SPELL Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6711

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-01-08T17:12:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Supporting Providers of English Language Learning Act (SPELL Act), H.R. 6711, aims to expand federal student loan forgiveness and cancellation programs for teachers by including those who specialize in educating English learners (students still developing English proficiency) and bilingual or dual language immersion students (programs teaching in two languages to build fluency in both). This encourages more educators to serve these student populations.

Key Provisions

• Expansion of Loan Forgiveness Program: Amends Section 428J of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include "English language education" alongside existing categories (mathematics, science, and special education). Eligible teachers must:
• Work full-time in a public or nonprofit private elementary or secondary school (or educational service agency).
• Primarily teach English learners or serve as bilingual/dual language immersion teachers.
• Receive certification from their school's chief administrative officer confirming their role aligns with their training and demonstrates expertise in relevant curriculum areas.
• Expansion of Loan Cancellation Program: Makes identical changes to Section 460 of the Higher Education Act, applying to Perkins Loans (federal loans for students in certain programs).
• Effective Date: Changes apply immediately upon enactment and cover individuals eligible for forgiveness or cancellation after that date.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, teacher loan forgiveness and cancellation under these sections were limited to educators in mathematics, science, or special education. The bill adds English language education as a qualifying field, creating a new eligibility category for teachers of English learners and bilingual/dual language immersion students.
• No changes to the amount of forgiveness (up to $17,500 for five years of service) or cancellation (up to 100% for Perkins Loans); it only broadens who qualifies.
• References the definition of "English learners" from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for consistency.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Provides financial relief (up to full loan cancellation or $17,500 forgiveness) to qualifying teachers, potentially attracting and retaining more educators in underserved areas with high numbers of English learners, improving educational access for immigrant or multilingual students.
• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Education must update loan servicing processes to verify and process claims for this new category, which could increase administrative workload and program costs without new funding specified.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, though it indirectly supports integration of immigrant families by bolstering language education in public schools.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Teachers: Primarily those teaching English learners, bilingual education, or dual language immersion programs, who gain access to loan relief.
• Students: English learners and bilingual/dual language students, who may benefit from a larger, more stable teaching workforce.
• Educational Institutions: Public and nonprofit private schools, and educational service agencies, responsible for certifying teacher eligibility.
• Student Loan Borrowers: Federal loan holders in education fields, with expanded options for debt reduction.
• Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through potential increased federal spending on loan forgiveness programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing federal incentives under the Higher Education Act without altering core eligibility rules (e.g., five years of service in low-income schools). Relies on certifications to prevent fraud, aligning with administrative law standards for program integrity.
• Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it promotes equal educational opportunities under the Spending Clause (Congress's power to fund programs with conditions) and does not infringe on free speech or other rights.
• Political: Highlights focus on multilingual education equity, potentially influencing debates on immigration and school funding, but remains a targeted amendment without broader policy shifts.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-12-15: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-15: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Supporting Providers of English Language Learning Act — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (5 pages)