A PLUS Act Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act
Impact
The bill's implementation signifies a shift in federal education policy by enhancing state control over the usage of federal funds, promoting accountability for student progress. States that adopt this bill will need to adhere to transparency requirements, reporting annually on student performance and how federal funds were utilized to advance educational achievements, particularly for disadvantaged groups. The bill also limits the administrative costs that can be allocated from the consolidated funds, thereby prioritizing educational enhancement over bureaucratic expenses.
Summary
House Bill 631, titled the 'Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act' or 'A PLUS Act', aims to empower states to improve academic achievement for students by allowing them greater flexibility in managing federal education funds. The bill permits states to submit a 'declaration of intent' to consolidate various federal education funds, thus enabling them to tailor the deployment of these resources to better meet local educational needs. This flexibility is intended to alleviate the administrative burdens often associated with federal educational funding, allowing schools to focus on enhancing academic outcomes.
Contention
Notably, there are concerns among education advocates about the implications of state flexibility. Critics warn that increased autonomy could lead to inconsistent educational quality across states, particularly if states choose to prioritize funding in ways that do not adequately support all student populations. Additionally, excluding certain programs, such as those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act from consolidation, raises questions about equitable funding and resources for students with special needs. This aspect highlights the ongoing debate on balancing state autonomy with ensuring accountability and support for all 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.