95.3 MNC: House panel advances bills on pregnant student protections, human trafficking detection

The House Education and Workforce Committee, this week, advanced two pieces of legislation aimed at supporting pregnant students and strengthening efforts to identify human trafficking.

 

The first measure, H.R. 6359 — the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, sponsored by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), would require colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to provide pregnant students with information about available on-campus and community resources, as well as accommodations to help them continue coursework and care for a child. Schools would also be required to notify pregnant students of their rights under Title IX, including how to file complaints if they believe those rights have been violated.

 

The second bill, H.R. 4307 — the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, authored by Committee Chairman Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), seeks to expand training and tools for Department of Labor employees to recognize signs of labor and sexual exploitation. The legislation creates a more structured framework for DOL staff to assist law enforcement and increases transparency on departmental anti-trafficking activities.

 

In a statement following the committee markup, Walberg said pregnant students too often face pressure or obstacles in continuing their education.

 

“Expecting mothers have every right to pursue a high-quality education,” Walberg said, calling the Hinson bill an important step toward ensuring students “are informed and protected as they further their education.”

 

Walberg also touted his bipartisan trafficking bill, saying it would help transform DOL employees into “an early warning system against human trafficking.”

 

Both bills now move to the full House for consideration.