in effect
This is Executive Order 14235, signed March 7, 2025, titled “Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness.” It directs the Secretary of Education to begin the process of rewriting the federal rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. It is an instruction to propose a regulation change, not an immediate change to the program itself.
The order tells the Secretary of Education, working with the Treasury Secretary as needed, to propose revisions to the existing PSLF regulation (34 CFR 685.219). The goal stated in the order is to change the definition of “public service” so it excludes organizations engaged in activities the order describes as having a “substantial illegal purpose.” It lists five such categories: (a) aiding violations of federal immigration law, (b) supporting terrorism or designated foreign terrorist cartels, or using violence to influence government policy, (c) certain child-abuse activities as described in the order, (d) a pattern of aiding illegal discrimination, and (e) a pattern of violating state laws such as trespassing, vandalism, or obstructing highways. The order sets no dollar amounts, no deadlines, and no new eligibility standards on its own; it also states it does not create any legally enforceable rights and must be carried out consistent with existing law and available funding.
The Department of Education (and Treasury in a supporting role) are directed to draft the proposed rule. If the rule is eventually adopted, it would affect people seeking PSLF loan forgiveness who work for organizations that fall into the listed categories, since their employer could no longer count as qualifying “public service.” Until a new rule is proposed and finalized, the order by itself does not alter anyone’s current PSLF status.