A PLUS Act Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act
Impact
The proposed legislation seeks to alleviate administrative costs and compliance challenges faced by state educational agencies. By permitting states to consolidate federal funds, the bill aims to enhance the capacity of states to implement tailored education reforms addressing specific needs. Furthermore, it emphasizes that states must maintain accountability to the public for the advancements in academic achievement, focusing particularly on disadvantaged children who are often more significantly affected by funding disparities.
Summary
SB110, titled the 'A PLUS Act,' is introduced to improve academic achievement in students by allowing States to submit a declaration of intent to the Secretary of Education. This declaration will enable states to consolidate federal education funds for various programs, giving them more flexibility in utilizing these resources to enhance academic outcomes. Essentially, the bill aims to reduce the bureaucratic burden associated with federal education funding by streamlining processes for states and local communities.
Contention
While enhancing flexibility, the bill raises several points of contention. Critics may argue that giving states increased control over federal funds could lead to inequities in the distribution of resources, particularly for students in low-income or underserved areas. Concerns also arise regarding oversight, as the bill allows states to define their expenditure plans without stringent federal oversight. Proponents, however, suggest that this model empowers local decision-makers who are more attuned to the specific educational needs of their communities.
Further_details
SB110 also requires states that submit a declaration of intent to produce annual reports detailing their use of federal funds and progress in improving academic outcomes. This provision is intended to ensure transparency and maintain public accountability, as states will be expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in educational achievements, particularly for disadvantaged groups of students.
Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or the A PLUS Act This bill creates a framework under which states may receive federal elementary and secondary education funds on a consolidated basis and use such funds for any educational purpose permitted by state law.
Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or the A PLUS Act This bill creates a framework under which states may receive federal elementary and secondary education funds on a consolidated basis and use such funds for any educational purpose permitted by state law.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.