Bills · HR 838
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 838Academic performance and assessmentsState and local finance
A PLUS Act
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION JAN 31
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it fundamentally shifts control over federal education dollars from the federal government to individual states. If passed, states would have greater freedom to design and implement their own education strategies without being constrained by the specific, often numerous, requirements tied to each federal program. This could lead to more tailored educational solutions that better fit a state's unique needs and priorities, potentially reducing administrative overhead and allowing more funds to reach classrooms directly.
If the bill doesn't pass, the current system of categorical federal grants would remain, meaning states and local districts would continue to receive federal education funds with specific rules and reporting requirements attached to each program. Voters should care because this bill impacts how effectively and efficiently taxpayer money is spent on education, the level of federal versus state control over schools, and ultimately, the quality of education available to students across the country. It addresses the ongoing debate about local control versus national standards in education.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
States can submit a "declaration of intent" to the Secretary of Education to combine funds from various federal education programs.
This gives states significant flexibility to manage federal education money according to their own state education policies.
PROVISION 02
States can include most federal education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) but cannot include programs for individuals with disabilities (IDEA).
This defines the scope of federal funds that states can consolidate, protecting specific funding for students with disabilities.
PROVISION 03
Funds consolidated by a state can be used for any educational purpose allowed by that state's law.
This removes many federal restrictions on how combined funds can be spent, empowering states to prioritize their specific educational needs.
PROVISION 04
States must include assurances in their declaration, such as maintaining fiscal control, complying with federal civil rights laws, seeking to advance opportunities for disadvantaged students, and ensuring public accountability.
These assurances aim to protect core federal interests like civil rights and accountability despite increased state flexibility.
PROVISION 05
The Secretary of Education must review a declaration within 60 days, and if no action is taken, it is automatically approved.
This prevents federal delays from holding up a state's ability to implement its consolidated funding plan.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
49
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 31
Introduced in House
JAN 31
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 838
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Last actionJan 31, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025
House BillHR 838Academic performance and assessmentsState and local finance
A PLUS Act
INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 31, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
