The ACE Act (HR 750) expands 529 education savings plans to cover K-12 expenses, allowing families to use these accounts for tuition, curriculum materials, books, online learning, approved tutoring, standardized tests, and educational therapies for students with disabilities. It doubles the annual distribution limit from $10,000 to $20,000 for elementary and secondary expenses and increases gift tax exclusions for 529 contributions by up to $20,000 per year. The bill also requires states to implement school choice programs (like vouchers or education savings accounts) to qualify for tax-exempt school bonds, with specific eligibility thresholds for states. This directly affects families using 529 plans for K-12 education, homeschoolers, and states seeking tax-exempt bond funding for schools.
The Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act establishes a federal grant program to help schools serve 100% plant-based meal options, targeting school food authorities serving at least 50% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The program provides up to $10 million in funding for three-year grants to cover staff training, procurement of plant-based foods from organic and underserved producers, and educational activities about plant-based nutrition. Schools must report annually on the number of plant-based meals served and prioritize serving high-need student populations. The bill also includes a separate pilot to reimburse schools for nondairy beverage substitutes for milk, but the primary focus is on expanding plant-based meal options in schools.
HRES 692 is a non-binding resolution urging all 50 U.S. states to incorporate the events of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks into K-12 school curricula. It directly addresses state education systems, calling for mandatory inclusion of this history in public school lessons to ensure future generations remember the attacks. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but expresses the House's view that this education is essential for honoring victims and first responders. It cites that only 14 states currently require such instruction and emphasizes preserving this historical context for national security awareness.
This resolution (SRES 568) recognizes 28 Illinois schools selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025 before the program's discontinuation. It celebrates the program's 43-year history since 1982, which honored over 9,000 schools nationwide for academic excellence and closing achievement gaps. The resolution specifically commends the educators and communities of these schools and calls on the Secretary of Education to reinstate the program. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not enact new policy but formally acknowledges the schools' achievements and the program's legacy.
The School MEALS Act of 2025 aims to improve automatic enrollment in free school meals for low-income students by expanding "direct certification" - a process where schools enroll eligible children without requiring separate applications. It provides $28 million in grants to states and tribal organizations to upgrade technology, train staff, and coordinate with other benefit programs (like SNAP), with priority for areas with low current enrollment rates. The bill also raises the target direct certification rate from 10% to 20% for some schools and extends data collection deadlines for community eligibility programs. These changes directly affect students from low-income households, schools, and state/local education agencies managing meal programs.
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to improve support for English learners (ELs) and immigrant children/youth. It requires states to collect and report data on teacher diversity (racial, ethnic, gender, linguistic) and to disaggregate student performance data by EL status, disability, ethnicity, race, and native language. The bill mandates states to monitor progress of former ELs and expands funding for programs providing legal/educational resources in students' native languages, culturally responsive educator training, and dual-language program access. It directly affects public schools, educators, and EL students - regardless of immigration status - by strengthening data-driven support systems and resource access.
The Flight Education Access Act increases federal student loan limits for students in eligible undergraduate flight education programs, with specific annual and aggregate limits based on student dependency status and year of study. To qualify, flight programs must meet completion rate requirements (70% minimum after 3 years of data collection) and follow specific certification standards for pilot training under FAA regulations. The bill requires the Department of Education to collect data on program completion rates (measured by students earning a private pilot's certificate) and submit annual reports to Congress. It authorizes $3 million annually for 11 years to implement these changes, without affecting existing pilot training requirements under current law.
This bill establishes minimum salary and wage standards for paraprofessionals and education support staff in public schools. It requires states to set a minimum annual salary of $45,000 for full-time staff (increasing with inflation after 2030) and a minimum hourly wage of $30 for part-time staff (also inflation-adjusted). The federal government will provide $25 billion in FY2026, with annual funding increases, to help states implement these standards through grants. States must ensure all local schools meet these minimums within 4 years of receiving funds, with 98% of grant money allocated directly to schools for salary increases or professional development.
This bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to formally define dyslexia as a specific learning disability. It adds a clear definition stating dyslexia involves unexpected reading difficulties due to phonological processing challenges, affecting students diagnosed with dyslexia. The bill also requires schools to provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible students, specifically including those from low-income families, low socioeconomic backgrounds, and limited English proficiency. These changes ensure dyslexia is explicitly recognized in federal education law and mandate equitable access to support for affected students.
This bill requires public schools receiving federal education funds to implement concussion safety protocols. Schools must develop plans including staff training, visible posting of evidence-based concussion information, immediate removal from activities if a concussion is suspected, and written medical clearance before returning to sports. It also mandates academic accommodations like modified assignments and cognitive rest during recovery, applying to all students regardless of where a concussion occurred. States failing to comply face reduced federal education funding (5% the first year, 10% thereafter). The law directly affects public school students, athletes, and school staff across all grade levels.