Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 3131

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Social Welfare

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-01: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-03-03T21:50:48Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 amends and reauthorizes the Community Services Block Grant Act (CSBG), a federal program that provides funding to states and local organizations to fight poverty. The main goal is to reduce poverty nationwide by supporting community action agencies and other community-based groups. These organizations help low-income and working individuals and families achieve economic security, become self-sufficient, and access new job opportunities in their communities.

Key Provisions

• Funding Authorization: Allocates $1 billion annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 for core block grants. Adds $40 million per year for discretionary programs, such as research and demonstrations on effective anti-poverty strategies.
• Eligibility and Definitions: Expands eligibility for services to individuals and families up to 200% of the federal poverty line (a measure of income based on Census data, adjusted yearly for inflation using consumer price changes). Defines key terms like "community action agency" (local groups delivering multiple anti-poverty programs), "agency-wide strategic plan" (a 5-year community-driven plan), and "community services network organization" (states, local entities, or their associations).
• State Allotments and Payments: States receive funds based on poverty levels, with minimum allotments (0.5% of available funds, or 0.75% if total exceeds $900 million after reservations). Payments are made quarterly, with the first available within 30 days of federal approval.
• Uses of Funds: States must pass at least 90% of funds to local eligible entities for programs like job training, education, and broadband access (e.g., affordable internet, devices, and digital skills training). Remaining funds support state activities such as training, technical assistance, needs assessments, performance tracking, and coordination of services for low-income families. Funds can be obligated over two fiscal years.
• Planning and Applications: States submit biennial plans (every two years starting 2026) based on local community action plans, including public hearings for input. Eligible entities must conduct needs assessments every three years, post plans online, and ensure boards have expertise in local programs.
• Eligible Entities and Governance: Prioritizes private nonprofits with tripartite boards (one-third low-income representatives, one-third public officials or designees, one-third business/community leaders). Boards handle oversight, budgeting, CEO evaluations, and conflict-of-interest policies (e.g., no self-dealing). Vacancies must be filled within 6-12 months. States can designate new entities for unserved areas, with interim options up to one year.
• Oversight and Accountability: States monitor entities with trained staff. Requires audits under federal single audit rules (a standard process for federal grants), with repayments or withholding for misuse. Entities report on performance measures tied to anti-poverty goals.
• Training and Support: Reserves 1% of funds for national training on program quality, financial management, evidence-based practices, and responding to local needs like emergencies.
• Discretionary Programs: Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) can fund innovative projects, research, and evaluations, but eliminates separate funding for community food/nutrition and youth instructional programs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Funding Increase: Replaces prior authorization (which ended in 2003 with "such sums as necessary") with specific $1 billion annual levels, plus new discretionary funding, to provide stable, higher support.
• Expanded Scope: Adds broadband and digital access to program purposes; shifts focus from narrow activities (e.g., fatherhood initiatives) to "whole family approaches" and evidence-based outcomes. Raises eligibility threshold from 125% to 200% of poverty line.
• Streamlined Processes: Simplifies state allotments (removes complex formulas), extends planning cycles to biennial, and mandates faster fund distribution (e.g., within 30-60 days). Enhances board duties with new requirements for ethics, vacancies, and CEO oversight; adds public website postings for transparency.
• Governance and Compliance: Strengthens tripartite board rules, including conflict-of-interest bans and state law compliance for public entities. Updates audit rules to emphasize advance payments and targeted reviews for serious issues.
• Removals: Strikes outdated sections on community food programs and low-income youth instruction, integrating their goals into core block grants. Updates committee references (e.g., to Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee).

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: HHS gains clearer authority through the Office of Community Services for oversight, training, and discretionary funding, potentially reducing administrative burdens with streamlined payments and audits. States face stricter planning and monitoring duties but benefit from more flexible uses of funds for coordination and innovation.
• Citizens: Low-income and working families (up to 200% poverty) could see expanded access to services like job training, family support, and digital tools, promoting self-sufficiency and economic mobility. Rural or unserved areas may gain new local agencies, improving service equity.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic anti-poverty efforts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• States and Local Governments: Receive and distribute funds; must enhance planning, monitoring, and coordination.
• Eligible Entities (e.g., Community Action Agencies): Nonprofits and public groups delivering services; gain funding stability but face stricter governance, reporting, and performance standards.
• Low-Income Individuals and Families: Primary beneficiaries through programs addressing economic insecurity, education, and digital access.
• Community Services Networks: Associations of states and entities that support training and statewide coordination.
• HHS and Federal Oversight Bodies: Manage program implementation, audits, and discretionary activities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces fiscal accountability with audit and repayment rules under the Single Audit Act, reducing fraud risks while allowing advance payments for efficiency. Ensures compliance with nonprofit tax laws (e.g., IRS Section 501(c)(3) for charities) and state open-meeting requirements, promoting transparency without new mandates.
• Constitutional: Aligns with federal spending power under Article I (Congress's authority to tax and spend for general welfare), focusing on poverty reduction. No First Amendment or due process issues, as public hearings and online postings enhance community input.
• Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Thompson, D-PA, and Rep. Bonamici, D-OR) signals broad support for anti-poverty programs. Increases funding could face budget debates, but evidence-based focus may appeal across parties by tying funds to measurable outcomes like economic security.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]

Cosponsors (31)

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-01: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-05-01: Introduced in House
• 2025-05-01: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-01 — PDF (32 pages)