Bill > S1275

This bill aims to provide federal funding to help local educational agencies (school districts) with significant federal property improve their school facilities through a partnership program. The bill recognizes that many schools serving federally impacted areas have aging, unsafe, and substandard facilities, with 65% of surveyed districts reporting facilities in fair to poor condition and 26% having buildings over 80 years old. The legislation would authorize $250 million annually for four years, with 75% allocated to competitive grants and 25% to formula grants. Competitive grants will prioritize schools with emergency facility needs, such as health and safety code violations, inadequate ventilation, structural deficiencies, and lack of technological infrastructure. Grants will consider factors like the district's bonding capacity, percentage of federally connected students, and percentage of federal land. Local educational agencies may need to contribute a matching percentage (10-25%) based on their financial circumstances, and funds can be used for construction, renovation, and facility repairs. The bill specifically targets schools on federal lands, including Indian Treaty lands and areas with unique challenges like remote locations or teacher housing shortages, to help address critical infrastructure needs that impact student learning and safety.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1275/all-info