H.R. 468 — Mel’s Law

This section requires institutions participating in Title IV federal student aid programs (i.e., grants, loans, and work-study) to certify in their program participation agreement that they have established a policy to award posthumous degrees to deceased students who (1) were enrolled in a degree program at the institution, (2) died prior to completing the program, and (3) at the time of death were in academic standing consistent with graduation requirements, as determined by the institution. It further requires accrediting agencies, as a condition of recognition by the Department of Education, to ensure their standards do not consider the number of posthumous degrees awarded by an institution. The requirements take effect one year after enactment.