A Democratic bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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
This legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program and create new supplemental diversity grants. It allows State educational agencies to apply for grants alongside local educational agencies and consortia. The bill prioritizes funding for applicants that establish whole-school magnets, use inclusive enrollment practices like weighted lotteries, and promote inter-district diversity. It authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and outlines specific uses for grant funding such as transportation, infrastructure, and educator recruitment. Additionally, the bill mandates regular reporting and accountability measures for grant recipients to ensure progress in student achievement and school integration.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +7
Would children be better off under this?
The legislation aims to improve educational opportunities, resources, and integration for students in magnet schools.
- Scored +7
Would students be better off under this?
The legislation enhances curriculum, educator quality, and support services across participating magnet schools.
- Scored +7
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The bill prioritizes and funds programs designed to promote racial and socioeconomic integration and reduce segregation in schools.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Inclusive Enrollment and Accessibility: Section 4408A(d)(3) allows grant funds to be used for free and accessible transportation, enhanced recruitment materials, and dedicated staff for enrollment activities. This can make it easier for low-income families and underserved communities to access magnet schools.
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Family Engagement Support for Low-Income Families: Section 4408A(d)(6) permits entities to use funds to plan community events geared toward low-income families, which includes purchasing food, providing public transportation passes, and subsidizing child care. This helps remove practical barriers preventing parents from engaging with the magnet school.
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Technical Assistance for New Applicants: Section 4407(c) allows novice or first-time grant applicants to use up to 1 percent of their grant funds for technical assistance in implementing their magnet school plans, helping smaller or inexperienced districts successfully launch their programs.
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Expanded Educator Pipeline: Section 4408A(d)(4) allows funds to be used to forge partnerships with higher education institutions, including minority-serving institutions, and hire instructional specialists with professional experience. This can improve the quality of instruction available to students.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Accountability and Funding Loss: Section 4408A(g)(3) requires the Secretary to take enforcement actions, including demanding the return of unused grant funds or cutting off future disbursements, if a recipient fails to demonstrate tangible improvements in diversity and academic achievement after receiving a written warning. This could place a financial burden on districts that struggle to meet federal targets.
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Prohibition of Application Fees: Section 4408A(e) strictly prohibits the Secretary from awarding grants to any eligible entity that plans to establish or currently has application fees or admissions criteria related to fees. While aimed at fairness, any entity currently relying on such fees for specialized programs would be completely excluded from receiving these supplemental diversity grants.
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 legislation aims to improve educational opportunities, resources, and integration for students in magnet schools. Would students be better off under this? — The legislation enhances curriculum, educator quality, and support services across participating magnet schools. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill addresses racial isolation and segregation, aiming to improve educational outcomes for students of color. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides targeted support and language accessibility to help Hispanic students access integrated schools. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Grant funds can be used for free transportation, child care subsidies, and community events to support low-income families. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill requires language accessibility and outreach to ensure immigrant families are informed about magnet school application processes. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill supports urban districts in implementing comprehensive regional plans and magnet programs. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Asian American students benefit from improved school diversity and expanded educational programming. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Native American students can benefit from inclusive enrollment practices and improved resources in diverse schools. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Inclusive enrollment practices and accessible transportation help students with disabilities participate in magnet programs. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Inter-district diversity grants and regional planning efforts can benefit rural and suburban communities. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Research cited in the bill indicates that integrated schools provide academic and social benefits to all students regardless of background.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes and funds programs designed to promote racial and socioeconomic integration and reduce segregation in schools. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill allocates funding for supportive services like transportation and child care to help low-income families access magnet schools. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — Grant funds support inclusive enrollment and accessible practices that benefit students with disabilities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes appropriations and creates supplemental diversity grants to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reporting and public disclosure of grant outcomes and progress.
- 9/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland