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Student Loan Bankruptcy Improvement Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-4444| House 
| Updated: 7/16/2025
J. Luis Correa

J. Luis Correa

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (24)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Becca Balint (Democratic)Joe Courtney (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Paul Tonko (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)Alma S. Adams (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the Student Loan Bankruptcy Improvement Act of 2025, seeks to significantly ease the process for student loan borrowers to discharge their debt through bankruptcy. It directly addresses the current, highly restrictive "undue hardship" standard, which has proven nearly impossible for most debtors to meet, with success rates as low as 0.01 percent. The core provision of the bill amends 11 U.S. Code 523(a)(8) by striking the word "undue," thereby establishing a more accessible "hardship" standard for student loan discharge. The legislation is based on findings that the existing "undue hardship" standard, often interpreted through the "Brunner" test, contradicts the fundamental bankruptcy goal of providing a "fresh start" and contributes to widespread defaults and credit score declines among borrowers. It argues that this standard is outdated, having been developed when student loans were more easily dischargeable, and that there is little evidence of debtors abusing the bankruptcy system for student loan relief. The new "hardship" standard is intended to provide courts with greater flexibility and applies broadly to all bankruptcy cases, including those commenced before, on, or after the bill's enactment, aiming for a more equitable and effective system.
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Timeline
Jul 16, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 16, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • July 16, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 16, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Finance and Financial Sector

Student Loan Bankruptcy Improvement Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-4444| House 
| Updated: 7/16/2025
This bill, known as the Student Loan Bankruptcy Improvement Act of 2025, seeks to significantly ease the process for student loan borrowers to discharge their debt through bankruptcy. It directly addresses the current, highly restrictive "undue hardship" standard, which has proven nearly impossible for most debtors to meet, with success rates as low as 0.01 percent. The core provision of the bill amends 11 U.S. Code 523(a)(8) by striking the word "undue," thereby establishing a more accessible "hardship" standard for student loan discharge. The legislation is based on findings that the existing "undue hardship" standard, often interpreted through the "Brunner" test, contradicts the fundamental bankruptcy goal of providing a "fresh start" and contributes to widespread defaults and credit score declines among borrowers. It argues that this standard is outdated, having been developed when student loans were more easily dischargeable, and that there is little evidence of debtors abusing the bankruptcy system for student loan relief. The new "hardship" standard is intended to provide courts with greater flexibility and applies broadly to all bankruptcy cases, including those commenced before, on, or after the bill's enactment, aiming for a more equitable and effective system.
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Timeline
Jul 16, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 16, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • July 16, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 16, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
J. Luis Correa

J. Luis Correa

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (24)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Becca Balint (Democratic)Joe Courtney (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Paul Tonko (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)Alma S. Adams (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Finance and Financial Sector

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted