substantive changes to the existing reporting system are proposed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Student Aid Loan Program Repayment Plan Selection Form Revisions

Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced a request for comment on revisions to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program Repayment Plan Selection Form. The revisions reflect regulatory changes mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025, affecting borrower notifications about initial and revised repayment plan options. The notice identifies 660,000 estimated annual responses with an annual burden of 110,220 hours. Comments are invited until June 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

HBCU Research Capacity Act

H.R. 8264, the HBCU Research Capacity Act, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The legislation proposes expanding research capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Biotechnology for All High School Students Act

H.R. 8268, the Biotechnology for All High School Students Act, was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The bill would support biotechnology education initiatives in high schools.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To expand the definition of institution of higher education in the HEA for certain foreign medical schools.

H.R. 8279 was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill seeks to expand the definition of 'institution of higher education' in the Higher Education Act to include certain graduate medical schools outside the United States.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026

H.R. 8263, the Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill concerns new grant programs addressing educational equity.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026

S. 3597, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026, was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

IBM–Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute Renews and Expands Quantum and AI Partnership

Governor JB Pritzker announced the renewal and expansion of the IBM–Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute, strengthening Illinois' research and workforce development in quantum computing and artificial intelligence through increased university-industry collaboration.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

One Biosciences Selects Albany for its First US Site

Governor Kathy Hochul announced France-based One Biosciences will establish its first US location in Albany, investing $18 million and pledging 42 life science jobs supported by state incentives.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Ohio Launches Statewide Attendance Dashboard

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce debuted the Statewide Attendance Dashboard, providing weekly chronic absenteeism rates by district, school, and grade to aid attendance interventions.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

California Unveils Tech Initiatives for Government Efficiency and Higher Education

California launched new digital tools to reduce DMV wait times, identify unclaimed scholarships for community college students, and analyze private postsecondary data, supporting institutional oversight and student outcomes.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship Established at CUNY City College

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new $50,000 scholarship fund at CUNY City College to support students entering the teaching profession, augmenting ongoing efforts to address educator shortages.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Yale considers changes to admissions, grading to regain trust in higher ed: Yale explores adjustments in admissions and grading systems in response to doubts about institutional trust.
• Hampshire Students Navigate the Chaos of a College Shutting Down: Students at Hampshire College contend with academic uncertainty as the institution ceases operations.
• Opinion | Make Economics a College Requirement: An opinion piece argues for making economics courses mandatory at the collegiate level.
• Opinion | How the ABA Spreads DEI in Law Schools: An analysis of the ABA’s role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in legal education.
• Why Everyone Hates the Ivy League: A report examines public perceptions and criticisms of Ivy League institutions.
• It’s time for students to start committing to colleges. The age of AI is making it complicated: The rise of artificial intelligence impacts student choices during the college commitment process.
• Colleges find removing small obstacles can help students who dropped out to reenroll: Minor administrative policy changes are helping former college students return and complete their degrees.

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