RISE Act
Sponsored By: Senator Jim Banks
Introduced
Summary
Clearer access to disability accommodations for college students. The RISE Act broadens what documents count as proof of disability, requires colleges to publish accessible guidance, adds federal reporting on disability services, and funds a national support center.
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- Students and families get simpler paths to accommodations. Institutions must accept more existing records as evidence, including high school IEPs, Section 504 plans, private school or agency plans, licensed professional evaluations, other colleges' disability records, and service-related disability documentation.
- Colleges must publish clear, accessible explanations of how they determine accommodation eligibility and share that information during orientation and on public websites.
- Institutions must report key data about undergraduates registered with disability offices to IPEDS or other federal collections, such as totals, numbers receiving accommodations, percentages, and degrees or certificates awarded, with an exception for data that would reveal personal information. The bill also fixes a cross-reference in the disability definition and funds a national support center.
*Authorizes $10.0 million in appropriations for FY2027–2031, increasing federal spending by $10.0 million over that period.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Keep ADA meanings and protections
This bill would say its changes do not change the meaning of "reasonable accommodation" or "record of impairment" under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It would not change the rights or remedies available under the ADA. If enacted, people with disabilities would keep the same ADA protections.
Easier college disability accommodations
This bill would require colleges to publish clear rules on how they decide who gets disability accommodations. Schools would have to accept common documents as enough proof, like a high-school IEP or Section 504 plan, a licensed professional's evaluation, prior college disability records, ADA service plans from schools or agencies, or service-related disability paperwork. The rules would have to be shared in accessible formats, including at student orientation and on the school's public website. Schools could still choose even less strict evidence if they want.
Funding for national disability center
This bill would authorize $10,000,000 total for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support the National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities. It would also change a funding reference so those amounts are drawn from a new paragraph (5). Colleges and students would benefit indirectly from the center's information and technical help.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Jim Banks
IN • R
Cosponsors
Maggie Hassan
NH • D
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Bill Cassidy
LA • R
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Chris Van Hollen
MD • D
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Todd Young
IN • R
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Tina Smith
MN • D
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Mark Kelly
AZ • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Eric Schmitt
MO • R
Sponsored 1/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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