Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5303

Introduced
8/29/23  

Caption

NOT in Our Schools Act of 2023 No Obscene Teaching in Our Schools Act of 2023

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will mean significant changes for schools receiving federal funds, as any violation of state laws regarding educational materials could result in financial penalties. This provision may lead schools to strictly monitor their material and curricula more carefully to avoid losing federal funding. Additionally, it empowers state agencies to create 529 education savings plan accounts for eligible children whose schools are found in violation, thus affecting the financial landscape for many families and students across the states.

Summary

House Bill 5303, known as the 'No Obscene Teaching in Our Schools Act of 2023', proposes to prohibit the disbursement of federal funds to elementary and secondary schools that violate state laws regarding materials deemed harmful to minors. This legislation aims to ensure that educational institutions comply with state standards concerning the content they provide to students, aligning federal funding mechanisms with state educational policies. The bill seeks to reinforce state authority in controlling educational curriculum and materials, directly impacting schools' financial support based on compliance with local standards.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussion regarding the balance between state control and educational content censorship. Critics argue that it could lead to the banning of diverse educational materials and limit academic freedom, while supporters contend that it is essential for protecting minors from inappropriate content in educational environments. This contention reflects broader national conversations surrounding educational curricula, censorship, and the role of federal oversight in educational funding.

Companion Bills

US SB57

Related Student Empowerment 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 enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school. (Under current law, distributions in connection with an elementary or secondary school are limited to tuition for a public, private, or religious school.) The bill allows the distributions to be used for additional educational expenses, including 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 homeschool (whether treated as a homeschool or a private school under state law).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.