Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB838

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

This legislation is significant as it seeks to reduce administrative burdens associated with the compliance of Federal education programs. States will be able to use Federal funds with greater discretion, leveraging them towards educational reforms that align with their local policies and priorities. However, the bill explicitly excludes funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which limits its scope concerning special education funding. The push for accountability remains strong, as states must regularly report on student progress and how Federal funds are utilized to improve educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 838, known as the Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act (A PLUS Act), aims to provide States with increased flexibility in managing Federal education funds. The bill allows a State to submit a declaration of intent to the Secretary of Education, granting the authority to consolidate certain Federal funding streams. This initiative is designed to enhance academic achievement among students, particularly those facing disadvantages, by allowing states and local communities to dictate the use of funds to meet specific educational needs.

Contention

Key points of contention stemmed from the balance between state autonomy and federal oversight. Supporters argue that this bill empowers states to better cater to their unique educational landscapes and effectively address educational disparities. Critics, however, express concerns about potential inequities arising from this approach, fearing that it could undermine necessary federal standards and support for disadvantaged student populations. The requirement for states to keep parents and the public informed adds a layer of accountability, yet raises debates on whether this truly ensures all students receive equitable educational opportunities.

Congress_id

119-HR-838

Policy_area

Education

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

US SB309

Related bill 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.

Previously Filed As

US HB631

A PLUS Act Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act

US SB110

A PLUS Act Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act

US HB65

Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act This bill revises requirements related to federal education funding for disadvantaged children. Specifically, the bill (1) eliminates the standards, assessments, and academic accountability requirements for state and local educational agencies that receive federal funds for the education of disadvantaged children; (2) requires such funds to be allocated based on the number of children residing in each state who are living in poverty; and (3) allows educational agencies to distribute per-pupil amounts from such funds to parents for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses. The bill prohibits federal officers or employees from mandating academic standards, assessments, curricula, or accountability systems.

US HB463

Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere Act This bill allows tax-exempt distributions from qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) to be used for additional educational expenses in connection with elementary or secondary school. The bill also allows certain federal funds for elementary and secondary education to follow a student from a low-income household to the public school that the student attends or for tax-exempt educational expenses. Under current law, tax-exempt distributions in connection with elementary or secondary school are limited to tuition for a public, private, or religious school. The bill allows these distributions to be used additionally for curriculum and curricular materials, books or other instructional materials, online educational materials, tutoring or educational classes outside the home, testing fees, fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education, and educational therapies for students with disabilities. Distributions may also be used for tuition and the purposes above in connection with a home school (whether treated as a home school or a private school under state law). In addition, the bill directs state educational agencies to allocate grant funds to ensure the funding follows students to their public school or for other tax-exempt educational expenses outlined by the bill. Each state that carries out these allocations must establish a plan that allows the parent of an eligible child to apply for grant funds.

US HB938

To abolish the Department of Education and to provide funding directly to States for elementary and secondary education, and for other purposes.

US HB10518

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to local educational agencies to encourage girls and underrepresented minorities to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields.

US HB10547

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program.

US SB5593

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program.

US HB1591

To amend section 7014 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to advance toward full Federal funding for impact aid, and for other purposes.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

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