Lawmakers Reintroduce Series of ‘Clean Slate’ Legislation to Provide Relief to Previously Defaulted Borrowers
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
Lawmakers on Thursday reintroduced a series of bills aimed at providing relief and a “clean slate” by removing default records from the credit history of borrowers who have acted to rectify their defaulted federal student loans.
The three bills, reintroduced by Reps. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), and Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA). Here are the specifics of what each bill would do, if enacted:
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The Clean Slate Through Repayment Act: Would remove the default record from the credit history for borrowers who have previously defaulted on their federal student loan and have since repaid their loan in full.
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The Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act: Would remove the default record from the credit history for borrowers who have previously defaulted on their federal student loan and have since obtained a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan that discharges the defaulted loan.
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The Clean Slate Through Rehabilitation Act: Would remove all adverse credit history related to a defaulted loan for borrowers who have rehabilitated the loan.
Rep. Alma Adams (D- N.C.), ranking member of the House Education & Workforce subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, signed on as a cosponsor for each of the bills.
Williams said that default and delinquency rates are reaching record highs, noting that “we cannot abandon our students to drown in their debts.”
“The student debt crisis demands a response, especially while everything from housing to groceries is getting more expensive,” Williams said in a statement. “The Clean Slate series offers people the second chance they need to build on their education and escape the crushing weight of student loan debt.”
Adams called the series of “clean slate” bills “necessary” to provide relief for borrowers.
“Burdensome student loan debt is dragging down millions of our best and brightest, preventing borrowers across generations from qualifying for the credit they need to buy a house, lease a car, or start a business,” Adams said in a statement. “These three bills help borrowers hit the reset button and unlock a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
NASFAA, along with the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), and the Center for Responsible Lending, have endorsed the package of bills. NASFAA previously endorsed these bills in 2023.
The three bills were referred to the House Education & Workforce Committee for consideration.
Publication Date: 4/21/2026
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