Bills · S 1277
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1277Education programs fundingElementary and secondary education
IDEA Full Funding Act
INTRO APR 3· LAST ACTION APR 3
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
40
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a long-standing financial challenge in public education: the underfunding of special education. For decades, local school districts have struggled to cover the costs of mandated special education services because the federal government hasn't met its original funding promise. This often forces districts to divert funds from other programs or raise local taxes, impacting all students.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a much-needed stable and increasing funding stream for special education, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the services they need without placing an undue burden on local communities. It matters because it could lead to better educational outcomes for students with disabilities, more equitable funding across school districts, and a clearer fulfillment of the federal government's commitment to inclusive education.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill mandates annual federal appropriations for Part B of IDEA, meaning the funding is no longer subject to annual discretionary budget decisions.
This provides a guaranteed and reliable funding source for special education programs, allowing for better long-term planning.
PROVISION 02
It establishes a schedule for gradually increasing federal funding percentages and specific dollar amounts for special education from fiscal year 2026 through 2035.
This creates a clear, predictable pathway to reach the federal government's original funding commitment.
PROVISION 03
By fiscal year 2035 and subsequent years, the bill requires federal funding to reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for children with disabilities, or a fixed dollar amount of over $69 billion, whichever is greater.
This provision aims to fully honor the federal government's initial commitment to covering a substantial portion of special education costs.
PROVISION 04
Funding amounts are calculated based on the total number of children with disabilities (ages 3-21) receiving services and the national average per-pupil expenditure in public schools.
This links federal funding directly to the actual number of students served and the rising costs of education.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 40
D· Maryland
YRS IN OFFICE
23
BILLS LED
74
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 39 REP 0 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 3
Introduced in Senate
APR 3
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1277
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 3, 2025
Last actionApr 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 3, 2025
Senate BillS 1277Education programs fundingElementary and secondary education
IDEA Full Funding Act
INTRODUCED APR 3, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
40
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
