S. 461: HBCU PARTNERS Act

116th Congress · introduced 2019-02-12 · Education · Latest: Became Public Law No: 116-270.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2019-02-12 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 237 (2020): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, S461 (2020-12-07), Passed. See all
Where it stands now: Became Public Law No: 116-270. (final step reached)
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

HBCU PARTNERS Act

Plain summary

HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students Act or the HBCU PARTNERS Act This bill addresses the capacity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to participate in federal programs. Specifically, the bill requires certain agencies to submit annual plans for strengthening the capacity of HBCUs to participate in federal programs. Among other things, the plans must establish how the agencies intend to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. The agencies must provide technical assistance and information to the White House Initiative on HBCUs to enhance communication with HBCUs concerning their program activities and initiatives as well as applications for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. In addition, the bill provides statutory authority for the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs.

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

HBCU PARTNERS Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] · 15 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Christopher A. Coons (D-DE), Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernard Sanders (I-VT)

Sponsor's campaign money: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] reported raising $6.7 million (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Recorded votes

House roll call 237 (2020): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, S461 (2020-12-07): Passed

Words on this page, explained (3)

Ballot initiative: A proposed law or constitutional amendment that citizens place on the ballot by gathering enough voter signatures, so voters decide it directly. About half the states allow some form of it.
Bill: A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Statute: A written law passed by a legislature. A statute can be changed by a later law; changing a constitution needs an amendment.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-116s461.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/116/s>

Record fed-us-cong116-s461 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong116 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong116