A Democratic bill with 19 Democratic cosponsors · See all 19 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Revitalizing America's Schoolyards Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to transform school outdoor spaces into revitalized schoolyards. These revitalized areas are intended to be park-like environments that include features like gardens, trees, and meeting areas to support learning and well-being. The program uses a cohort structure consisting of planning grants followed by implementation grants. Eligible entities include local educational agencies, educational service agencies, and certain nonprofit organizations. The Act also includes a specific reservation of funds for Tribal Educational Agencies.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +7
Would children be better off under this?
The bill directly funds environments designed to enhance the health, well-being, and hands-on learning of students.
- Scored +6
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill reserves 5 percent of funds specifically for Tribal Educational Agencies and schools operated by Indian Tribes.
- Scored +5
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill mandates that revitalized schoolyards must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Student Well-being and Learning: The bill aims to create environments that foster nature play and social opportunities while enhancing the health and well-being of children and adults (Section 2, Subsection 3).
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Climate and Heat Protection: Concept plans are encouraged to maximize investment in schools with low tree canopy and vulnerability to extreme heat or flooding (Section 4, Subsection (a)(3)(A)(iii)). Additionally, planting native or non-native species can protect students from extreme heat and reduce indoor temperatures/cooling costs by casting shade on classroom windows (Section 4, Subsection (a)(3)(A)(x)(ii)).
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Community Access: Revitalized schoolyards may serve as facilities for shared public use, remaining open and accessible to the public during daylight hours outside of school hours (Section 2, Subsection 3).
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Support for Vulnerable Communities: The Secretary is directed to maximize investment in schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (Section 4, Subsection (a)(3)(A)(iv)). Furthermore, 5 percent of funds are reserved for schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or an Indian Tribe (Section 3, Subsection (a)).
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Educational Professional Development: Implementation grants can be used to fund professional development for school leadership, educators, and paraprofessionals regarding outdoor teaching (Section 4, Subsection (b)(3)(B)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden of Matching Funds: Entities receiving implementation grants are required to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources equal to 20 percent of the grant award (Section 4, Subsection (b)(4)(A)).
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Administrative Requirements: To receive a planning grant, an entity must submit an application that includes a scope of work, a plan for professional development, identification of State learning standards, and a long-term maintenance and operation plan (Section 4, Subsection (a)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill directly funds environments designed to enhance the health, well-being, and hands-on learning of students. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill reserves 5 percent of funds specifically for Tribal Educational Agencies and schools operated by Indian Tribes. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill mandates that revitalized schoolyards must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes investment in schools serving high numbers of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The provision for shared public use of schoolyards may benefit older community members seeking outdoor meeting spaces. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The provision for shared public use of schoolyards can provide new community green spaces for residents.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The Act requires that revitalized schoolyard designs include accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By prioritizing schools with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, the bill targets resources toward low-income communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill promotes strengthening local ecological systems and creating habitats for wildlife through schoolyard revitalization. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The focus on improved schoolyard spaces provides a form of community infrastructure that can be shared publicly. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The use of shade from trees to reduce indoor cooling costs is a form of natural temperature regulation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes grants specifically to fund the transformation of public school outdoor spaces into revitalized schoolyards.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The funding for implementation grants and professional development may lead to increased employment in school facilities and education sectors. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investing in school infrastructure and community shared spaces can provide localized economic benefits through improved public amenities.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The creation of nature-based, park-like environments is intended to enhance the mental health and well-being of children and adults.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/25/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/20/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 5/7/2026
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 4/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Suzanne BonamiciDemocrat · Oregon
Sean CastenDemocrat · Illinois
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Betty McCollumDemocrat · Minnesota
Doris MatsuiDemocrat · California
Frank MrvanDemocrat · Indiana
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Ayanna PressleyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii
Lauren UnderwoodDemocrat · Illinois
Gabe VasquezDemocrat · New Mexico