This bill seeks to safeguard students' legal rights by preventing institutions of higher education from using mandatory arbitration in enrollment agreements. Specifically, it stipulates that Chapter 1 of Title 9 of the United States Code, which governs the enforcement of arbitration agreements, will not apply to contracts between students and colleges. Additionally, the legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to forbid institutions from requiring or enforcing any limitations on a student's ability to pursue claims against them in court. These prohibited restrictions include those on the choice of applicable law, the right to a jury trial , or the venue for legal action. The overall intent is to ensure students have unimpeded access to the judicial system for disputes arising from their educational enrollment.
Court Legal Access and Student Support Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-2026| Senate
| Updated: 6/11/2025
This bill seeks to safeguard students' legal rights by preventing institutions of higher education from using mandatory arbitration in enrollment agreements. Specifically, it stipulates that Chapter 1 of Title 9 of the United States Code, which governs the enforcement of arbitration agreements, will not apply to contracts between students and colleges. Additionally, the legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to forbid institutions from requiring or enforcing any limitations on a student's ability to pursue claims against them in court. These prohibited restrictions include those on the choice of applicable law, the right to a jury trial , or the venue for legal action. The overall intent is to ensure students have unimpeded access to the judicial system for disputes arising from their educational enrollment.