The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Michelle’s law, the federal version of a New Hampshire bill that would allow seriously ill or injured college students to take up to one year of medical leave without losing their health insurance.
The measure, passed on a voice vote, was sponsored by Congressman Paul Hodes.
It was inspired by Michelle Morse, who was a student at Plymouth State University when she was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Her doctors advised her to cut back on her course load while undergoing chemotherapy, but she could not because she would lose her family’s health insurance when she needed it most. Michelle died as she struggled to regain her health while going to school full-time.
AnnMarie Morse, Michelle’s mother, said the legislation is about families around the country.