The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 1547/S. 781)

This bill is currently the main focus of our efforts.

It states that a 501(c.)(3) organization will not lose its (c.)(3) tax-exempt status solely because it chooses to make housing and infrastructure grants to organizations (501(c.)(2) or 501(c.)(7) organizations, which should include all existing house corporations for fraternal housing) that provide not-for-profit housing to college students. The grant may be used for any purpose that a grant made to build a dormitory at a university could be used for, with the exception of recreational/physical fitness equipment.
Read more about the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act.

Currently, the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act has more than 230 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, putting it in the top one percent of cosponsorship amongst House bills. The bill also has gained more than 30 cosponsors in the Senate.

As the August recess approaches, despite cosponsorship for the bill being higher than ever, the bill is still in the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee where it is awaiting mark-up before it can be sent to the floor for a vote.
Click here to see who has endorsed the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act.

College Fire Prevention Act (H.R. 642/S. 1791)

The College Fire Prevention Act authorizes a program of federal matching grants to install life-saving fire suppression technology in existing student housing, including fraternity and sorority houses. These grants are important for fraternities and sororities because current IRS interpretations of U.S. tax law effectively prevent them from financing housing improvements through private fundraising.

There is a greater risk of fire in college housing than in housing used in the general population. Today, many students live in aging collegiate housing that is increasingly distressed and overburdened. College residential rooms are often dangerously crammed with combustible clothing, bedding, books and electronics. Despite these risks, the use of life-saving fire suppression technology in collegiate housing remains inadequate.

With the help of 69 cosponsors, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act passed in the House of Representatives on May 19, 2010 by a majority vote by voice. As we approach August recess, the bill is currently in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee where it awaits action.
Read more about the College Fire Prevention Act.